Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is arguably the most fun martial art to learn. Unlike other martial arts that focus heavily on the physical aspects of training, BJJ is also considered a mental puzzle. Because of the problem-solving issues found in BJJ, it can be fun and addictive whilst training. Not only this, but BJJ is considered less intense than wrestling or MMA training which means it is a good option for those looking for a fun hobby.
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BJJ never gets old – there is a lot to explore
As mentioned, BJJ is about solving problems. This means the mental side of BJJ never gets old. For instance, it could take 10 years to master one position and become excellent in that area. However, BJJ is incredibly diverse meaning no one is brilliant at every aspect of the sport.
Because of this, you can always learn new moves. Imagine a video game that never gets old or repetitive with new content daily. This is what BJJ is in martial arts terms. It is incredibly deep and new ideas and concepts are constantly re-discovered. One analogy is that BJJ is often like chess as it has infinite possibilities and outcomes whilst practicing.
BJJ will improve your social life
If you’ve trained BJJ for several years then you will naturally form a close bond with those you train with. If you regularly spar the same people then you will naturally get to know them. In this sense, it’s similar to being back at school. Here you will make friends with those similar to you and even people from different backgrounds will befriend you. In short, the comradery of BJJ is very strong and bonds can last for a lifetime.
Outside of the gym, if you meet a person who happens to train and you get talking, it’s also an instant way of connecting with someone. With this said, BJJ is almost like being in a big, friendly religion. You can drop into gyms around the world and instantly have things in common with others. Because of this, BJJ is great for meeting new people and forging strong friendships.
Competing in BJJ is exciting
Whilst some people dislike competing, this is fine. For others, you can get a real rush from competing. Competition is a nervous occasion for most and can be a scary prospect. However, winning a competition match cannot be matched in sparring. The intensity of competition is exciting for some as it creates a huge adrenaline rush.
In adult life, these types of events aren’t that common. For example, if you have a regular 9-5 job and lifestyle then it may be hard to disconnect with the modern world. This means competition offers a form of escapism from everyday life and allows you to focus on something unusual and different.
BJJ as escapism
If you’ve had a bad day or are having a tough time in life, BJJ offers a form of escapism. Whilst sparring in particular, you’re only thinking about the present. This is different to the outside world where you may linger on the past or future. Because of this, BJJ is a very mindful activity and puts you directly in the moment.
It’s hard to always live in the moment and focuse on the now, but that’s what BJJ offers. This means BJJ is a great form of escapism and lets you reconnect with the present. Similar thoughts can be said about yoga which also allows people to forget about their troubles for a while. With this in mind, BJJ is an excellent way to de-stress and clear your mind.
BJJ against depression
Based on the above, BJJ is a good tool for fighting depression. As said, BJJ will put you directly in the moment which is often what is missing whilst depressed. Scientifically, training BJJ will also combat depression. This is because physically touching others and exercising will release endorphins.
Whilst BJJ may not be the ultimate cure against depression, it certainly does help. It should be noted that BJJ won’t instantly defeat your demons; however, it is a healthy way to improve your mindset even if this is only in the short-term.
In some cases, some individuals have even gone as far to say that BJJ has saved their lives. By offering a routine and friendly environment – BJJ can bring you back from the brink and bring positivity.
BJJ is fun to beat people up
Of course, we’re not condoning injuring people or training like a maniac. However, training BJJ can give you a bit of enjoyment from beating people in sparring. Humans naturally have egos and by tapping other people out, it rewards the brain and makes you feel good. Whilst it’s important not to get carried away and turn into a mat bully, it is equally as important to realise that winning is healthy and should feel good.
For those with low self-esteem, training BJJ can be a great way to build some confidence. This is by physically dominating people which may help grow your ego. As said, you don’t want to develop a massive ego but nonetheless, you should also have pride in improving your technique and expressing it in sparring.
BJJ is the thinking mans martial art
For those that don’t train, grappling can look incredibly boring. This is often seen in MMA matches where people moan about ground fighting and ask for the fighters to stand up. However, if you learn BJJ then you will also start to appreciate these exchanges more. Suddenly grappling isn’t so boring and it actually becomes fascinating.
By focusing on the micro-details, BJJ allows you to see what others can’t understand. This applies even more to Gi matches. To an outsider, they may appear boring and slow. However, to fans of BJJ it can be gripping to see a high level technical exchange. If you have ever been to a live competition and seen two people battle it out, then you will understand that watching BJJ can be a fun experience, especially with the knowledge of how it all works.
BJJ will teach you that failure leads to growth
In school, you’re often taught that it’s the taking part that counts. This applies to BJJ and means you shouldn’t be disappointed if you get beat during sparring. Instead, this failure can lead to growth. In the long-term your brain and body will learn from mistakes and grow into a better practitioner as a result. Because of this, it’s actually somewhat encouraged to fail whilst training. This goes against lots of conventional sports advice which places winning above everything else.
By embracing the grind of BJJ and accepting that people will always be better than you, you will eventually improve from this mindset. Not only is this good for training, but it’s a good mentality to have in wider life. This mentality will make life easier and you will become happier as a result. By letting go of perfection and acknowledging you’re trying to improve, it’s a good mentality to apply to other parts of your life.
Summary
Overall, BJJ is a very fun activity to partake in. Whether you have aspirations of being a top competitor or just an older hobbyist, it doesn’t matter. BJJ training can be done by all and there are many positives to come from it. By training, you can gain friends, gain confidence and have fun in doing so. With this in mind, it’s a good activity which should be tried at least once by all who are interested in giving it a go.
