Aging in Jiu Jitsu and BJJ that is Applicable for a Broader Range of Body Types, Levels of Mobility, and Athletic Abilities - Part 1
Studies have shown that individuals’ isometric strength declines at a slower rate than dynamic strength. In addition, agility, foot speed, endurance, mobility, etc. have been shown to significantly decrease with age. For these reasons, aging jiu jitsu athletes may find more success by focusing their efforts on building a more isometrically-based jiu jitsu game characterized by techniques that inhibit an opponent’s movement, do not require greater-than-average mobility or athleticism, and can be applied slowly and methodically.
For example, in a situation where an older jiu jitsu player may be on the ground facing the guard passing of their training partner or opponent, it may behoove them to implement techniques from half guard, butterfly guard, closed guard, and turtle guard, where most techniques are less explosive or speed-based and can be performed more methodically, rather than positions such as De La Riva, collar sleeve, k-guard, etc. As a guard passer, an older jiu jitsu athlete may find it easier or find more success using grounded, chest-to-chest passing styles such as bodylock passing, elbow-over passing, or traditional half guard passing implemented by athletes such as John Satava or Roger Gracie than the dynamic passing styles of athletes such as the Ruotolo brothers or Leandro Lo.
…to be continued…Read part 2 here.
-Eddie
If you are a grappler of any age looking for a gym that values intelligent training, places a strong emphasis on technical development, and offers one-on-one attention from the coaching staff in group classes, look no further than Oregon Grappling Arts in Portland, OR led by Hannah Sharp and Eddie Jamrog.
Our homepage is located here.
Contact us through our online form here or via email at info@oregongrapplingarts.com.
All of our blog posts can be accessed here.
