Taking Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) classes can benefit your physical and mental health. The movements help you develop increased strength and improved muscle tone, as well as provide you with a fantastic mental workout and relief from daily stresses.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu derives from Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo and has become increasingly popular across the globe. That is because of the rise of mixed martial arts or MMA, making Brazilian jiu-jitsu the biggest martial arts sport.
Find out more about how taking BJJ classes can benefit you.
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What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
This martial arts discipline originated in Brazil in the early 1900s when Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo were first introduced. The name jiu jitsu translates to “gentle art,” accurately describing its technique, which is about immobilizing the opponent into a nonviolent submission.
BJJ has the best self-defense techniques compared to other forms of martial arts. That’s because it’s designed to give smaller, weaker individuals the ability to defend themselves against an opponent twice their size.
Through close-contact “grappling” holds, joint locks, mounts, and other moves performed on a floor mat, Brazilian jiu-jitsu exercises both your body and mind. Here are five more benefits of this ground-based form of self-defense that will make you consider joining a BJJ gym.
1. Promotes Discipline and Respect
One of the most significant benefits of BJJ is how it promotes discipline. If you want to progress and become proficient in the sport, you must commit to the training BJJ offers. That could mean anything from developing a consistent practice routine to changing your diet to a healthier one.
Once you become more disciplined, you’ll notice a boost in your mental and physical strength. You also may see that you can handle hardships and losses both on and off the mat in a healthier way.
BJJ also teaches respect and humility. You will learn how to show respect to others — friend and foe. And you’ll develop respect for yourself and the hard work you put in to succeed at BJJ and in life.
2. Energizes and Keeps You Fit
Another great part about practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu is how much energy you gain. It trains you on how to conserve energy and use that energy appropriately. Some people even choose to take BJJ classes first thing in the morning, so they’re energized for the entire day.
Besides the energy boost, you’ll also see an improvement in your physical fitness. BJJ fighters must develop stamina, flexibility, power, balance, and strength to defeat their rivals. In this physically demanding sport, you’ll notice your body changing for the better.
3. Improves Problem Solving Skills
When you learn BJJ, you develop critical thinking skills that help you become a better problem solver. Every time you step foot on the mat, you’re tasked with solving problems, such as how to defeat someone that may be bigger and stronger than you.
In some instances, you’ll be able to use traditional problem-solving techniques. And in other cases, you’ll need to think more creatively to overcome a challenging situation.
4. Builds Confidence
Once you start experiencing some successes in your training and competitions, you’ll notice a boost in your confidence. The promotions in rank will also inspire confidence because you know how much work you had to put into that progression.
5. Fosters Community
This final benefit is another important one because it shows that BJJ may seem competitive and cutthroat, but you develop a sense of community. You’re training as part of a team and surrounding yourself with positive, ambitious individuals. There’s also strong support and encouragement that can help you stay focused and committed to the practice.
Take BJJ Classes and Enjoy the Benefits
If you’re ready to see if you have what it takes to endure grappling classes and move up the levels of BJJ, search online for BJJ classes near you. Once you sign up, you’ll be ready to reap the benefits fleshed out above. It will be the most fun and challenging experience of your life!
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