Competing at 60 and Beyond: Why Judo and a Few Sports Keep the Fire Alive?

In a world that often equates athletic performance with youth, there is something incredibly powerful about stepping out onto the mat, field, track or pool at 60 or older. There are only a little more than a handful of sports that truly welcome competitors at this age. Judo is proudly one of them. You don’t have to be an Olympian. You don’t need to have decades of elite-level experience. All you need is the spirit to show up and that spark of competitiveness that never really fades with age.

Unlike many high-impact sports that retire their athletes by 30, judo opens its doors wide to the “veteran” community. Through various veteran events judoka in their 60s, 70s and even 80s continue to test their skills, push their limits and inspire others. Judo is not just about strength or speed, it is about technique, timing, balance and heart…and those qualities don’t expire with age.

There’s a misconception that competing means you have to be world-class. In veteran judo and other age-group competitions, events are grouped by age and weight, making competition fair, accessible and community-driven. Whether you started judo at 15 or 55, there’s a place for you on the tatami. It is not about medals, though those are always welcome, it is about connection, challenge and growth. Competing at an older age brings a unique and deeply rewarding kind of fulfilment.

Mental Health Boost

Engaging in competition provides structure, purpose and focus. It gives you a reason to train, to improve, to get up and move. It fights off the fog of isolation and the risks of cognitive decline by keeping the brain sharp and goal-oriented.

Emotional Strength

To challenge yourself in a competitive setting at 60+ brings a rush of confidence. It reinforces self-belief, re-ignites ambition and builds resilience. It is proof that you are still in the game, not just of sport but of life.

Connection & Community

You meet others with similar drive, stories and spirit. In judo especially, bonds are forged through shared effort on the tatami, age doesn’t divide, it unites. Your opponents become lifelong friends.

Redefining Ageing

By competing, you are not just keeping yourself active, you are breaking the mould of what aging ‘should’ look like. You are showing younger generations that vitality doesn’t stop at 40, 50, or even 70.

Judo is among a rare set of sports that champion longevity. Age may change the body but it doesn’t erase the will to compete. Whether you have trained your whole life or just found your passion recently, stepping onto the mat at 60 is more than an athletic act, it is a celebration of resilience, liveliness and endless potential. So no, you don’t need to be an Olympian. You just need the courage to keep showing up. Join our Veterans Tour, where the European Judo Union has a place for everyone, regardless of your date of birth. Is it for only European judoka? Not at all! The whole world is welcome!

EJU Veterans Judo Events 2025 [Age 30+]

Author: Szandra Szogedi