Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 101

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Jiu Jitsu is a martial arts discipline that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. The name means "gentle art" in Japanese, as it uses leverage and technique to overcome stronger opponents. Jiu Jitsu is also a cerebral sport that involves many different positions and strategies. Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu jitsu focuses on close-contact “grappling” holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint-manipulations, making it the perfect martial art to learn for self-defense.

Jiu Jitsu is so much more than a sport. It truly is a lifestyle that can change your life if you let it! Here are 5 benefits you can gain from training: 

1. Improved Physical Fitness - Jiu Jitsu is challenging, full body workout. The average class lasts 90 minutes, and the techniques you learn range from explosive movements to isometric holds. Especially when rolling, Jiu Jitsu is an excellent test of your physical conditioning. Best of all, you do not have to be "in-shape" to start. Jiu Jitsu is a fun, mentally stimulating workout that you can start wherever you are at. 
2. Improved Mental Health - Because jiu jitsu requires thought, focus, and strategy, all the anxieties of life melt away when you are on the mats. It's like a form of active meditation. Plus, the great workout releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones and suppresses stress hormones to improve mood, reduce pain and stress, lower blood pressure, among other benefits! Jiu Jitsu a great way to get some "me" time and refill your cup, so you can attack life again with a clearer state of mind. 
3. Practice Self-Defense - I, obviously, hope no one ever has to use what they learn in Jiu Jitsu class, but "it's better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war." And I hate to break it to you, but you will never learn how to properly defend yourself with one self-defense seminar. The only way to confidently protect yourself in a hand-to-hand fight is to consistently train Jiu Jitsu. 
4. Learn Discipline & Perserverance - No workout is quite as challenging, physically and mentally, as jiu jitsu. It will require discipline and perseverance to improve in Jiu Jitsu, as it does with most things in life. There will be moments when you don't want to train. Or you feel like you may never get the technique. There's a reason why most white belts quit! But those are the moments when you challenge yourself to stay the course, keep trying, hold yourself accountable, and adjust accordingly. This teaches you skills it takes to succeed in jiu jitsu and in life. 
5. Community - One of the reasons I fell in love with jiu jitsu was the relationships I formed with my training partners and my coaches. Everyone on the mats is there to improve themselves and help you improve. When you walk into the gym for the first time, you may feel all alone, but you will quickly realize these acquaintances can turn into lifelong friends in a heartbeat. 

While you can definitely purchase a grappling dummy and train techniques on your own, as a practice for self-defense, it is highly recommended that you train with various training partners to fully understand how to execute a move on various body types with resistance. 

Fortunately, in a no gi class, you can wear almost anything. Shorts and t-shirt, leggings and rashguard, whatever makes you comfortable. To avoid injury, I only ask that you remove all jewelry and watches, and steer clear of any clothing with pockets, metal zippers, or clasps. Most students train barefoot; however, you are welcome to wear socks. No shoes are allowed. 

In a traditional Gi class, you would be required to wear gi pants and a gi jacket with a belt in your rank. New students all start as white belts. 

Jiu Jitsu has a total of five different belts: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black. It takes on average 10-15 years of consistent training for most to progress from white to black belt. 

I firmly believe the white belt is the hardest belt to receive. Taking that leap of faith, entering that gym, and trying a class is the hardest step to take. Nonetheless, only about 30% of white belts make it to blue belt. And less than 1% make it to black belt. 

It is so common for newcomers to chase the next belt and get discouraged if it does not come quick enough, so I like to remind my students, "the man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination." Enjoy the journey!