Boxers Who Train Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu has been a popular sport for many years throughout the world but nowhere more than in Brazil. But the origins of Jiu-Jitsu emerged in Japan around the late 1800s. Japan was generally a closed society for many years but around this time the Japanese opened up for diplomacy and trade. Giving an insight into Japanese culture, one of many revelations was Jiu-Jitsu and the grappling sport became an excellent export.
Students of Jiu-Jitsu were sent from Japan across the world to showcase and fight other martial artists. A technique of fighting that was for Samurai and palace guards to be the last line of defense against rivals over centuries developed into an international sport and has been adopted throughout the martial arts world.
Many other modern sports have adopted some of the techniques and incorporated them into their sport. MMA and modern wrestling teaches some of these moves used in Jiu-Jitsu. Although boxing is a totally different sport many boxers have begun to train in Jiu-Jitsu, including Regis Prograis the rising star of welterweight champions with a view to potentially a switch to MMA. It has also spawned a massive industry in sports apparel with Gold BJJ being the predominant manufacturer.
The Advent of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
First introduced in about 1920 by Oswaldo, Gastão Jr, Carlos, Carlos, and Hélio Gracie who were all brothers and had a love of the sport after being taught by the traveling Kodokan Judo mentor Mitsuyo Maeda who was an expert traveling to promote Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. They later developed their own version which became known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. With the popularity of the sport came its own classification Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation was born or more commonly known as IBJJF and set out on a worldwide mission to promote the sport and set the rules for an international standard to be observed.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves the concept that a smaller and less powerful opponent can still defeat a larger and stronger person. By using the techniques and training a person’s height, weight and strength can be negated by a less physically intimidating opponent. Primarily a self-defense sport it can also be used as a method of attack. Although the main purpose today is for sport and improving physical fitness.
The Main Health Advantages of Jiu-Jitsu
Many people are not suited to a gym routine and simply don’t enjoy the experience. But martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu are a great way to boost your fitness levels, whilst having fun and being part of a club or community. Here are just some of the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu to your health:
- A complete body workout. Overall fitness and weight loss can be achieved through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, an excellent exercise for the burning of calories, and improving stamina. Just a one 60 minute session can use up 500 calories alone.
- Flexibility. Whilst training Jiu-Jitsu you will notice that our flexibility is greatly improved. At first, some moves may test you but with practice, they will become easier. The rubber guard maneuver using the arm and the shin when grappling will become more natural.
- Helping to reduce stress. By training and potentially competing in Jiu-Jitsu, your stress levels will be reduced as with many sports, the release of endorphins you experience will help with anxiety and stress reduction.
- Helping with mental health. By training with others and having social interaction it can Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts can help with combating depression although do not just take up sports, in general, to try to help your issues, always talk to a trained professional in medicine.
- Sleeping better. The level of exercise required for Jiu-Jitsu will definitely help your sleep pattern improve. With a balanced workout of strength building and aerobic routine, you will find sleep a lot easier.
The Help of Yoga for Jiu-Jitsu Athletes
Yoga has been a practice of many people for thousands of years. It is believed to have been started in the Indus Valley, India about 3000bc. Whilst there are many forms of yoga it is widely recognized as being extremely beneficial to physical health and mental health also. The many different forms can be helpful to many athletes helping to improve your core strength and flexibility. Yoga has become a global phenomenon and from the fitness centers in the west to the parks of Asia is something to consider when practicing Jiu-Jitsu.
Improving flexibility is key for any athlete and regular sessions of yoga can be especially beneficial to people who practice martial arts. Sometimes not really associated with martial arts yoga can be a great partner in your training, the two go hand in hand helping to improve fitness, strength, and mental wellbeing.
Covid-19 and Jiu-Jitsu
Covid has hit the planet hard, with travel restrictions, fitness centers, and gyms being some of the hardest-hit businesses many may find it hard to survive the fallout of the global pandemic that is facing us all. This is a challenge to individuals also, not being able to train in whichever field of sports they commit to. Whilst there are plenty of videos online that can help you keep in touch with your sport and more importantly maintaining your health, martial arts has become a harder sport than many to practice. If your partner or housemate also practices Jiu-Jitsu you can still maintain a fitness regime at home whilst still maintaining social distancing and hopefully avoiding infection.
Please do follow the guidelines of your health authority and government, even if your local gym or health center reopens abide by the regulations set out, and then hopefully we can all return to a normal way of life, sooner rather than later.
The Popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in MMA
Over recent years the MMA has become such a popular sport, being beamed all across the world it has truly become a sport that has taken the world by storm. Many MMA fighters prefer to stay on their feet and slug it out with an opponent, regardless of this technique similar to boxing or Muay Thai they all still have to have an understanding of grappling on the canvas. It can mean a win or loss and should never be underestimated by any fighter. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is widely considered to be one of the best forms of defense when you find yourself on the mat.
Not only a defensive measure Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also an offensive tool and can easily cause an opponent to submit due to the pressure that can be exerted on arms, legs and the back. Even the best kickboxer or brawler without the proper training is very vulnerable on the ground to a good training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student.
Conclusion
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is something that can enrich your life whether for personal exercise or to enjoy the thrills of competing. It is a martial art that is steeped in history and has modified itself with the times. Whilst many view martial arts as violent they have no real understanding of the nature in which participants take part, it is not to hurt anybody but to enjoy the physical and psychological benefits with like-minded people. Helping people to understand this is key to the future of the sport.
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