It is no secret these days in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and most one-on-one street fights that a combination of a striking art paired with a grappling art is vital. In comes Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ), a self-defense martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. BJJ focuses on the skill of controlling one’s opponent, gaining a dominant position and using a number of techniques to force them in to submission via joint locks or chokeholds.
Here are some of the important reasons as to why YOU need to add Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to your martial arts arsenal or begin training it if you are new to martial arts:
- Expanding your horizons
Learn something new! For those who are already proficient in a particular striking martial arts, BJJ is a whole new ball game for one to expand one’s horizon. Expect training new self-defense and body movement skills in Jiu-jitsu. Most BJJ academy’s curriculum incorporates learning fundamental movements and body positioning, transitions, submissions, fighting off an assailant, and strategy for sports competition.
- The all-encompassing workout
An everyday training for BJJ is like running a triathlon. The beginning of any BJJ training session will include strenuous cardio via its skills and drills. It is usually then followed by mastering a plethora of techniques which helps you develop muscles you never knew you had or used. Finally, during the combat sparring, not only will you further develop the former two, you will also have developed flexibility as if you have been doing yoga for years!
- Increases critical thinking
Endorphins and other good chemical mojo your body releases during and after training aside, the techniques and its application during training and in a sparring session will enable your mind to focus, develop critical thinking, and quicken your response to problems or challenges. Also known as the “game of human chess”, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners utilize a lot of strategy and technique in order to beat their opponents.
- Meeting New People
The BJJ community is always friendly, helpful, diverse, and welcoming. For those who are into meeting new people, making new friends, and forging strong camaraderie, then BJJ is all that. Us humans are tribal by design, and a good tribe unites people under one healthy goal. A positive and encouraging tribe will make it easier for us to look forward to our training sessions to better each other.
- Exiting comfort zone(s)
For many who either come from a background focusing on striking or are interested in learning a new martial art altogether, this is a good opportunity to exit one’s comfort zone. As BJJ is primarily a grappling, ground fighting, submission based martial arts, the amount of physical contact with one’s opponent will be higher than usual and hence will expand one’s public sphere to be more tolerant
- Character building
Unlike some martial arts, one of the BJJ’s philosophy is patience. Fortunately, unfortunately, often time, hard work does not always equate to results as we tend to expect our skills’ growth is directly proportionate to our effort invested whereby the greater/longer the effort, the greater will be a result. However, this oversimplification is rarely met in real life. You have to be ready to accept failure, learn from it and move on.
- Free Hugs!
Need we say more?
