Roger Mayer at 69 years old is still highly competitive at jiu-jitsu

Abu Dhabi: In sports, age often proves to be nothing more than a number. Some athletes manage to shine well into their later years, competing with remarkable determination against far younger opponents. Staying at the top while growing older demands commitment, discipline, and an unbreakable love for the game.

At the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025, Australian athlete Roger Mayer drew attention when he stepped onto the mat in the Masters division, which welcomes competitors over 30. A former police officer, Mayer discovered jiu-jitsu only after retiring. “My job took all my time and left no chance for training. After retiring ten years ago, I started jiu-jitsu and now I go to training almost every day,” he said.

Though he arrived quietly and without fanfare, Mayer quickly captured hearts with his story. He wasn’t among the headline athletes or top contenders, but from the moment he began his match, he proved that passion knows no age limits and that presence can be more powerful than fame.

Competing in the Masters Brown Belt 94kg category, Mayer entered the fight with confidence and focus. His opponent, Russia’s Gasan Dzhamalutdinov, was twenty years younger and physically stronger, yet Mayer walked off the mat with a fulfilled smile after losing by just a single point. “I turned 69 last October, and my opponent was 49 and very strong,” he said. “But I was happy he couldn’t take me down or submit me. I fought until the end and lost by one point. For me, that’s enough to call it a successful experience.”

Mayer described competing in Abu Dhabi as a long-awaited milestone. “It has been a great experience. The people here are wonderful. I was impressed with the organisation, and the athletes are very professional. They fight hard on the mat and are friendly afterward, which leaves a very good feeling. I really enjoyed my time in Abu Dhabi.”

Living near Wollongong, south of Sydney, Mayer had practised martial arts in his youth, but says jiu-jitsu has become his true passion. “Jiu-jitsu is a strong sport that suits me. It challenges your mind as much as your body.”

Roger Mayer may not be focused on collecting medals, but he has found in jiu-jitsu a source of fitness, motivation, and joy. His journey is a reminder that age is never a barrier when passion leads the way.