As more adults choose to remain physically active later in life, some are turning to martial arts like Brazilian jiu-jitsu to maintain fitness and engagement, challenging traditional advice to slow down with age. Among them is Tom Corrie, a 78-year-old tax attorney and lifelong athlete from South Salem, New York, who began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 65. Despite initially feeling outmatched by younger practitioners, Corrie’s extensive athletic background, including hammer throwing and powerlifting, helped him build the strength and technique necessary to continue practicing the sport. He recently achieved his first-degree black belt and continues to train regularly, balancing his workouts with strength conditioning in his home gym.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), a combat sport rooted in Japanese jujutsu and judo, involves grappling techniques such as joint locks and chokeholds rather than striking, making it more accessible for some older athletes compared to other martial arts. Still, the physical demands remain considerable. Kenny Gu, a physical therapist and longtime grappling practitioner, notes that although BJJ may be gentler on the body than wrestling or Muay Thai, participants risk injuries primarily to the knees, shoulders, elbows, spine, and fingers. Gu advises older practitioners to prioritize strength and mobility training, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fundamental movement patterns such as squatting, lunging, and pushing.

Jarmila Argodale, 67, who immigrated to the United States from the Czech Republic, is another example of engaging with BJJ later in life. She began training in 2008 and earned her black belt in 2026. Despite being one of the smaller and older athletes in her gym, Argodale trains at least three times a week, continuing even through injury recovery. She acknowledges the challenges women face in the sport, including confronting ego-driven responses from male partners during practice, but she credits her perseverance and passion for helping her stay active and healthy.

Similarly, Gay Cobham, 64, a black belt earned in Brazil and former member of the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, runs Danger Room Athletics in Deer Park, New York. Cobham focuses on coaching “old man jiu-jitsu,” emphasizing technique and defensive movements over strength to accommodate the physical changes that come with aging. He also highlights the value older students bring as mentors, providing wisdom and encouragement to younger practitioners.

Corrie has extended his impact beyond personal training by founding an online community called "50 and Up BJJ," which now includes more than 18,000 members sharing support and advice. He stresses that age should not limit one’s ability to pursue passion or personal growth: “My goal is to help older folks understand that their life is not over because they reached 65 or 70.” For Corrie, maintaining purpose and control over one’s path is key to longevity, particularly in physically demanding disciplines like Brazilian jiu-jitsu.