5 Reasons Women Should Train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
It’s no secret that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a male-dominated martial art, as are most martial arts in general. Wrestling, grappling and ground fighting are not the most comfortable activities for women to practice, especially in an all-male class, and especially when most of them will be strangers. BJJ doesn’t look appealing to women and therefore not many will take the step to try it. However, it is a great martial art, if not ideal, for all women to try.
1. Self defense on the ground
The majority of fights end up on the ground. Not that many women intend to get themselves into a street fight, but if you apply the same rule to any type of struggle, like if someone is being attacked, or an attempted kidnapping, it will be important to know how to defend oneself on the ground. Perfecting this art can save your life. It is said that you “train every day for the moment you hope will never come.” This cannot be more true with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Practicing in the gym, however uncomfortable or awkward it may be to roll on the ground with men in a class, is all in preparation for that moment when someone is really attempting to hurt you on the street.
2. The “gentle” martial art
Jiu Jitsu, in Japanese, means the “Gentle Art.” It isn’t about punching, kicking, or getting hit in the face. You don’t have to be a lightning fast striker or an aggressive killer looking for a knockout. It is important to be relaxed, deciding where to position your arms and legs to give you leverage over your opponent. It is a great martial art for women who are looking to join one for the first time, but don’t want the intensity of a Muay Thai or Boxing class just yet.
3. Upper body toning
Women have naturally stronger legs and lower body muscles than upper body, and a lot of women struggle to tone their arms and waistline. Countless hours are spent in the gym, trying to shape their upper bodies. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu forces you to use all of your upper body muscles through every movement. Practice drills on the ground force you to engage your core muscles and your back, and many defensive and submission moves use your arms, providing a strength workout for your entire upper body. After just a month of consistent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training you will notice a huge difference in your upper body muscle tone.
4. Lower body advantage
On the other hand, women will actually have an advantage when it comes to their lower body strength. Because their lower bodies have more muscle and are usually heavier, Women often will have a stronger base, which is important in balance and defense in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Although it is a male dominated martial art, women would excel in the sport
5. Training the mind
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on leverage, and it’s all about the “little guy” being able to beat the “big guy.” Learning certain moves that trap or stop your opponent regardless of his or her size advantage over you is a huge part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training. Despite what it looks like on television, there is actually a lot of thought and mental training that comes with the sport. Much of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a mental “chess game,” where you carefully plan your moves to trap your opponent. The drills and sparring practice involved in training are not only an exercise for your body but also your mind.
Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may be the most uncomfortable thing you have ever done, but the benefits are so overwhelming that every woman should give it a try.
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