THE ONLY ADVANTAGE YOU NEED TO GO FAR IN MMA WHEN STARTING LATE!

The POWER of the Chip on Your Shoulder: Starting Martial Arts Late in Life

Have you ever thought about getting started with martial arts, but felt like you missed the boat? Maybe you compare yourself to those guys who started when they were six, or you feel like there’s some mountain you just can’t climb because you got into MMA, jiu jitsu, wrestling, or boxing a little later. Well, what if I told you there’s one real edge that’s just for people like us? Something that you can’t really train, buy, or fake—something that can take you a long way if you know how to use it.

Yeah, I’m talking about that chip on your shoulder. That stubborn, fiery determination that says, “Watch me.” It’s the sneaky superpower of every late starter in martial arts I’ve seen—myself included. If you relate, keep reading. This blog post breaks down why having that chip can matter more than you think, how to turn it into real progress, and why you shouldn’t count yourself out even if you got started a bit late.

The Truth: It’s Harder When You Start Late

Let’s be totally real for a second. If you walk into a gym at 20, 25, even 30, and you look around at those kids who have been doing BJJ or wrestling since they could walk, you’re at a disadvantage—at least, at the start.

“If you start martial arts later in life, it’s harder. It’s harder to go against somebody, to deal with somebody that’s been training their whole life…”

The “reps” matter. Ten years rolling on the mats or drilling in a boxing gym burn pathways in your brain and body that take time. The level of muscle memory and instinct the early starters build just stacks up year after year. At first, there’s no way around it: you’ll feel behind.

But here’s the catch—while you’re busy counting reps and looking at years lost, you might be missing the one thing you have that those lifers might not: HUNGER. Let’s talk about that.

Experience is Everything… Or Is It?

We all know experience is king. Those who trained for years typically have the instincts, the timing, the competition history, and usually a better grasp of subtle details that separate amateurs from pros.

Why Early Starters Seem Untouchable

• Mat Time: Endless rounds, thousands of scrambles, learning from both wins and losses.
  
• Competition Experience: Early exposure to the adrenaline, nerves, and learning to win or lose with grace.
  
• Technique Reps: Skills from every belt level drilled a million times.
  
• Coaching Relationships: Long-time coaches often know their athlete’s strengths and weaknesses inside out.

But, here’s the thing: experience alone isn’t everything. It’s possible to bridge that gap with the right mindset.

Chip on the Shoulder: What Is It, Really?

Let’s break this down. What does it actually mean to have a chip on your shoulder? It’s that little voice that says, “I’ll prove you wrong.” The drive that makes you obsess over catching up. It turns every training session into a mission.

“People who start martial arts later in life oftentimes have a chip on their shoulder.”

That chip is fuel. It’s not about hating on those with more experience, but about always looking for that edge, that reason to push just a little harder. And, trust me—I know exactly what that’s like.

Personal Story: How the Chip Drove Me

I didn’t get into martial arts until I was 20. I didn’t start grappling until 22. When I started, I knew I was years behind—everyone around me had more reps, more matches, more hours.

But every time I stepped onto those mats, that chip was burning hot. If someone tapped me out, or took me down at will, all I could think was:

“Once I learn some more shit, I’m gonna F you up. Once I learn some more technique, you’re in trouble.”

That mentality kept me coming back, kept me drilling. When I started catching up—beating guys with five to ten years more experience—it wasn’t because I was some super athlete. I was tall for my weight class, pretty strong, but nothing crazy. That edge came from all the extra hours I put in, all because I couldn’t stand being behind forever.

The Role of Athleticism vs. The Chip

Now, let’s be honest. There are always freak athletes—those rare exceptions who can start late and just roll through people because they’re built different. Look at Alex Pereira, for example. He’s built like a superhero. Most of us aren’t.

For us average athletes, that chip matters even more. If you’re not the next phenom, if you’re not the guy who always wins the gym’s athletic competitions, your path is more about grit.

• Athleticism helps, but drive helps more
  
• Consistency adds up, especially with the late-starter chip
  
• Strength is nice, but stubbornness keeps you coming back

Believe me, being strong and tall helped me, but being obsessed with making up ground mattered way, way more.

Turning Bitterness into Motivation

A lot of late starters feel kind of bitter at first. Like—why didn’t I get to start when I was young? Maybe your family couldn’t afford it. Maybe there wasn’t a gym. Sometimes life just gets in the way.

But you can turn that bitterness into jet fuel.

“They feel almost bitter that they weren’t allowed to start martial arts earlier. Whether they were poor, didn’t have access, or lived where there was no gym.”

If you’re sitting there thinking, “Man, if only I had a time machine,” swap that thought for, “Alright, I’ve got all this fire—what can I do with it now?”

Here’s How:

• Be Obsessive: Get almost single-minded about closing the gap with experienced students.
  
• Target Progress: Pin-point the people you want to learn from and eventually surpass.
  
• Use Every Training Session: Treat it like your shot to prove you belong.

How to Harness That Chip

So, how do you turn stubbornness and that chip into real results? It’s more than just showing up mad. Here’s what actually works:

1. Pick Specific Targets

You know those guys in the gym who have been training forever? Size them up. Learn from them, train with them, and make it your mission to chase their skill level—one step at a time.

2. Embrace Obsession

Don’t just train—immerse yourself. Watch tape, review technique videos, stay after class for rounds, even drill at home. Obsession bridges the experience gap.

3. Don’t Get Discouraged After Losses

Losses can hit different when you’re a late starter. But each time you get beat, remember—it’s just one step closer. You can close the gap.

4. Build on Your Physical Strengths

Even if you’re not a freak athlete, everyone has something. Maybe you’re strong. Maybe you’re longer than your classmates. Maybe you pick up certain moves fast. Lean into it.

5. Stay Consistent

This is huge—and kind of boring. Most improvement comes from hundreds of hours, not one breakthrough moment.

Late Starters Who Made It

Before you think I’m just talking, let’s highlight some late bloomers who proved this works. Some names from the UFC or pro grappling can inspire you when you wonder if it’s even possible:

• Stipe Miocic: Didn’t start MMA until age 24.
  
• Francis Ngannou: Started boxing at 22, MMA at 26.
  
• Randy Couture: Started wrestling young, but started MMA at 34! UFC legend.
  
• Alex Pereira: Took his first MMA fight in his 30s.
  
• Rich Franklin: Didn’t take his first pro fight until grad school, became UFC champ.

And there are countless amateurs and hobbyists who picked up jiu jitsu in their 30s or 40s and became world-class black belts over time.

The Downside and Managing the Chip

Here’s the real talk—the chip on your shoulder isn’t always a good thing. It can make you competitive to the point of being annoying. It might make you less chill with teammates, even a little grumpy in the gym.

“It can make you a little argument[ative] towards your teammates, it can make you not be… necessarily have a pleasing personality, but it'll take you far.”

But remember—martial arts is about improvement and respect. Keep that fire for training hard, but don’t burn bridges. Learn to be humble enough to learn, but stubborn enough to never quit.

How To Keep The Balance:

• Use Rivalry, Not Resentment: Compete with your friends, but keep it friendly.
  
• Check Your Ego: Lose with grace—even if it stings.
  
• Help Others: As you improve, help newer members. It will keep you grounded.

The Path Forward: What to Do Next

You might be reading this because you’re just starting, or you’ve been stuck in the “not good enough, too new” rut for a while. Here’s what I wish someone told me:

1. Commit to Obsession: For at least a year, train like it’s your job.
2. Find the Right Gym: Not all gyms respect late starters. Find a place (and coach) that “gets” your hunger.
3. Document Your Progress: Keep a journal, film your rounds, track your improvements.
4. Compete—Eventually: When you’re ready, throw yourself into a tournament or smokers. Results aren’t everything, but the experience is worth it.
5. Connect with Others: Ask questions, form mini-rivalries, get coaching.

Resources & Next Steps

If you’re brand new to martial arts and looking for advice:

• Find a Gym Guide: How to pick the right martial arts school near you.
  
• Recommended Book: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor 

If you’re committed to closing the gap, make obsession your method. You might even want to check out online forums, social media groups, or apps to track your progress, connect with other late starters, and get advice.

FAQs About Starting Martial Arts Late

Is it really possible to catch up to the “lifers”?
You can definitely close the gap—maybe even pass some people. Will you beat everyone who’s trained since age six? Probably not every time, but you’ll shock a lot of people with the right mindset and obsession.

Do I have to be super athletic to make it far?
Nope. Athleticism helps, but obsession, mindset, and showing up for years matter more. The biggest progress in martial arts happens for people who refuse to quit.

Am I too old to start competing in martial arts?
No. There are tournaments for every age group. People start in their 30s, 40s, even 50s and go on to compete—and sometimes win.

Won’t I always be behind in technique?
At first, yes. But the longer you train, the smaller the gap gets. Your chip will push you to close it.

“When fighters out there come into the gym and have a mindset, when they go against these guys that have been training their whole life or half their life, they just think, if I had more training time, I would [mess] you up. And that mindset carries them very far.”

Conclusion: Don’t Let Age or Start Time Define You

Look, starting late in martial arts is tough. That’s the truth. You’ll always notice those guys with more reps, more mat time, more experience. But the chip on your shoulder is your game changer. Let it drive you, not drag you down. Obsess, compete, and don’t let bitterness hold you back—turn it into motivation.

I started at 20 with nothing but stubbornness and the will to catch up. It took me to the UFC for eight years. You don’t have to be a freak athlete—just stay hungry and focused.

If this blog hit home for you and you want me to talk about a specific subject, drop a comment below. And, if you’re looking for a gym, check the guide in the description or grab my book. Remember, it’s never too late to get started—just bring your chip.