8 Benefits of Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

What are the 8 benefits of training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), or Ju Jitsu/JuJitsu as it’s sometimes known in Northern Ireland?   As our starting point let’s look at some advice from Silverfox BJJ.  They suggest that BJJ provides self-defence (obviously!); increased flexibility and mobility; improved fitness, strength and general physical conditioning; instant stress release and improved concentration and, finally, a boost in self-confidence.   These are all great benefits although, with the exception of self defence, they’re hard to measure.  Here’s our list of the top 8 tangible reasons to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:

1. 1. 1. BJJ is fun.  Setting aside self defence training, the main reason students turn up at class time and time again is that rolling (the ‘live’ part of the art, also known as sparring) is fun.  Jiu Jitsu is often called chess on the mat.  Why?  Because it’s physical and mental, it’s a fun game that you play with your friends.  
      2. Jiu Jitsu works: any and every technique you are taught at BJJ School Belfast is pressure-tested, i.e. we try to get it working against a resisting opponent.  The very methodology of BJJ promotes an effective, realistic and alive art.  We, as Bruce Lee supported, ‘use only that which works’ an we throw the rest out. There are no katas or forms in BJJ. 
      3. Competition allows you to test yourself.  Testing yourself makes you better, and this translates to other areas of your life.  We guarantee that job interviews, speeches or public speaking events are far less intimidating than a BJJ match. 
      4. BJJ teaches you how to get better at something.  What do we mean by this?  There’s no secret to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,  you turn up consistently, work on areas of your game/Jiu Jitsu that are weak, take notes and try new things.  That’s it! This formula can be repeated in any other domain.  How do you get better at guitar, for example?  Simple!  Turn up to practise consistently, work on areas of your playing that are weak, take notes and try new things.  Jiu Jitsu helps you learn how to learn.
      5. Ju Jitsu makes you go to the gym without going to the gym.  Using the treadmill or running machine is boring, don’t kid yourself.  BJJ, on the other hand, is fun (see above).  Why not workout consistently three times a week without even realising it? Break a sweat without busting your willpower or having to drag yourself off the sofa!
      6. BJJ helps you beat the dreaded dad and mum bod.  Check out this incredible story of weight loss through BJJ from Men’s Health or check out the stories below:

         

         

      7. Jiu Jitsu teaches you how to fight without getting hurt.  Striking arts are fantastic, but brain trauma is a real thing and repeated concussions to the head through sparring (boxing or kickboxing) take their toil and may be detrimental to your long-term health.  In Ju Jitsu we can spar everyday at full speed with little or no danger of head trauma.
         
      8. Tangible improvements in mobility: this great article from Breaking Muscle hits the nails on the head – “Improvements in mobility show up during techniques and drills that at first were difficult to complete but now you are able to move your hips better. Improvements in mobility will keep you on the mats training for a long time.”  Just think about the areas in your life where being more mobile would help.

This excellent article from Black Belt White Hat adds a number of additonal benefits, including:

1. 1. BJJ as a tool to dissolve the ego.  The author suggests that the sheer difficulty of BJJ, and the fact that everyone is bad at it when they first start out helps your remain grounded and humble.  This is partly true – being a beginner at anything is humbling, although there are plenty of egos in the BJJ community!  Here’s a great video on BJJ and ego from our professor, World Champion Braulio Estima who promoted the club’s three black belts – Alan Lowry, Eddie Salisbury and Ciaran Toal.
2. The obstacle is the way!  But what does this mean?  In short: ‘Life is full of struggles and sport is the best way to simulate this’.  Taking part in a difficult sport helps you in all other aspects of you life.

This infographic is useful too:

So if these benefits sound good to you, why not start your journey with BJJ School Belfast.  Get in touch today!

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