Starting MMA at 40 is not going to be easy but it is completely possible. And by implementing the 10 tips in this article you will set yourself up in the best way possible to begin MMA at 40 years or older.
MMA is an exceptional sport that can be physically very demanding.
I’m probably not wrong when I say that it is a young man’s sport, however, what classifies as “young”.
Like many people say, age is just a number, and if you set your mind to it, you can do anything you want, even starting MMA at 40 years old.
However, I need to be realistic as well.
At 40 years of age, your body isn’t going to function as efficiently as it did in your 20s.
Training is going to be difficult, and if you want to compete the odds are especially stacked against you.
You could obviously compete, even successfully at small promotions, but you can be certain that no notable promotion will sign you.
So, starting MMA as a profitable and successful career option might be near impossible at 40, but starting it for fitness, self-defense, and even as a hobby to compete is very much possible, and here are some tips that will help you.
Just as inspiration, know that Herschel Walker made his MMA debut at 47 years old.
And while he is a genetically gifted athlete with a strong will to compete, his MMA debut at 47 years old really is amazing!
I)Know your limits:
In my opinion, this is the first and foremost tip that you should keep in mind.
You need to admit that your body isn’t as young and durable as it used to be, and if you push your limits, it will break down.
Know that at 40, you probably aren’t going to become an MMA star and high-level fighter.
I know this may be hard to hear, but it is true and it is important that you don’t rush things and set yourself up for failure.
II)Start slow and take it easy:
You may be eager to progress and learn more, however, it is important that you take things slow.
You can’t just get up one day and start training like professional fighters.
You need to take things slow and ease into your training.
You need to build up your strength, stamina, endurance, and fighting ability, all while keeping your body healthy.
Therefore, “Slow and Steady” is the name of the game.
III)Pay special attention to your nutrition:
If you want your body to function as a fighter, you need to start eating like one.
Nutrition is a very important aspect of any sport, and it is especially essential for someone in their 40s.
You need to adjust your weight and make sure that your body gets healthy nutrients, rather than food that has a negative effect on its performance.
The best way to ensure a healthy nutritious diet is to consult a professional nutritionist.
IV)Develop a healthy and disciplined routine:
Apart from an aging body, another reason why most people find it impossible to train MMA in their 40s is the lack of time.
You are obviously going to have a lot of responsibilities at this age, with your family job and other preoccupations.
So, if you have made a plan to train MMA, discipline and time management are very important.
You need to make sure you organize your routine in a healthy manner and stick to it with discipline to ensure good health and time.
V)Pay special attention to your sleep:
Keep in mind that you can let your training affect your sleep. Getting a healthy 6-8 hours of sleep every day is essential for a properly functioning body and mind.
So, make sure to sleep on time every day.
According to experts, the best time to sleep is from 10 pm and 7 am.
Experts also believe that sleep quality is as important as quantity, so make sure that you don’t use any screens at least an hour before going to bed, and don’t eat or drink anything at least a couple of hours before sleeping.
VI) Improve your mobility:
When it comes to MMA, mobility is very important.
Especially hip mobility for martial arts which you can learn more about how to improve.
You need to be able to move quickly on your feet and have a wide range of motion.
However, it is common for your limbs and muscles to get stiff as you age.
So, dedicate time to mobility exercise, and take things slow so that you won’t injure yourself.
Moreover, pay special attention to your stretching as well, and always warm up before a training session.
VII)Choose the right disciplines:
MMA is a combination of martial arts, and almost every Martial Artist is strong at certain aspects like BJJ, wrestling, boxing, and others.
Now, if you are starting at the age of 40, it can be difficult to learn certain moves.
For instance, you may find it difficult to throw fast head kicks because of a lack of mobility.
Therefore, in my opinion, the best place to start, for anyone starting MMA over 40, is Jiu-Jitsu.
The gentle martial art is ideal for anyone starting in their 40s, and it develops an excellent base for MMA.
You should complement Jiu-Jitsu with muay thai which is a relatively simple martial art to learn and probably the most complete striking art for getting into MMA, especially with the very developed muay thai clinch.
VIII)Start taking supplements:
Every MMA fighter regardless of their age has to use nutritional supplements for training, and they become especially important for anyone who wants to start training at the age of 40.
You should consider supplements like protein, creatine, BCAA, calcium, and other important minerals.
Some of these nutrients can be gained through natural diets, but you will need to invest in vitamins and powdered supplements as well.
This is another aspect that you should discuss with a sports nutritionist and your trainer.
IX)Pay special attention to recovery:
If you’re to become an MMA fighter at the age of 40, you need to start taking post-workout recovery very seriously.
You should try massage, cryotherapy, and other recovery methods.
Most importantly, you should rest properly and allow your body to recover before the next session.
Your diet and nutrition also play an essential role in your recovery.
You need to make sure that your body has all the nutrients and minerals that it needs to heal efficiently and achieve peak performance.
X) Leave ego outside the door:
Lastly, this is an important one. If you want to truly learn mixed martial arts, then there is no room for ego.
You see that skinny pimple-faced kid who just turned 18, he is definitely going to choke you out.
There is no way around it, so don’t let your ego get in the way of your progress.
When you start training for the first time, it can be very challenging, even many young people can’t take the pressure and quit, however, this is one place that your age is an advantage.
You are more mature and have a stronger mind, which means you will be able to get through the tough times and become a capable mixed martial artist.
Starting MMA at 40: Final thoughts
I won’t lie, starting MMA at 40 won’t be easy, however, it isn’t impossible like many people believe either.
With the right strategy, training regime, nutrition, and mental state, it can be very much possible and we hope that the tips mentioned in the post help you start your MMA journey, regardless of your age.
