Originally Posted by
JodyH
Have fun. I started MMA in my early forties and had a blast (I turn 50 this year and only train and do grappling tournaments now).
Tap when you need to (not necessarily when you want to LOL) and only train with people who respect the tap.
When you're older avoid dynamic takedowns (giving or receiving). Learn to wrestle them to the ground and how to avoid getting double legged.
Spar with full gear and preferably the heaviest gloves that can be worn.
As an older guy you'll never be quick. Don't even bother trying to use techniques that rely on speed, do learn how to counter them though.
Cardio, believe it or not us older guys can have insane cardio. Use cardio and economy of motion to grind down the younger faster guys.
Old boxers will tell you the last thing to go is power, you're going to be slow so you have to make the shots that do connect count.
I found that on the mental side we don't get nearly as amped up nor do we panic as fast when put in a bad spot as the younger guys.
Try to think your way into and out of situations because that along with cardio are the two biggest advantages older guys have.
Listen to your body and recognize the difference between being ridiculously sore and being injured, because you'll experience both.
If you're just sore work through it, If you're injured work with your coach so you can stay in the gym working on things that won't aggravate the injury.
Biggest thing is always make the effort to walk in the door and step on the mat, even if you don't feel like it.
Once you're in the gym listen to your body and walk out from there if you're not feeling it, but always make the effort to step onto the mat for every single scheduled workout.
You'll quickly learn there's a difference between a real and a fake "I'm just not feeling it today".
I have had the puking flu and still showed up (didn't shake hands with anyone, told the coach what was up) took my shoes off stepped on and then off the mat put my shoes on and went home.
Have fun, it's an adventure and one hell of a workout.