Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is Awesome!
I’ve started doing Brazilain Jiu Jitsu because I’ve always been curious about the sport, and I think it’s a great way to keep fit. It has many benefits over other martial arts, as a means of exercise, and here are my reasons why:
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A beginner can start sparring on day one!
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Sparring is a great cardio exercise
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It can be performed all from the ground
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It increases flexibility
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There is sooo much to learn!
The fact that you can start sparring on your very first day is pretty cool. You don’t have to spend weeks learning technique before diving in. You will learn something each time you spar and the more technique you learn over the weeks and months the more you can try out during your sparring.
BJJ matches last 5 minutes so that how long the sparring sessions last. 5 minutes might not sound like much, but it is plenty. Especially when you are new – you’ll be squirming and rolling around that mat the entire time trying to avoid being submitted. As you progress you’ll learn to relax more. Also you can do back to back session to kick up your cardio a few notches.
If you are overweight, then BJJ might be an excellent option for you to start getting back into shape. Many of the techniques are performed from the ground as well as the sparring. You will have the chance to get a great cardio workout without the stress on the knees that other cardio exercises might cause excessively overweight dudes.
BJJ will definitely increase your flexibility. First, you will stretch before (and sometimes after) each session. Second, you will want to work on your flexibility on your own to be able to perform certain techniques. And last, you will be forced into positions that will make you more flexible.
BJJ is great because there is so much to learn. So anyone who considers this sport as a means to stay in shape will be able to do it for years without getting bored. The sport is constantly evolving and new moves are still being created. Hell, you may even come up with a kick-ass technique of your own one day!
So there you have it. I’m glad I decided to go for it and try this sport out. Anyone that has thought about it should go out there and seek out a gym. Try it out and see what you think. You can even let me know about your experience in the comment section below.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
i see what you did there
Out of curiosity why can you spar on day one? I just ask because I come from a traditional boxing background and in boxing you develop your body and skills prior to sparring (even if it’s light sparring). There’s technique involved and you’ve got to learn to catch, slip, parry, side step, counter, etc. prior to sparring. Can you please explain? Thank you.
p.s. I think I’m going to take a bjj class this week for the first time 🙂
I was allowed to spar on my first day, but not all gyms may allow that. I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with it, as long as it is light sparring and you’re not trying to hurt one another. While there is a great deal to learn in BJJ as well, I think if a beginner spars with a brown belt or black belt, there shouldn’t be much that can go wrong. You should definitely give the class a try and let me know what you think.