Never Too Old To Roll: Reinvigorate your martial arts game with patience, wisdom, longevity, and integrity.
Overcome younger and faster opponents with patience, longevity, and determination.
Why Old Man Jiu-Jitsu is Right for You

Meet Todd "Pops" Nelson
Creator of Old Man Jiu-Jitsu & Instructor at Vasquez Academy
Todd is a 59-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt practitioner and instructor, mentored by 3rd-degree black belt Professor Rudy Vasquez, under 8th-degree Coral belt, Master Carlos Machado, specializing in both BJJ and MMA. Known for his unique ability to connect with older practitioners, Pops goes beyond merely instructing, enhancing their grappling skills through practical wisdom and guidance.
Being intimately acquainted with the challenges faced by mature practitioners, Pops has not only learned but also developed practical solutions to reintegrate seasoned as well as new students into the competitive arena. Longevity in combat sports is a paramount concern for him, as he endeavors to empower older grapplers to dominate on the mats while maintaining an active life off them. Pops has crafted a comprehensive training system, allowing him to engage in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA sessions seven days a week, completing an impressive average of 90 rolls per week for the past four years and counting. A fusion of scientific knowledge, relentless hard work, and well-honed skills has not only enabled him to survive but to truly excel on the mats.
What You'll Expect in Every Old Man Jiu-Jitsu Class: A Dynamic & Transformative Experience
Step into the world of Old Man Jiu-Jitsu and prepare for an incredible journey of growth and empowerment. In every Old Man Jiu-Jitsu class, you can expect:
Stretching & Warmup
Every BJJ class begins with a stretch session intended to get students warmed up for the techniques ahead. Warmup may include some mild exercises but all will be done with guidance and the individual needs of students in mind.
Technique Instruction
Each class features detailed instruction on a specific technique, complete with demonstrations by the Old Man himself. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback, ensuring they understand the technique thoroughly and can execute it correctly during live training.
Live Training or Sparring
Live training, also known as sparring, is a crucial component of BJJ classes, allowing students to practice techniques and apply them in real-world scenarios with actual opponents. This stage also provides a unique opportunity for more experienced students to teach and mentor their less experienced counterparts, fostering a supportive learning environment and promoting continuous growth within the BJJ community.
Frequently Asked Questions
See some of our most common questions and answers below.