If your main workouts currently come from lifting at the gym but you’re looking for another outlet or want to completely change the way you get physical exercise, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) might be the answer. Whether you’ve seen a few BJJ videos, you like the idea of rolling on the mat or just want another way to let off some steam, BJJ is an amazing option and we’ve made a general outline of what you can expect when you join us.
The community is one of the most welcoming you’ll probably ever meet. They thrive in this environment, so be humble, ask plenty of questions and remember that this can be a long-term way to help your mental well-being, just like the gym!
The great thing about having gym experience is that you’ve (hopefully!) been working on your strength so already have the building blocks of good health, setting you in good stead and maybe even giving you a head start. However, don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll school the best fighter there because you can bench 100kg. Are BJJ fighters strong? Notoriously. Many focus on functional fitness, often giving them the upper hand over new starters in sparring sessions.
Which helpfully leads us into our next point, being humble. You’ll rarely meet a BJJ fighter with an ego, and this is one of the reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to at least try a few sessions in place of your daily gym visit (if you’re actually doing this, please read our blog on recovering properly). BJJ fighters are there because they want to better themselves and love to see everyone else do the same, not to put others down.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate functional fitness into your workout regime or find another community that puts an emphasis on fitness and form, the BJJ community welcomes you with open arms.