229-BJJ Over 40: Mike Bidwell’s Martial Arts Journey from Kenpo to the Pride Era

In this episode of Social Gello with Angelo, I sit down with Mike Bidwell — the man behind the BJJ Over 40 Facebook page. At 56 years old, Mike’s still out there training, teaching, and representing for the over-40 crew. We talk about why he started BJJ Over 40, how his martial arts journey began in Taekwondo and Kenpo, and how it eventually led him to MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a life dedicated to the arts. Mike also shares some serious gems from his time in Japan during the original Pride championships, where he was cornering fighters as a purple belt, rubbing shoulders with the Gracies, and hanging out in the locker rooms with legends. We also dig into what it means to train for decades — how your mindset changes, how your body adapts, and how your perspective deepens as the years roll by. If you're over 40, still training, or thinking about getting back into it — this episode is for you. 🔥 Topics include: Starting BJJ Over 40 and building a global community Martial arts evolution: Taekwondo, Kenpo, MMA, and BJJ Behind-the-scenes stories from the Pride era in Japan Psychological shifts from lifelong training Staying strong, smart, and motivated over 40 🎧 Subscribe, tune in, and check out Mike’s work at BJJ Over 40 on Facebook.