In the tapestry of life, some passions weave themselves into the very fabric of our existence, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. For me, that transformative force comes in the form of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art that extends beyond the confines of a gym or the surface-level perceptions of a sport.
It’s not just about the graceful flow on the mats or the technical aptitude; it’s a lifestyle, a philosophy, and an indescribable love affair.
How do I explain to my family and friends why I love BJJ so much?
As I stand at the intersection of passion and explanation, grappling with the question of how to convey the depth of my love for BJJ to family and friends, I’ll share with you the reasons why it has become so much more than a hobby for me. In BJJ, every roll is a step towards self-discovery, and every technique part of the formula for a life well-lived.
I’d be remiss if I did not preface this by saying that I could go into great detail on this topic for pages. Howeer, I will contain my enthusiasm to four key areas: physical health, mental health, philosophy, and community.
Physical
When I started BJJ, my main goal was to improve my physical health. Of course, by simply showing up consistently, you see improved general fitness. Everyone uncovers different physical benefits, but a few areas you can expect to see improvement include heart health and endurance, strength, and flexibility.
BJJ offers an intense full-body workout that gets your heart pumping and allows you to build cardiovascular endurance. You push your limits during drills and sparring, which allows you to grow and sustain your ability to roll for longer periods. I know training has certainly helped me do a better job keeping up with my family on hikes.
With constant movement and resistance training, through drilling takedowns, sweeps, submissions, and defense, your muscles get stronger. Your body twists and turns while practicing techniques, which also improves agility. Over time, you become more flexible and improve your mobility, which has real-world practical applications.
A great example is learning how to breakfall. When you learn how to fall correctly, you reduce your chance of injury. In fact, learning how to breakfall correctly is part of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s strategic injury-prevention plan. Tagovailoa has had multiple concussions, but by practicing BJJ once a week, he’s learned how to fall safely to prevent future injuries!
Mental
Ask anyone who trains BJJ and they’ll tell you the mental side of training produces just as many benefits as the physical side. The obvious benefit is an outlet for stress relief. Because of the physical exertion required to train BJJ, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel happier. Physical exercise also reduces stress by regulating stress hormones (think cortisol and adrenaline), which promotes a more relaxed state of mind.
Personally, when I go to class, I’m able to stop thinking about work and life stress that drowns my brain most of the day. As a newer practitioner, training BJJ requires a large amount of my brain bandwidth and focus. In other words, all the other noise gets turned down for at least an hour.
When you train and learn new techniques, your brain gets a chance to practice its neuroplasticity, which means your brain gets to grow and maintain neurons and neurocognition. This can improve your cognitive function and your mood. A win-win!
You also get the chance to challenge yourself and celebrate wins (big and small) with your peers, which is great for self-confidence, and social interactions. Humans are social beings and, as someone who works from home (or “lives at work”), training is one of my few opportunities to have social interactions regularly!
BJJ Philosophy
There is a unique philosophy that molds the mindset of BJJ practitioners. At the heart of BJJ lies a set of core principles and values that extend beyond the mats.
If you have any familiarity with BJJ, you know that one distinguishing feature is its emphasis on technique and leverage over pure brute strength. In a world often dominated by sheer power, BJJ celebrates the art of using minimal force to achieve maximum efficiency. Practitioners learn to leverage their body weight and position strategically, allowing them to control and submit opponents who may be physically stronger. This philosophy both helps level the playing field and emphasizes the importance of strategy and skill in overcoming challenges.
BJJ fosters a growth mindset, a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. BJJ practitioners understand that setbacks are growth opportunities, and failures are stepping stones toward mastery.
When you apply this mindset beyond the mats, you can form a better perspective on how to approach challenges. I believe a growth mindset is essential to success both on and off the mats. There is always room to grow, and if you can get beyond the “embarrassment” of failure (just our ego talking) you will truly excel. Having a growth mindset has helped me immensely in my professional life, as well as with my personal relationships.
Approaching life with a growth mindset has allowed me to continue to “fail forward” and build on all my experiences, ultimately making me better. As a result, I’ve become a better advocate for myself, which has helped me earn promotions at work, set healthy work and personal boundaries, and be a successful mentor for professional peers.
A growth mindset also goes hand-in-hand with humility. The practice of BJJ humbles even the most experienced practitioners, thanks to its constant exposure to vulnerability. In training, individuals find themselves tapping out or being controlled by training partners, regardless of rank or experience. It’s a recognition that there is always more to learn, and everyone, regardless of rank, is a perpetual student.
Whether it’s your first class or you’ve been training for years, BJJ does not have a final destination. You become a lifelong student — a great way to approach many things in life!
Community
The sense of camaraderie and support within the BJJ community is nothing short of extraordinary.
Because of the hierarchical structure of BJJ, with belts and stripes indicating proficiency, it offers a natural framework for mentorship too. Higher-ranked practitioners often take on the role of a mentor, which helps welcome and guide newer folks while provides a growth opportunity for mentors.
On my first day, I was paired with Veronica. She immediately eased any anxiety I felt about trying something new with her warmth. She was patient, kind, and worked at a pace that felt comfortable for me.
Because of the trust and focus needed to be a good training partner, your training partners quickly become partners in the shared pursuit of improvement. You share struggles and triumphs, wins and losses. Through a mutual understanding of the challenges you face on the mats, you create unique bonds with your training partners. These people genuinely care about your progress! I have met great friends and people I highly respect through training.
The martial arts community is also diverse, with a variety of different backgrounds, ages, professions, and skill levels all converging on the mats. Regardless of your background or experience, you’re there for a shared passion. The inclusivity I’ve experienced is a testament to the accepting and open-minded nature of the community.
The community also never fails to step up and provide unwavering support through tough times. Whether it’s dealing with injuries, personal struggles, or navigating life’s hurdles, the BJJ community rallies around its members, providing encouragement and empathy. I have had some major health challenges and hardships recently, and my BJJ family has gone out of their way to shower me with love and support. While challenges faced on the mats can translate to challenges in everyday life, so can the solutions.
BJJ is more than just a hobby. There are obvious physical benefits, mental health benefits, and a strong philosophy that can be applied to life outside of the academy. Yet, the most remarkable aspect lies in the community—a collective heartbeat that echoes support, camaraderie, and mentorship. It’s a space where challenges are met with resilience, and victories are celebrated with a strong community. Everyone belongs here.
