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On this episode of Old Man On The Mat, we sit down with Damian Bunting—whose journey from military and law enforcement into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shows exactly what it means to start over after 40.

This isn’t about being the best in the room.
It’s about refusing to stay the same man.

We break down:

• What it’s like starting BJJ later in life
• The mental toughness built through adversity
• Why ego is the biggest enemy on the mats
• How martial arts rebuilds discipline, purpose, and identity

If you're over 40 and feel that pull to do something harder… this is it.

You’re not too old. You’re just untested. Follow & Subscribe to Old Man On The Mat for real conversations on BJJ, fitness, and staying dangerous after 40.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Community Support
01:31 Meet Damian: A Unique Perspective
02:35 Living in Portland: A Cultural Contrast
03:54 The Politics of Jiu Jitsu
05:03 Creating Spaces for Older Practitioners
06:18 The Challenges of Training Over 40
08:11 Personal Journeys and Emotional Challenges
09:59 Midlife Reflections and Jiu Jitsu
11:15 The Journey of Learning Jiu Jitsu
13:11 The Role of Jiu Jitsu in Personal Safety
15:09 Finding Balance in Training
17:49 Mindset and Enjoying the Process
20:05 Education and Personal Growth
21:50 Measuring Progress in Jiu Jitsu
24:04 The Challenge of Learning New Skills After 40
26:11 The Importance of Perseverance in Jiu Jitsu
29:20 Understanding Growth in a Competitive Environment
31:11 Mindset and Progress in Martial Arts
33:49 Fitness Routines for Older Adults
36:13 Nutrition and Diet for Optimal Performance
39:54 Transitioning from Military to Security Work
46:47 Coping Mechanisms in High-Stress Environments
49:25 The Therapeutic Nature of Jiu Jitsu
50:38 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Martial Arts
55:02 Lessons from Coaching and Business Failures
58:41 Facing Fears and Embracing Competition
01:03:27 Documenting the Journey: Sharing Experiences and Insights
01:05:58 1756849464234 (2).wav

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