The benefits of taking one to one and a half hours of your daily life two to three times a per week to learn the gentle art of jiujitsu are numerous but here are the ones that stand out the most.
1.Self Defense
Brazilian jiujitsu was created for the smaller man in mind.The techniques used and taught in Brazilian Jiujitsu are about leverage and timing.The effectiveness of Brazilian jiujitsu has been proven time and time again and was brought to main stream society's attention with Royce Gracie in the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship. With all the stories of bullying on television today why wouldn't you want to enroll your child,little brother or sister in a safe place where they can learn to defend themselves and gain the confidence they need to push through todays society. Lets face the facts we don't live in a safe place or time now a days and because of this women are also taking notice of the effectiveness of the art. Many schools teach courses that help women prevent attack or rape if it should occur.With jiujitsu being about technique over strength women are able to neutralize the bigger stronger attacker and thus be able to fend for themselves should anything happen.
2.Health/Weightloss
We live in a society where its popular to be healthy and thin. Due to this many people are going and signing up at health clubs around the world and trying to get in shape.Many health clubs are overcrowded and people get lost once they get there due to not knowing how to work out or properly or use the equipment.
For me Jiujitsu academies solved this problem. The friendly atmosphere is very welcoming and family oriented.In the beginning of every class you are put through a series of warm up exercises that are designed to teach your body how to move.These same movements or drills are also challenging and thus strengthen your overall body and core. It is not uncommon for somebody to lose a little amount of weight to dramatic amounts of weight after doing jiujitsu for a certain amount of time(results vary from individual to individual).Jiujitsu also provides you with a greater sense of being and confidence that one couldn't get by going and lifting weights or running on a treadmill.The confidence you gain from jiujitsu is second to none. By this you gain a greater sense of being and self knowledge of ones body and what you are capable of,thus providing you with better mental clarity and health.
3.Friendships
For many and myself jiujitsu is a great way to make new connections and good friends. No where else have I personally met so many down to earth people with such good vibes.From day one almost every person I have ever met in the jiujitsu community has been welcoming with open arms. Through jiujitsu I've made more friends and met more people from all over the world and of all walks of life! From your average kid looking to learn self defense to your television house hold name, the brother hood and camaraderie in jiujitsu is second to none.
These are the reasons for one to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in my opinion. Although there many more,these three stick out the most to myself. I encourage anyone who practices the art and sport to bring a friend a family member or loved one to give it a try and see firsthand the benefits it has to offer.
