If you’ve heard of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you may be forgiven in thinking that it’s a sport just for people that enjoy MMA and wrestling.
In reality, the truth is far from that! Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more like a lifestyle choice rather than a means of exercising, and it will transform your life for the better in many ways.
Curious? Read on to learn the amazing benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that your body will love.
1. Shed Those Kilos
When starting BJJ, one of the first differences you’ll notice after a few weeks of practice is how easy it is to lose weight and keep it off! As BJJ works every muscle in your body, you’ll notice a difference quickly.
And the best part? You most likely won’t even notice how hard you’re working!
One of the most difficult aspects of training for weight loss is that it’s so easy to focus on how much time we spend on the treadmill or how many calories have been burnt. With BJJ, the mind is so absorbed in the practice that you don’t often think about the weight you’re shedding. There’s a weight loss routine we can all get behind!
2. Learn Self-Defence Skills
For most people, the first time they step foot on the mat when practising BJJ, they realise how little they know about self-defence.
However, after some time training, this will all change. The fundamentals of BJJ are also the basics of self-defence, which means you can learn key skills to take away from your training.
Many law enforcement officers & the military are trained with certain self-defence skills that were developed from BJJ, which just shows how effective the techniques are.
3. Relieve Stress
Ever seen people straight after a BJJ training session? Then you may have noticed they all have one thing in a common – a huge smile!
One of the best benefits of Jiu Jitsu is the way it alleviates stress from work and home life to improve mood.
While the practice may seem aggressive in ways, it allows individuals to let off steam in a safe and controlled manner. For many, it acts as a therapy session and on the mat, issues from the outside world don’t seem as stressful anymore.
4. Make Friends
Despite that the aim of the game is to submit each other, the friends you make at BJJ training usually end up being very special and long-lasting. After all, BJJ is a life-long journey and sometimes you end up spending months or even years training, learning and growing with your teammates.
There’s no particular ‘jiu jitsu’ type of person and you’ll find that you end up becoming close to people from all walks of life. Often, these are people you wouldn’t expect to befriend in any other way.
5. Enjoy Extra Energy
Although BJJ is an intense workout, it increases your energy levels rather than reducing them. Not only does sport and physical activity such as BJJ relieve stress, but it provides you with a welcome boost of energy.
That’s why many prefer to take their BJJ classes in the morning – so they’re fresh and invigorated for the day ahead. Next time you consider hitting the snooze button, consider getting up a little earlier for a morning workout. You’ll find that your day will be a lot more productive.
6. Improve Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
As you learn more and more about BJJ, you’ll find that your mind will open as you begin to understand critical thinking and problem-solving techniques like never before.
After all, like with any sport, strategy and technique are crucial keys to success and BJJ is no different.
While BJJ is very physical, you cannot discount the mental aspect of it. It’s your mind that challenges another’s, and every move made determines the next. It’s a game of human chess.
7. Practice Humility and Patience
Of course, sometimes class can be frustrating when you don’t always win, or if you feel like you’re not improving.
However, feelings and challenges like this are simply steps in the Jiu Jitsu journey, and this is where we can practice humility and patience.
In situations that don’t go your way, BJJ carves the path for you to address your ego and handle adversity with respect.
8. Further Flexibility
The moves you practice (known as grappling) when performing BJJ requires flexibility. When you are new to the practice, this may first seem difficult for some.
However, with time and practice, you’ll soon notice your body becoming lithe and more flexible. To help improve flexibility more quickly, it’s recommended to perform various stretching exercises between sessions. Yoga improves flexibility and mobility and it’s also a fantastic way to connect with the mind.
9. Improve Sleep
Another of the benefits of BJJ, is the improvement of sleep quality it can offer.
If you have trouble getting the sleep you require BJJ may help. This is because the practice allows your body and mind to sync, which can result in a calmer and peaceful mind at night.
As it’s a physical art, the level of exercise that BJJ involves can also help you feel tired when you finally hit the pillow ready for bed.
10. Have Fun!
Finally, the best part of training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is just how much fun the art is!
BJJ is a sport you can continue to enjoy throughout your life and many people from all walks of life continue to show up to the mat even in old age, just because of how happy it makes them. Ask anyone who loves BJJ why they train, and they’ll tell you just how addictive and fun the art is.
Ready to Reap the Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Now you’re aware of the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it may be time to sign up for some classes!
If you already enjoy activities that bond the body with the mind such as yoga, surfing or skiing, you’ll love the mind mastery and physical challenge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
If you’re living in the Gold Coast area and are keen to reap the benefits that Jiu Jitsu provides, take a look at how we can help with our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes.