#323 | From US Military to BJJ Black Belt & Dad - Listen To This INCREDIBLE Journey - Dad's Mental Health
Tue May 20 2025
Are you over 40 and training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Thinking of starting BJJ later in life or wondering if you’re too old to roll?
In this inspiring and honest conversation, we speak with a BJJ black belt who began his journey after already earning a black belt in Hapkido and got completely humbled by a 16-year-old on the mats.
To check out Saad's superb YouTube Channel visit this link
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOmFELNVojX7N_ahDDVieQ
🥋 Topics Covered:
How long it really takes to get a BJJ black belt (especially when starting after 40)
Is it easier to get promoted today vs the early 2000s?
The emotional and ego challenges of starting over as a white belt
What it's like being a beginner again in your 40s
Why so many older men feel lost during their BJJ journey—and how to push through it
Training BJJ as a military veteran and moving between schools with no black belts
💭 Whether you’re a brown belt wondering if you’re ready, or just a 45-year-old white belt getting smashed weekly, this video speaks directly to older BJJ students who refuse to quit.
Dad's Mental Health Podcast
👉 Follow for weekly episodes packed with relatable stories, mental health tips, and a healthy dose of humour.
📩 Want to share your story or join James on a future episode?
Email: mydadmissions@gmail.com
To buy my book click this link
First Time Dad
ABOUT THE HOST
Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.
After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.
As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.
Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.
In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.
To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link
USEFUL RESOURCES
For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog
Please click this link
Again to be double awesome & leave a review on Amazon
Please click this link
Affiliate links
If you're a content creator looking to try some state of the art production & editing software you really need to check out Descript.
Descript has made my life so so much easier.
It's AI clever ness makes everything so much quicker which leaves me more time to make up some genuinely terrible Ukulele songs.
Click here to check out Descript
Looking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics?
Try Captivate: Get A FREE - 7 Day Trial Here
Wanna Help?
If you want to help me develop this podcast please let a friend know about it. I hear you, no one has any spare time so...
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Are you over 40 and training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Thinking of starting BJJ later in life or wondering if you’re too old to roll? In this inspiring and honest conversation, we speak with a BJJ black belt who began his journey after already earning a black belt in Hapkido and got completely humbled by a 16-year-old on the mats. To check out Saad's superb YouTube Channel visit this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOmFELNVojX7N_ahDDVieQ 🥋 Topics Covered: How long it really takes to get a BJJ black belt (especially when starting after 40) Is it easier to get promoted today vs the early 2000s? The emotional and ego challenges of starting over as a white belt What it's like being a beginner again in your 40s Why so many older men feel lost during their BJJ journey—and how to push through it Training BJJ as a military veteran and moving between schools with no black belts 💭 Whether you’re a brown belt wondering if you’re ready, or just a 45-year-old white belt getting smashed weekly, this video speaks directly to older BJJ students who refuse to quit. Dad's Mental Health Podcast 👉 Follow for weekly episodes packed with relatable stories, mental health tips, and a healthy dose of humour. 📩 Want to share your story or join James on a future episode? Email: mydadmissions@gmail.com To buy my book click this link First Time Dad ABOUT THE HOST Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad. After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad. As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health. Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with. In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot. To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link USEFUL RESOURCES For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog Please click this link Again to be double awesome & leave a review on Amazon Please click this link Affiliate links If you're a content creator looking to try some state of the art production & editing software you really need to check out Descript. Descript has made my life so so much easier. It's AI clever ness makes everything so much quicker which leaves me more time to make up some genuinely terrible Ukulele songs. Click here to check out Descript Looking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate: Get A FREE - 7 Day Trial Here Wanna Help? If you want to help me develop this podcast please let a friend know about it. I hear you, no one has any spare time so...