Rolling over 40: Discussions on starting Jujitsu as an adult
Rolling over 40: Discussions on starting Jujitsu as an adult
Podcast Description
Join me, Conor Whelan, and other jujitsu practitioners as we discuss our exciting, yet sometimes, painful, journeys through learning this fascinating art. From dads who are new to the game to black-belts on the competition circuit, hear about why they started, what keeps them going, and how they balance training jujitsu with life.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Explores the personal journeys of jujitsu practitioners, emphasizing themes such as motivation, competition experiences, and training challenges. Episodes cover topics like the transition from white to blue belt, and the emotional and physical aspects of competition, with examples including the experiences of practitioners at different belt levels.
Jiu-jitsu isn’t just for the young — it’s for anyone willing to step on the mats. I’m Conor Whelan, and each week I talk with fellow BJJ practitioners about what it’s really like to train as adults. From dads discovering jiu-jitsu in their 40s to black belts competing at the highest level, we share stories of aches, breakthroughs, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance training, family, and life while still chasing growth on the mats, this podcast is for you.
In this episode, I sit down with 56-year-old blue belt Mark Alexander. Although Mark didn’t begin his journey until his early 50s, he has already made a serious impact on the competition scene. In a relatively short time, he’s gone on to win gold at multiple major competitions around the world, proving that it’s never too late to begin.
Outside the gym, Mark is a father of six, with kids ranging in age from 9 to 30, and a former Marine who served in both Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He brings that same discipline, resilience, and mindset into his jiu-jitsu journey.
We talk about his approach to “big guy” jiu-jitsu, his experiences competing at a high level, and the mental side of training; especially when it comes to managing ego and staying focused. Mark also shares what drives his competitive edge and what it really means to have a winner’s mentality, regardless of when you start. I have to say this was one of my most inspirational episodes.
Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.