The Power of Jiu-Jitsu: How This Martial Art Can Improve Your Physical and Mental Health

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become a household name, with celebrities and the general public alike showing interest in the martial art. You might even know someone who practices BJJ or have attended some of the BJJ classes being offered in gyms across the country. But you might be wondering if BJJ is really as powerful as it’s said to be? After all, Flow Academy BJJ forms of mix martial arts that can be practiced both on and off the mat — which one will serve you best in your personal health journey.

Builds Strength

BJJ will give you physical strength. The mix of endurance, coordination, flexibility, reaction time, and strength training in BJJ makes it a complete workout for all major muscle groups in your body. Additionally, because you’re learning a grappling art that leverages your whole body as well as an opponent’s weight (as opposed to just arms), your BJJ workouts will be some of most effective aerobic exercises you ever do—keeping both your heart rate up and oxygen flowing through your blood to deliver nutrients to every cell in your body! When you combine these benefits with classes being high intensity interval training (HIIT) style training, that means even a few classes per week can be enough exercise to shed fat while toning muscle.

Improves Balance

The physical benefits of jiu-jitsu are obvious, but one benefit many practitioners aren’t aware of is how it can improve balance. Whether you practice it as a martial art or for self defense, one of jiu-jitsu’s goals is to keep you on your feet. As part of these drills, students learn how to move their bodies in different ways to be stable when standing, effectively improving their balance.

Teaches You to Cope with Frustration

You’re going to want to throw your phone across the room when you can’t get past a particular move. In jiu-jitsu, frustration is inevitable—you won’t be able to get out of certain holds—but you have to keep trying until you do. The same goes for life; we need persistence and perseverance in order to achieve our goals. Learning how to cope with frustration will help you accomplish more because it teaches self-control.

Gives You Confidence

Whether you’re on top of your opponent or rolling around on his back, jiu-jitsu teaches you how to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Whether it’s facing a person twice your size or taking a difficult project to completion, training will teach you invaluable lessons about perseverance. Training in jiu-jitsu will also boost your self confidence.

Makes You Smarter

Boxing, kickboxing, karate—all these martial arts will help you get in fighting shape. But none has been proven to be a better brain booster than Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). A 2013 study from Bangor University in Wales found that BJJ athletes who trained for at least five years had larger volumes of gray matter in their brains’ motor cortexes. And since motor cortexes are related to physical activity and coordination, this finding suggests that BJJ players are more mentally agile as well.

Allows for Unforgettable Experiences

I’ve had two experiences that stand out as defining moments in my life. The first was when I came face to face with a white Bengal tiger during a trip to an exotic animal sanctuary. The second was on my wedding day, when I officially became Mr.

Relieves Stress

A particularly effective way to relieve stress is by exercising. According to a study, jiu-jitsu can be even more effective than running at releasing stress. The science behind it shows that when you face a physical challenge your body releases cortisol, which helps your body become stronger in stressful situations.

Promotes Self-Discipline

While some martial arts teach self-defense, jiu-jitsu is focused on promoting self-discipline. A mastery of jiu-jitsu requires discipline and will power in order to progress through various belts. Because it’s a very physical sport, knowing when to tap can help you avoid getting hurt. You may even find that improving your mental strength helps you avoid situations where you could get into fights. (Of course, there are many other benefits to learning how to protect yourself.)

Enables Healthy Habits in a Vibrant Community

Jiu-jitsu is all about giving your body what it needs to be healthy. The mindset needed to train in jiu-jitsu is one that values health, strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility and more. All these elements are vital for good mental health as well.