Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting through grappling by joint-locks and chokeholds.

The whole idea behind BJJ is the smaller person in a self-defense situation could do so against a larger, stronger opponent. The smaller person would defend against the assailant by utilizing proper technique and leverage in order to take the fight to the ground in order to apply some type of submission to subdue the other person. BJJ training can also be tested out in sport grappling tournaments that either require a gi or no-gi to participate. The martial art is also very common in mixed martial arts or MMA. Sparring is an extremely critical part of BJJ, often called ”rolling,” teaches you how to move under pressure and  how well you understand the techniques you have been taught because there is a different between drilling a technique and actually using it under pressure.

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BJJ is used very often with other forms of martial arts in MMA, particularly in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC. This is one of the reasons why many people have mixed feelings about it and also why many people don’t get involved with BJJ. It is common to hear people commenting about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with things along the lines of it being for hardcore people or they will get hurt and similar things of that nature. Those comments couldn’t be further from the truth about what BJJ is really about and because of that we will provide a list of the top reasons why you should start training Jiu-Jitsu.

1. BJJ For All

BJJ can be learned by anyone at any age, young, old, and even any fitness level. Many people believe that because the super fighting fit fighters they see on mixed martial arts fights are in awesome fighting shape, they can’t train Jiu-Jitsu. This is wrong because everyone had to be a beginner at some point and these fighters are no exception. There is even no need for anyone that practices BJJ to go out and participate in MMA fights or even grappling tournaments. Many people that come in to train do it for themselves as a way to stay in shape and to learn how to defend themselves.

2. Television

There are other reasons people train in Jiu-Jitsu than to fight on television. As mentioned previously, many people take this martial art as an excellent form of self-defense, one of the best out there. Other people use it as an incredible workout, which it really is. You also don’t need to be in the best possible shape in order to train. The only reason you might need to is in order to compete but for the most part many schools work with all their students to go at a reasonable pace in order to meet their goals. Other students may be further ahead of you physically but you will be going at your own reasonable pace to catch up. Many times there have been students come in, overweight, and work hard to eventually catch up to the rest of the classes.

3. Fitness

One of the biggest reasons to begin training Jiu-Jitsu is for the fitness aspect of it. If you are looking for a killer workout then this is one of the best ways to do it because you are learning a martial art while workout out at the same time. Many people that go to regular gyms to workout end up being bored and lose motivation. Jiu-Jitsu can be fun depending on who the instructors are but you are doing two things at once and learning how to defend yourself. Thats the beauty of many martial arts programs that are practical for true self-defense.

4. Comfort Zones

For some, BJJ can get you out of your comfort zone and into new or interesting things. Those that view BJJ as too hard or too close contact or anything thats uncomfortable this could help you in other parts of your life regarding comfort zones. If you could get past those and into BJJ then theres no telling what else you can move past in life.

5. Real Life

In this martial art you need to keep your head cool during sparring sessions. There are many situations outside of the gym where you would need to keep your head cool and from training you will be able to do it very easily. There are also situations where you need to commit to something. In Jiu-Jitsu you need to commit 100% to whatever you are going to go after, you can’t be half pregnant or a little pregnant, you either are or aren’t. The same thing can translate into real life, you need to be confident and commit to whatever it is you are doing and not half-ass things.

There are many other aspects of Jiu-Jitsu that could positively benefit your life but listed here are a few to address some concerns people may have with the martial art. Things that are seen on T.V aren’t like that in the training gyms and aren’t as crazy. Only certain places might be like that but you would know that before you signed up. It’s up to you to find out where would be a great place to begin training.