How do you know if someone trains Jiu-Jitsu…?
They’ll tell you as soon as they meet you.
Okay, maybe just me. I’m obsessed with the art of folding clothes with people in them. AKA Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Why? Well, that’s why I wrote this article. I’m only a 2 stripe white belt, but after 6 months of consistent training, my life has changed.
Here’s what to expect. Oss.
1. You’ll get into decent shape without the usual struggle
I’ve always been active. Eaten well enough. Then I hit my late 20’s. My metabolism decided to give up and the after-work beers and weekend burgers started to show. In a t-shirt, I probably looked like I lifted weights. Topless, I was skinny fat. My little roll of belly fat flopped over my waistband every time I sat down. I’d pull away at it knowing it ain’t going nowhere. Not unless I stop boozing and eating so much shit.
Enter BJJ: After one session, I knew I was in this long term. I trained 4 times a week with sessions Saturday & Sunday morning. That ruled booze out. Then I started listening to my body. What made me feel energized. What made me feel lethargic (magic mushrooms may have helped here). Before long (around 2 months), I felt the strongest, fittest, and healthiest I’d ever been. At 32 years old!
2. Fun cardio that won’t fuck your joints
Maybe you’re a sadistic bastard and enjoy running/ cycling/ swimming. I’ve always preferred sports for cardio. When I was younger anyway. But now, If you’re like me, your body can’t cope with the sport you found “fun” growing up. I love football, but one 5 aside game leaves me hobbling around for a week.
Sure, BJJ can leave you a little bruised and battered, but it’s much less impact than team sports. Your training partners look after you (for the most part), and if you don’t want to roll, you can drill moves or flow roll. That’s why it’s easy to train 4-5 times a week. Imagine playing footie more than twice a week. No thanks!
3. After a sesh, nothing will be as hard
Imagine a 6”2, 85kg sweaty man sitting on your chest trying to choke you or break your arm. [Hopefully] you ain’t gonna face anything harder than that in your day. And when you learn to stay calm while it’s happening (or even confident you can get out of the bad position), small daily inconveniences seem like nothing. You feel you can handle anything.
4. Increased confidence
Similar to the above, but I’m talking about the feeling you could handle an altercation. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was designed to be the most effective martial art for self-defense regardless of your size or strength. In fact, BJJ founder Helio Gracie was small and weak. He developed the sport to rely on technique over strength. He proved it’s effectiveness time and time again in competition against other martial arts (hence MMA). The documentary Choke is worth watching for the background of the family.
Old school BJJ player Rickson Gracie believes the self-defense element is being lost in modern BJJ, but you’ll know what is applicable. For example, learning the rear-naked choke is a game-changer. Jon Danaher, arguably the best coach in the world says it is the most effective move in a street fight to put your opponent out of commission safely.
Now, I’m a 6-month-old white belt who’s never had a fight in his life, so I’m not saying I’m Mohammad-I’m-hard-Bruce-Lee just yet. But, I’m much more confident I could defend myself should a situation arise where I can’t Usain Bolt it the fuck out of there.
5. You’ll meet cool people
I’ve trained at 3 different gyms – each one super welcoming. I’m told this is normal among the BJJ community. Kinda like Cross Fit in that regard. In fact, it’s very similar. Wherever you go in the world, you’ll be welcomed and the classes follow a similar structure. This makes it perfect for meeting people while traveling.
Me with my coach Jaime and Natalia. Top people!
6. You’ll get humbled
BJJ doesn’t care how big you are, how much money you have, or your status. When you’re on the mat, you find your place. In my case, and the rest of the beginners, at the bottom of the food chain. I’ve been dominated by skinny teenagers and grey-haired old-timers. You will suck. You will be humbled. So best leave your ego out of it.
7. The ultimate meditation practice
Speaking of ego. You’ll become even more aware of it training BJJ. After a tough session, I’ll beat myself up: you’re useless at this, Nick!, how have you not got better! And when I’ve performed well my mind runs rampant telling me how I could have been a champ if I had started younger! WTF! I have to laugh at myself.
8. New appreciation for MMA/grappling
When I first watched UFC, I’d groan when the fight went to the mat. What’s exciting about hugging on the ground? I wanna see a knockout! Now I can’t wait to see fighters with a world-class ground game. Even after only months of exposure to the sport, I’ve found a new appreciation for grappling. I’ll spend hours on YouTube watching Gi & no Gi events to learn more about the flow of the sport. Not to mention calling the submission’s name in front of your bros 😎.
9. BJJ memes will make sense & they’re funny AF
So not the most profound reason, but the BJJ memes are gold.
10. Better mental health
Remember when you’d play fight with your dad, siblings, or friends? There was something primitive about it, no? Like when you see monkeys or lion cubs rolling around with each other. It’s playing. It’s safe. It’s fun. I get that vibe from Jiu-jitsu – only you’re adults. You can force yourself to a class feeling stressed and low mood. Then you leave the class feeling energised and inspired.
11. Get in touch with your warrior spirit
Recently, I’ve revisited my relationship with my old man. After a few psychedelic experiences and self-inquiry, I discovered I’d been lacking masculine energy (both men and women have masculine and feminine energy). I feel BJJ has helped me get in touch with my warrior spirit and reinvigorate my masculine energy. This can only benefit my relationships, and hopefully, make me a better father when the time comes. Imagine teaching your kid BJJ as a black belt!
En fin.
If you’ve been thinking about starting BJJ, I hope this has given you the final nudge you needed. You’re going to be nervous. You’re going to be a spazzy white belt. But you sure as fuck won’t regret it. If anything, you’ll wish you’d started earlier. And if you’re in Medellín, come train with us!
Jiu Jitsu Medellín. Gracie Colombia
Oss.
Nick
