I've practiced Judo for thirteen years, stopped eight years ago. I'm now 31, and I'm not planning on taking regular classes again. Why? Dislocated both shoulders, strained both of my big toes, not to mention my twisted pinky (the owner's mirror?), an inter-vertebral disc slipping... Yeah, I'd do it all over again. And I'd still stop before thirty. :) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), OTOH, is wonderful for us Judo veterans. It has the same Judo set of rules (with more leeway), but with an emphasis on groundwork (locks, pins, strangleholds) that makes it less traumatic (Judo's mainly practice standing, involving repetitive falling; even on the mat, it takes its toll). BJJ, while no less demanding, as a progressive, pacient grappling duel at ground level is much more forgiving to the less youthful's joints than its standing, explosive, "everything-or-nothing" variant. Try both, by all means. Find a good gym. Check the atmosphere. And get ready to roll with that best of 'em. Semper Novus!
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