definitely! Humbling for certain. Since I started Judo I have been beat up by everyone from 15 year old kids to 60+ year old men.I love it. I was instantly hooked. It’s very humbling too. It’s a discipline where my size and strength aren’t necessarily going to carry me through. I have been leveraged and tossed by even a young (20 yr old) girl. She had my joint in such a manner that I had no choice but to go where she wanted me to go! I really enjoy things that force me to put my ego aside and become humble and learn. I just turned 46 so it’s definitely not the easiest thing I could have chosen but I think it will be very rewarding.
As for practicing with women...
I’ve been choked out by a 45 year old “soccer mom” and a 105 pound Italian woman. I’ve been demolished by a Portuguese woman who was closer to my weight and planted firmly on the mat by a blind woman. So being a guy practicing with women can definitely be humbling. It’s not a sport to start at this age if you have ego issues!
man I hope this thing blows over so we can all get back to the mats and train!