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He Started BJJ At 57 Years Old & 300 Lbs. Now, He’s A 61-Year-Old Athlete At The Top Of His Game

Last week, we shared the submissions of over 30 BJJ athletes over the age of 60 who prove that it’s never too late to start jiu-jitsu. While every submission was incredible and inspiring, 60-year-old (61 in July) Dave Brown’s story really stuck out to us, and with his permission, we’ve decided to share it with you.

Prior to starting jiu-jitsu, I weighed about 300 pounds and was very out of shape. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). My doctor told me that I was at high risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

I attended a no-gi tournament to watch my 28-year-old son compete.  I went to the event with no intention of getting involved in BJJ. I was merely a spectator wanting to cheer on my adult son. It was his first competition, and I knew absolutely nothing about jiu-jitsu. However, as soon as I saw it, I knew I would love it and had to give it a try. 

As a young person, I was a wrestler. I forgot how much I loved wrestling. While watching the no-gi matches, my competitive juices started to flow and the dream of competing on a mat again became an overwhelming desire for me. My only concern was whether I would be able to do it at my age and my physical condition.

I signed up at Halcyon Jiu-Jitsu in Spring, TX in February 2016. My professor, Matt Smith, asked that I commit to a year with the goal of competing at the 2017 Pans in March of the following year. I gave it my best and the results have been amazing. I lost 100 pounds, my A1C (diabetes indicator) went to mid-normal range, my blood pressure dropped, my heart rate dropped dramatically, I felt great, and I am having the time of my life.

I held my white belt for that first year. I received my blue belt the morning of Pans 2017 and entered the tournament at Masters 5 (I qualified for Masters 6), blue belt super heavyweight division. To my amazement, I won my division. That encouraged me to continue to compete in as many tournaments as I could. During the two years that I had my blue belt, I won gold at many IBJJF tournaments, including World Masters, No-Gi Worlds, Euros, Masters International Europe, American Nationals, Pans, and the Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Boston Opens.  I also won gold at the SJJIF World Championship in 2018. Before advancing to purple belt after having my blue belt for two years, I had attained a number-one IBJJF ranking in 4 divisions (Masters 5 gi and no-gi and Masters 6 gi and no-gi).

Recently, I received my purple belt and I am planning on continuing to compete. My first competition at purple belt was 2019 Pans, where I won double gold at Masters 6.  I am currently entered into Masters Worlds at Masters 7/Purple/Super Heavy.

To say that my jiu-jitsu journey has exceeded my expectations would be a huge understatement. I would never have believed the improvement in my health. I am much happier than I have been in many decades.  I have gained friends from around the world, and I am a part of the very close-knit local community of grapplers. This journey has been amazing; I hope to continue it for many more years to come.

I love sharing my jiu-jitsu story. It started out as a mere dream of competing again. I am glad to be living that dream.

The post He Started BJJ At 57 Years Old & 300 Lbs. Now, He’s A 61-Year-Old Athlete At The Top Of His Game appeared first on Jiu-Jitsu Times.

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