Looking for something new? Check out Jiu Jitsu! The team at Ground Standard shares the many benefits of training in this martial art. For more information about Ground Standard, see the end of this post. If you would like to be a guest writer for Little Black Belt, check out the guidelines here.
Martial arts have long been heralded as realms of discipline and introspection, and within this vast arena, Jiu Jitsu gleams as a beacon of self-betterment and holistic growth. Beyond the superficial perception of combat techniques and physical prowess, Jiu Jitsu unfurls a tapestry of life lessons, mental fortitude, and deep-seated community values. For those standing at the precipice, contemplating whether to delve into this world, let’s uncover the multifaceted treasures that the journey of Jiu Jitsu has to offer.
1. Physical Fitness: A Holistic Approach
Jiu Jitsu doesn’t simply offer a workout; it provides a dynamic and ever-evolving fitness experience. Each session exercises both aerobic and anaerobic systems, with rapid heart rate elevation during sparring and controlled breathing during technical drills. As you flow from one technique to another, you’re not just burning calories; you’re enhancing flexibility, promoting cardiovascular health, and building functional strength. The movements often involve multiple muscle groups, ensuring balanced muscle development and minimizing injury risks associated with overuse.
2. Mental Toughness: Beyond the Mats
In Jiu Jitsu, you’re not just training your body, but your mind as well. The art pushes practitioners to face adversity head-on, teaching one to manage stress and make clear decisions under pressure. This mental resilience translates to everyday life, helping in navigating personal and professional challenges.
Kurt McPeek, a devoted practitioner with five years of dedication and a purple belt to show for it, aptly said: “It is not for everybody but it is for anybody.” Jiu Jitsu is a tough sport, requiring a lot of mental toughness, but the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult and wanting to learn pushes rollers to keep going.
Here’s a deeper dive into why one should consider embarking on the Jiu Jitsu journey:With every roll or spar, you learn to embrace failure, analyze your shortcomings, and come back stronger, cultivating a growth mindset.
3. Self Defense: Empowerment for All
Jiu Jitsu’s philosophy revolves around using an opponent’s strength against them. It teaches techniques that prioritize leverage over raw power, allowing smaller individuals to overcome bigger, stronger opponents. This framework not only levels the playing field but offers an empowering perspective on self-defense. It reiterates that with the right technique and mindset, anyone can defend themselves effectively.
A study conducted by Walden University looked into the many benefits jiu jtisu has on a person’s overall mental health. After having looked at 9 participants who had recently gone through a traumatic event, they studied their behaviors after having trained in jiu jitsu for a certain period of time. Researchers concluded that “Benefits included mentorship, a sense of achievement, increased confidence, better parenting, and recovery from substance abuse.” [1]
4. Community and Brotherhood: Bonds Beyond Blood
Walking into a Jiu Jitsu academy, one isn’t just entering a training facility but a community. This art is practiced in close quarters, often requiring trust and mutual respect. As you tap hands with a partner before sparring or share insights after a tough session, you’re building bonds. Over time, these connections strengthen, leading to friendships that are supportive both on and off the mats.
There have also been studies showing how jiu jitsu can also be seen as social therapy for many people involved in the sport. The thought of throwing people on the ground, submitting them, and causing some sort of pain does seem backwards in terms of therapy, but it truly works for many people. This study by the Södertörn University in Sweden demonstrates that “BJJ training may be an appropriate public health intervention considering its social climate and emphasis on developing resilience and its mitigating effect on aggression.” [2]
5. Personal Growth and Development: A Lifelong Journey
Every belt, stripe, or technique achieved in Jiu Jitsu symbolizes personal growth. The art teaches humility as you tap out, patience as you learn intricate techniques, and respect as you bow to your partner. The journey, filled with ups and downs, mirrors life’s challenges and victories, providing countless opportunities for introspection and development.
The claims made about jiu jitsu are also backed by Kurt McPeek, hitting the mats over and over again changes your overall being. He states that, “After months and months of doing Jiu Jitsu you will notice how your body is better equipped to handle stress and other emotions.”
Bobby Freda, also a purple belt in jiu jitsu, has lived his entire life in and around martial arts gyms. He’s gone his entire life involved in jiu jitsu, it may not always be the first thing in front of him some days, sometimes put on the back burners, but it’s still somewhere in his life every step of his life. He works with martial arts gyms to this day helping them grow, so his lifelong journey with jiu jitsu will keep going on and on.
6. The Euphoria of Mastery: Where Challenge Meets Enjoyment
While Jiu Jitsu undoubtedly demands hard work and commitment, its most alluring aspect might just be the pure exhilaration that accompanies progress. Each technique mastered isn’t merely a move learned; it’s a testament to one’s dedication, patience, and resilience. The joy derived from these milestones is unparalleled, akin to a musician perfecting a complex composition or an artist capturing a fleeting emotion on canvas. Furthermore, the sense of community and camaraderie experienced during training sessions elevates this enjoyment manifold. Every laugh shared after a friendly spar, every word of encouragement from a senior, and every collective sigh after a rigorous drill contributes to a training environment that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding. In essence, Jiu Jitsu is not just about the techniques or the fitness; it’s about the journey, the memories forged, and the shared joy of continuous growth and discovery.
Our website: https://www.groundstandard.com
Our Bio:
We’re Ground Standard, we’re a marketing agency that has been providing martial arts gyms of all sizes a full range of different services for about 10 years now. We help martial arts gym owners go back to what they love doing; teaching, while we handle all the work behind the scenes. We’ve worked with a wide variety of gyms, we know what works, and what doesn’t work, feel free to give us a call if you’re looking to grow your gym.
