Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art, self –defense system and combat sport that focuses on grappling, especially ground fighting. BJJ encourages the idea that a weaker, smaller person can successfully defend against an opponent that is stronger, bigger, and heavier by using leverage, proper technique, and most distinctly, taking the fight to the floor, and applying choke holds and joint locks to defeat your opponent.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is more than just a pastime. It is more than just a martial art. It is a way to change your life. People live the jiu-jitsu lifestyle. Brazilian jiu-jitsu advantages go beyond what you can see and a lot of times; it is what we cannot see that have the greatest impact on our lifestyle. We’ll be discussing the benefits of BJJ in two parts, the physical and Mental benefits.
The Physical Benefits
A lot of people who have only begun training BJJ in Milwaukee respond when asked about the advantages with things like, “I lost some weight,” or, “My body is so flexible now.” Most talk about how much strength they have gained and how they are in an excellent shape. The fact that Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes in Milwaukee will change your body cannot be disputed. You will physically see your body changing every day. What you cannot see is the improvements in your overall health as a result of the training.
Everybody associates exercise with physical looks. People expect you to look a specific way. You won’t hear many people say, “I work out so I can lower my cholesterol.” The only people who say that are the people who went to the doctor and discovered that they have high cholesterol and require exercise. However, the best part of the BBJ exercise is the stuff you cannot see.
On top of building your muscles and all, Milwaukee BJJ teaches you how to use your body as a single unit. In our current society where a lot of the day is spent working at a computer, sitting, or driving, the body develops some unnatural and strange movement patterns. The body awareness that is evident when you learn BJJ is priceless. In fact, strength and mobility follow an increase in body awareness.
The Mental Benefits
Beyond any physical changes that come as a result of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, there are mental improvements which are so often overlooked. Firstly, the process of mastering a technique requires as much mental activity as it does physically. To master a technique, you must practice it repeatedly. You study the technique the same way you would study a subject for school, and then learn to employ it. Learning to use the technique can be the most challenging part.
One of the often forgotten benefits of BJJ is what the effort of learning, drilling, and rolling does for your system. The mental strength to keep practicing and pushing even when things aren’t going your way will be displayed in other areas of your life outside of the gym.
Everyone has stress in their lives. It is how we deal with the stress that is essential. BJJ is an excellent stress relief. After a long day at school or work, you can walk into the gym and everything goes away.
Another great benefit is that training allows you an opportunity to “let your week out.” During drilling and rolling, you can take that built-up week of work and release it on the mat. Let it all out. Roll hard. You will find that after an extreme rolling or drilling session you will feel better. Of course, being kind to your training partner is almost most important. We call it partner preservation.
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