Is Jiu-Jitsu for everyone? I think so. Regardless of your age or physical condition everyone would benefit training.
1. Physical conditioning. I hear the excuse I need to get in shape before I start training. The best way to get in shape for Jiu-Jitsu is to come train Jiu-Jitsu.
You wouldn't get in shape for a marathon by going and rowing for a month. Or vice versa get ready for a rowing competition by running a marathon. Will either way help you get in shape yes of course.
But the best way to get in shape for Jiu-Jitsu is to find a qualified school and start training with them. I guarantee at the end of 6 months you will be farther ahead jumping into class. Rather then waiting 6 weeks to get in shape then showing up and starting to train.
2. Too old to start training. I currently have a 67 year old purple belt training and a 65 year old black belt training. Those are my two oldest students. If they can do it so can you. My youngest we start at is 4 years old. Currently there is a 64 year age gap. Your never to old and never to young to start training.
3. I don't want to be a fighter. You don't have to be. I have at any given time only a few MMA fighters training at the gym. 99% of my guys have no desire to fight MMA. My gym is 70-80% Jiu-Jitsu and 20-30% MMA/Muay Thai fighters. But 95% of the people who train in the MMA and Muay Thai class will never have a MMA or Muay Thai fight.
Of my Jiu-Jitsu people only 20-30% will ever compete. They enjoy training at the gym, but for a lot of different reason have no desire to compete themselves. Some train for Self Defense, others because it is fun. For Some it is just pure exercise.
4. Time. I don't have enough time. That might be true. But I find most people who want to train will make time to train. Be honest with yourself.
Do you have time? Can you make time? Move a few things around to allow yourself to work on you. To try to improve yourself mentally and physically. Training is hard but worth it.
5. My body is to broke down. I personally don't have ACL. I tore it in 2003 and never had it fixed. I have had a 3 level neck fusion 8 years ago. I Still compete and train in Jiu-Jitsu. I am definitely not the same athlete I was when I was 27 years old at 47.
It hurts to get out of bed most days. But I am a long ways from not being able to train. Does it hurt? Some times. We all at the end of life get old. Some people sit down in a rocking chair or easy chair coach and let the world go by. Their body wears out also. I choose to ride mine until it is wore out.
Conclusion: These are a few of the things I am told every week on why people want to train but can't. I want to start training but....
Training is hard. Training does take a commitment. But it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. All my friends train or have trained. My life revolves around training and I am a 1000% better because of it.
What is your excuse? Need to Train!