Every martial art has its own place, so does BJJ. It’s great for weight loss and self-defense, as well as many other skills and lessons it teaches.
Usually, people train for martial arts to learn self-defense or to get physical fitness. Other people want martial arts to change their lives and be better physically and mentally. For whatever reason you chose to train, it’s okay. But BJJ is not one of the martial arts that come to mind when you think. However, you will be surprised to know its wonders. Once you start training this gentle martial art, you will discover its wonders.
Apart from fitness and defense, BJJ will teach you a lot of other important lessons. Even if your goal is to train for MMA, this is a good place to start as BJJ. You can always try other martial arts or just stick with this one. Whatever your end goal is, get a BJJ GI and start training. Let’s have a look at what those lessons and skills are.
Taking up a bigger opponent
The technique is more important than size, and this is one of the most important lessons BJJ teaches us. Being bigger in size is not always an advantage. However, you can use it to your advantage with proper technique. BJJ was designed for smaller and relatively weaker people so that they can defend themselves against a bigger opponent. It will teach you how to use the weight and situation to your advantage.
You will learn lots of submissions, locks, and takedowns. Because it is a ground-based martial art, you should focus and learn takedown well. Looking at people training BJJ, you might be thinking that they are just rolling on the ground and nothing much. But a lot is going on there, which you won’t understand unless you train yourself. They claim that you can take on bigger opponents is what the science of BJJ revolves around, so it trains you for it.
But be aware that these skills don’t come easy and quick. You would have to keep on practicing and master the techniques. Pay attention to strategies and how the techniques are performed.
Physical and mental workout
BJJ training is a full-body workout, not only physical but also mental workout. The training allows the body and mind to work together and work in harmony. The training tones the body arms, shoulders, core, and legs in various ways. This way, not just your body but the mind is also getting smart.
Learning some moves and techniques can be difficult, while others can be easy. For instance, if you have some practice on how to grab someone by clothes and perform a takedown, then grabbing the BJJ GI and taking down the opponent will be easier. But one thing is for sure, and more practice will improve your agility, speed, and performance greatly.
To learn, be modest
Another important skill and lesson that BJJ teaches is, being modest is how you can soak up as much knowledge as possible. Elevating your ego, not respecting others and thinking of others or other martial arts as inferior, will not bring you any good. Once you go for the training in your school, you’ll see there are lots of different people. Some will learn quickly while others might take some time, but some will already be good at it. You have to respect everyone. Learning and knowledge can be gained from anyone.
Whether they are your juniors, instructor, senior, or opponent, learning stops when you bring pride in its way, learning never ends either you are, training, sparring, or fighting against someone on the mats or on the streets. Learning not only means to learn or master a technique, but it also means to learn the opponent, their moves, and respond accordingly.
Conclusion
With more practice and time, you will improve your game. Soon you will be submitting opponents and winning matches. But be patient, keep on practicing and learning until then. Don’t just move or follow what is happening. Try to learn the essence of it and learn that. Master your basics before moving on to the next stage. Never stop practicing techniques you learned in the past, or there was no point in learning them. If you have forgotten the basics, start practicing them daily before or after the class.
