Why Older Grapplers Must Prepare Differently for BJJ Competitions

Thinking about doing your first Jiu-Jitsu tournament, especially over 30, 40, or 50? This is the video I wish I had when I stepped into competition for the first time. No hype. No fluff. Just the honest truth about what to expect, how to prepare, and how to survive it all without burning out or breaking your body.

We cover:
• How to know if you’re ready
• What older grapplers get wrong about competition prep
• The difference between IBJJF, AGF, and Grappling Industries
• Training timelines, tapering, and recovery
• How to mentally survive your first comp
• And what to do after the adrenaline wears off — win or lose

This is your blueprint!

00:00
00:54 Preview of topics
01:20 Competing for the right reasons
01:37 Competing as an older grappler
02:12 Types of tournaments (AGF, Grappling Industries, IBJJF)
02:44 Competing against younger opponents
03:21 Single elimination vs round robin formats
03:46 Which format is easier for older grapplers
04:06 When to start training
04:22 Don’t cut weight
05:11 How to train
06:07 How often to train
06:44 Weight training and recovery work
07:44 Competition week
08:34 What to pack the night before
09:17 Clip your nails!
09:45 Morning of competition
10:25 Dealing with adrenaline
11:14 The first clinch
12:04 White belt judo
12:31 Strike first and stick to your A-game
13:08 After the storm
14:45 Thanking subscribers and commenters
15:12 Outro

Download the Free Training Guides:

• Mat Longevity Protocol – Part 1 (Strength Training for Grapplers Over 40):
https://the-alchemy-of-struggle.kit.c...

• Jiu-Jitsu Visualization Guide (Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body):
https://the-alchemy-of-struggle.kit.c...