Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t just a sport, it is a way of life. This martial art will not only give you some new skills but has the capability to transform your life for the better. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a.k.a “the gentle art” can be for everyone, and below are some of the benefits you will experience after even just a few months of training.

1. Get fit and strong

One of the most immediate things people start to notice after they begin their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey is the improvement in their overall physical condition. People become stronger, leaner, and have increased cardiovascular health after even just a short time training, and the best part is that this all happens by association of just turning up to class and having fun!

2. Stress relief

Turning up to class is an awesome way to let go of the stresses of life and to feel calmer and more balanced. Even when you are walking into the gym feeling stressed, your worries are pretty quickly forgotten once you begin to grapple with others. Jiu jitsu allows you to let off some steam, and focusing on rolling is a good way to give yourself time away from overthinking everyday stresses.

3. Making friends

Jiu jitsu is a great way to surround yourself with people of all ages and backgrounds, in an environment that is all about promoting positive teamwork and learning. At jiu jitsu you are surrounded by people with similar goals, levels of discipline and motivation. We all have different and busy lives, but one thing we share through jiu jitsu is that we all love learning, training hard, and having fun. Nothing creates bonds like training together, because a great part of martial arts is both trusting and looking out for your partners to work safely together.

4. Self defence

Jiu jitsu will give you the skills to learn how to manage conflict, anticipate an attack and in some circumstances control an aggressor without inflicting any serious harm to them. Jiu jitsu will teach you how to get someone to the ground, manage distance and understand how to move on the ground and use someone else’s aggression or energy against them. Most importantly, it gives you confidence that you can avoid conflict and feel less threatened in potentially dangerous situations.

5. Self development

Last but not least, jiu jitsu is an amazing opportunity for self development and improvement. You will find that your problem solving skills are improved by training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a regular basis. Many of our students also note that they can remain calm in tough or high pressure situations after practicing jiu-jitsu for a couple of months. In jiu jitsu every day on the mats we face adversity, and when sparring we need to remain calm to ensure we can think instead of panic to get through tough times.

Written by James Walters

Photography: Richard Lattemagi & Dogs of War Photography