In a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show UFC Hall of Famer Matt Serra revealed an innovative training approach that’s breathing new life into his academy’s classes for older students. The former welterweight champion has implemented what he calls an
“old school jiu-jitsu gang fight”
format that transforms traditional training into an exciting team-based experience.
Serra explained his Wednesday night format for students over 40:
“I do a 40 and overnight class every Wednesday. I teach it. And then just to feel like Gordon Ryan I jump on the old men. I have fun with them.”
The unique format involves dividing the older students into teams for what Serra describes as organized chaos.
“Sometimes when it’s less than 20 I’ll do like my old school jiu-jitsu gang fight. Everybody I pick teams I put this guy over there. I get it kind of even. They all start on their knees.”
The rules are simple but effective: no lower body submissions and the action continues until one team submits the entire other team.
What makes this format particularly engaging is its dynamic nature. As Serra explained
“It could be two-on-one three on one. It stops when one team submits the whole other team.”
This creates an environment where students must adapt quickly work together and experience the unpredictable nature of real grappling scenarios.
The enthusiasm this format generates among his older students is palpable.
“So we got these old men in there like they’re jumping on backs dude. They’re upstairs in the locker room. It reminds me of the Twilight Zone movie when they play Kick the Can. They’re like little kids up there talking about”
their experiences from class.
Serra’s approach addresses a common challenge many martial arts schools face: keeping older students engaged and excited about training. Traditional drilling and rolling can become routine but this team-based format injects fresh energy into each session. The competitive element combined with the unpredictable team scenarios forces students to think quickly and apply their techniques under pressure.
The format also builds camaraderie among training partners. When students work together toward a common goal of submitting the opposing team it creates bonds that extend beyond individual training partnerships. This community aspect is crucial for maintaining long-term student retention particularly among older demographics who might otherwise drift away from regular training.
By maintaining the core principles of jiu-jitsu while adding team dynamics and unpredictable scenarios he’s created something that feels both familiar and fresh to experienced practitioners.
tioners.
