Common Excuses for Not Starting BJJ

Martial arts isn't everyone's cup of tea, and that's perfectly fine. However, many people—especially men—have been drawn to the idea for years, feeling a fighter’s spirit within that they long to unleash. Often, this thought gets postponed, with countless excuses serving as roadblocks. Let’s explore some of the most common excuses and why they don’t hold up!

"I'm too old!"

This excuse comes up surprisingly often, even from people in their twenties! While it’s true that becoming an Olympic athlete in a combat sport if you didn’t start in your childhood is improbable, ask yourself: are those really my goals? Is it all or nothing?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is unique among martial arts—it's designed for anyone to start at any age. Unlike many other martial arts where it's tough to find suitable training groups for adults without prior experience, BJJ offers an environment for any starting level. In a proper academy the training process will be adaptable to any fitness levels, and a beginner will not be forced to spar hard rounds with competitors.

For those over 40, BJJ offers physical, psychological, and social benefits that enhance the quality of life, boost self-confidence, and build character. And if you’re under 40, you’ll find that BJJ is one of the best martial arts to pick up as an adult.

If the thrill of competition excites you, BJJ offers options like no other martial art —whether you’re 46 or 26, you can enter international competitions and face opponents who match your experience level, age, and weight.

"I'm out of shape!"

Saying you're too out of shape for BJJ is like saying you’re too hungry to eat! BJJ is a pathway to fitness, not a test of it. Being out of shape and overweight is more a reason to start rather than a reason not to. It is key though to find the right environment—one that suits your current fitness level and allows you to grow.

"I don't have time for that!"

This one might be the most popular. At Rīgas Grapplinga Klubs, like many other gymsm we offer early morning classes as well as night classes, plus private sessions for super busy people. Whether you can train twice a day or just a few days a month, there’s always a way to fit BJJ into your schedule. One workout per week is 52 times more than none at all! I have a family with four kids, so I understand the struggle of finding time very well, but it is doable for sure.

"It's too hard!"

Well, martial arts are challenging indeed, and actually that's part of the appeal. BJJ can push your physical and mental limits, but a well-structured training environment ensures that the intensity increases gradually and matches your fitness level. Mostly though, the real pressure and overexhaustion comes from person’s own ego.

The cliche saying "Leave your ego at the door" is not a wrong one. This mindset helps you avoid overexertion or unnecessary injuries. Focus on improvement over time, and gauge your progress to yourself, and you’ll find that training is both fun and exactly as challenging as you want it to be.

"It's too dangerous!"

While every physical activity carries some risk of injury, BJJ is one of the safest forms of full-contact martial arts. Grappling arts do not allow strikes and kicks preventing head trauma and most of the action happens on the ground which limits the falling related injuries. And most importantly, BJJ has a built-in safety mechanism: tapping out. This simple gesture ends any hold, choke, or joint lock instantly. Make sure to use that often and without delay.

Summary

So, if you’ve been holding back from starting BJJ because of these excuses, it’s time to reconsider. Whether you’re young or older, fit or totally out of shape, BJJ has something to offer. Use the opportunity to a better physical health, self-confidence, and personal growth. At Riga Grapplung Club, we’re here to help you take that first step. Let’s get started!

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