Tis But a Number

There’s a birthday that does something to people. It’s different for everyone — 40 for some, 45 for others, occasionally 50 — but there’s a number where people start editing themselves out of physical pursuits they previously considered open to them.

I watch it happen. Someone who’s been curious about martial arts for years finally reaches out, and somewhere in the first email they mention their age as if it might be disqualifying information. As if I’m going to write back and say: sorry, you’re two years past the cutoff.

The age thing is real in the sense that recovery is slower and you have to manage your body more intelligently. These are facts and they matter for programming and training load.

The age thing is not real in the sense of setting a limit on whether you can learn, develop skill, get better, or find genuine satisfaction in the practice. Those things are not age-gated.

I’ve had students begin BJJ in their mid-50s and become technically capable, confident practitioners over two or three years of consistent work. I’ve had students in their 30s quit because they couldn’t get past being a beginner. The number doesn’t predict either outcome.

What predicts it: patience, consistency, and a willingness to be a beginner for as long as it takes.

Tis but a number.

— Vince

Vince Choo

BJJ 3rd-Degree Black Belt · 5th Dan Karate · Coaching since 1993 · VCBJJ Bangsar, KL