Martial Artist Lily Pagle Earns her BJJ Black Belt at age 61.

PizDoff · 11/02/2010 3:32pm

Posted by Matt Thorton on the UG.

This last weekend (Oct 23rd 2010) I had the privilege of awarding Lily Pagle her BJJ Black Belt.

Lily began training with me over a decade ago, at the age of 50. In that time I have watched her game skyrocket; her positional skills, timing, defense, submissions, and understanding of the science of BJJ is top notch. She has also shown herself to be a talented coach, with a solid understanding of how to break down and pass on the game; as well as all the drilling methods that SBGi is known for.

And finally, as a person Lily represents the best of what SBGi can be. Lily is my seventh black belt, and my first female student to achieve that level. At the age of 61 she stepped up in true SBGi tradition and iron-manned all the higher belts in the room. It was an inspiring display of an impressive, and highly technical game. It was an honor to be part of it.

www.straightblastgym.com

Isn't this an inspiring story? I had to read it a few times to make sure I read it correctly!

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 11/02/2010 3:34pm

YMAS?

Wow, makes me feel like an idiot. I need to get serious about training again.

**goodlun** · Posted On: 11/02/2010 3:35pm

This is what I like to see, we have a 61 year old white belt in our gym and every time I want to complain about being stiff, sore, or out of breath I just think if he can do it so can I. Stories like this make me very happy sounds like she really earned it.

**Rivington** · Posted On: 11/02/2010 3:35pm

I want that gi.

**Permalost** · Posted On: 11/02/2010 4:00pm

What a cool lady- 61 year old black belt AND a tie dye gi.

**PizDoff** · Posted On: 11/02/2010 4:05pm

Who dares question my Advanced Front Page News Kata?

It was supposed to be started in YMAS to draw eyes, then moved to Front Page after some replies. Phrost probably didn't even put the redirect expire date the time I wanted!

Also, thanks to Anthony for the find

**Soju_King** · Posted On: 11/03/2010 4:08am

she has an interesting bio. grew up wrestling an boxing her brothers, Kendo, Judo BB, teaching the police, bully-proofing kids programs. fire arms enthusiast.

cool stuff.

**Eddie Hardon** · Posted On: 11/03/2010 7:44am

Originally Posted by Rivington

I want that gi.

You have that Gi.

Fantastic achievement.

I may have to give more (serious) thought to joining Nick Brooks - at least he's closer to me than Essex.

**deaddeaddead** · Posted On: 11/03/2010 6:05pm

I took an intro class at her gym a few years ago and was totally impressed with her teaching. If I didn't live on the other side of the Bay I probably would've joined.

**Conde Koma** · Posted On: 11/03/2010 6:22pm

Congrats to Lily!

She runs ModCom where I used to train at. She taught me more about judo in my first three weeks there than I learned in four months while training at the university. She's a fantastic coach and grappler, if anyone could get a bb at that age, it's her.