BJJ instructionals are one of the most common ways people improve their jiu-jitsu game. Instructionals are great because they do not require you to be at the gym at any certain time. This way you can focus on learning when you have room in your schedule.
After all, our schedules can get pretty busy and it is hard to make it to class as much as we would like. This is especially true for older grapplers with busy careers and families.
It can be frustrating not to be able to keep up with the physical abilities and time to train like younger grapplers often have. So choosing a BJJ instructional designed explicitly for older grapplers is one of the best ways to help you keep up.
But first, let’s establish why older grapplers need a different system than younger grapplers.
Why Older Grapplers Need Specific Instructionals
There are a ton of great jiu-jitsu instructional to choose from. However, not every one of them will be as applicable to every grappler. After all, we are of different ages, sizes, strength levels, flexibility levels, and much more.
Of course, you can and should work on some of those areas and become as athletic as possible no matter your age. That said, it is just a fact that a 50-year-old man is going to have a harder time than a 25-year-old when it comes to peak athletic ability.
As we age there are many things we can do to try and keep in shape. However, we also need to accept the fact that aging is real and we might want to start to modify our game in a way that is more sustainable.
For example, this might mean that you start to utilize pressure passing over quick explosive techniques to pass your opponent’s guard.
If you’re over the age of 40, or possibly even 30, you may lack some of the flexibility and agility of your youth. Recovery time will also likely be longer.
Older Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners Often Deal With More Life Stressors
This is not only due to your ability to recover from BJJ but also the other stressors in life. After all, your body does not know the difference between certain stressors but it still adds to recovery time. Even if you have a desk job, a highly stressful work environment will affect your ability to recover.
Older grapplers’ work and home/family life are often considerably different than younger grapplers. With many more things consuming your time, you may have to carve out time to train. It also means you need to be more focused with the time that you do put into training.
That said, don’t make the mistake of comparing yourself to younger grapplers. It is not a fair thing to do to yourself even though it is hard to avoid if you are a competitive person. Just focus on improving your skills and getting better every week.
How BJJ Instructionals and Private Lessons Can Help Older Grapplers
On the plus side, however, older grapplers are more likely to have the means to purchase instructionals and private lessons than younger grapplers. So if you are capable this might be a way to keep up when you cannot attend class as often.
Private lessons are probably going to be the best way to improve your jiu-jitsu with less time. That said, they can become costly. A $100-200 private lesson once per week can add up to $400-$800 per month. If you can swing it then this is certainly a way to help you make up for lost time.
Plus if you are a white belt or blue belt you can probably find private lessons from a purple belt or brown belt for cheaper than $100 per lesson. Either way, it is still a costly expense that most people are not going to be able to keep up with.
So the next best thing in my opinion would be purchasing online instructionals. If you really focus on mastering the content then one instructional should last you quite a while. Really focus on taking your time learning rather than simply watching all the content one time and thinking you are done.
With that said, let’s take a look at some BJJ instructionals for older grapplers. * Note that I am an affiliate for these products so I will receive a commission through the links but this will be at no additional cost to you! It simply helps me to keep writing content like this for you.
Pressure Passing For Older Guys By Mario Sperry
One of the first things that might get harder as you age is passing your opponent’s guard. This is especially true if you are used to quick athletic guard passes. Thankfully pressure passing is a fantastic way to pass the guard and is friendly for all ages.
You do not need to be athletic to implement a good pressure-passing strategy. So whether you are in your 30’s, 40’s, or 50+ mastering pressure passing will serve you for many years.
Click Here To Check Out Pressure Passing For Older Guys!
Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys: Over/Under Pressure Passing System by Bernardo Faria
As already discussed pressure passing is a great option for everyone but especially great for older grapplers. Bernardo is a 5-time black belt world champion and a great teacher.
In this instructional, he will show you perhaps the best way to pressure pass for older grapplers!
Click Here To Check Out Jiu Jitsu For Older Guys: Over/Under Pressure Passing System
Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys: Positional Escapes by Bernardo Faria
In addition, to learning how to pass the guard, older grapplers will need to learn positional escapes that do not require great speed and athleticism. This is exactly what this instructional covers and is a great option to start off with.
This is especially true if you are an older grappler who is new to BJJ. After all, you are probably finding yourself getting smashed on the mats more often than not. If so learning how to escape from these bad positions is the first place I would start.
Click Here To Check Out Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys: Positional Escapes!
Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys: Submission Escapes By Bernardo Faria
In addition to learning positional escapes, you also need to learn to escape from submissions. But you are also going to need to learn how to do this in a way that does not rely on speed, flexibility, and strength.
Though it does not cover escapes from every submission possible it certainly covers some of the most common submission attempts you will come across on the mats.
Click Here To Check Out Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys: Submission Escapes
Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys Bottom Game: Half Guard And Closed Guard By Bernardo Faria
Last on the Jiu-Jitsu for old guys series is the bottom game series. After all, as you get older playing the bottom position is probably going to come more naturally.
Learning exactly how to play bottom half guard and closed guard is key to being a successful older grappler. So getting this part of your game ironed out is essential.
Check Out Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys Bottom Game Here!
Mastering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu After 40: Top Game By Fabiano Scherner
Of course, you are always going to need a good top game as well. However, after 40 you are likely going to need to switch things up.
This course will also show you effective techniques to help you take your opponent down and get the top position. But it focuses on techniques for people who are in their 40’s+.
Click Here To Check Out Mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu After 40
Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys Bundle
Though it is not cheap, the best way to save money might be to buy the whole Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys bundle. This bundle would include all 5 of Bernardo Faria’s Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys collection at a discounted price. This bundle will is a one stop shop for improving your game as an older grappler!