Diary > The Fountain Of Youth.
02/04/2010
As I approach my 4oth Birthday ( May 20, presents welcome ) I realise when I look around at most people of similar age just how young BJJ keeps you. It´s not just me, sp many of the guys on the mat look ten years younger than they really are. Guys in their 40´s with six packs and ripped bodies who are flexible and fast, it´s really quite amazing.
Often I´m thought to be in my late 20´s to early 30´s really I feel like I´m 20. I´ve learned to slow down ( a little ) from when I was competing as I get older recovery is slower but my metabolism is through the roof and I struggle to eat enough food, a problem many would love to have so I hear.
I also think the fun factor in BJJ is higher than most martial arts and workout types, sure often we train hard but have a good laugh afterwards and make good friends on the mat. Many of the friendships extend to being good mates outside the gym too, we have the odd beer together or birthday BBQ.
After 30 years of punishing my body I realise I´ve had a lot of fun too, made lots of good mates and had quite a ball. It´s a long path to Black Belt, a lot of sweat and frustration but in the end whether you get there or not it reallt is the day to day training that makes it all worthwhile and keeps me smiling through the adversities that life throws my way.
