Ten Reasons You Need to Start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Whenever I start a new hobby, I like to convince all those around me to do it also. As much as I would like to say it's a natural manifestation of the desire to spread happiness, it's probably more of a self-rationalization attempt. 

Regardless, here are 11 reasons you should start Brazilian jiu jitsu:

1. Self-defense. The martial-arts-as-self-defense gets overplayed, but it IS a factor. Jiu jitsu is handy if you're in a situation where you can't run and the attacker likes to punch or kick. Dragging the fight to the ground could possibly be effective in some situations. The skills learned in jiu jitsu would also be handy in a potential rape situation given "guard" and "back mount" (two major positions) are really just missionary and doggie style. 

2. Fighting is fun. As much as our society likes to admonish violence, fighting is awesomely entertaining. This isn't just a "guy thing", either. I've known precious few women that have tried a "violent" activity and didn't thoroughly enjoy it. Most of the nay-sayers have never tried any sort of fighting; their opposition comes from dumbass societal expectations. Consensual recreational combat, especially relatively safe combat, is amazingly fun.

3. Health. Jiu Jitsu is physically demanding. Physically demanding activities are good for our health. Ergo...

4. Crosstraining. Our bodies like plenty of variety. If you do only one activity, you may inadvertently weaken some structures and create imbalances. Runners that do nothing but run would be the perfect example. Adding crosstraining tends to decrease injuries and lead to better overall performance. Jiu jitsu is an activity that uses the entire body. Lots of muscle contractions, lots of stretching, lots of coordination. It's about as "functional" as fitness can get. 

5. Life Skillz. Jiu jitsu is an art that requires patience and humility, both of which are excellent life skills. When you first begin, most people will absolutely kick your ass. Quick victories are far and few between. The egomaniacs wash out quickly. Patience is required to improve, which eventually leads to less ass kickings. 

6. Face fears. To the non-grappler, jiu jitsu is a scary proposition. First, you're in close proximity (i.e.- physically rolling around) with strangers. Second, you're doing an activity that's unfamiliar. Third, you're probably gong to be subjected to rules and customs that will seem foreign. Fourth, you're going to experience some pain. And choking. Fifth, even though we discourage thinking in terms of winning and losing, you will be placed n one-on-one situations where you will fail regularly. There may be a few other potential fears mixed in there, too. All can be overcome fairly easily. Learning to face our fears is, in my opinion, an absolute prerequisite to living a happy life. 

7. Develop a sense of belonging... eventually. Most people that try jiu jitsu have a similar experience. When they first step foot in the gym, they feel a little alienated. Others are friendly, but may seem a bit distant. After a few months, others start warming up and a deep sense of camaraderie develops. That initial stage isn't a result of jiu jitsu players being aloof- it's because there's so much turnover initially. Most of the new white belts will join, try it for a month or two, then move on to something else. Once you get past that point where it's obvious you're committed, you'll begin to develop a close bond with your teammates.

8. For parents only: It tires kids out, teaches a degree of discipline, teaches them not to be a pussy. If you have kids, getting them involved will have all the positive benefits listed earlier... and these other three bonuses. The last one in particular is important given the current state of bullying here in the US. Instead of teaching people to stand up to bullies, we've fallen in love with a "let's talk about our feelings" approach to handling the situation. Anyone that's spent time observing kids can attest to the stupidity of this approach. Don't want your kid to get picked on? Give them the tools to stand up to bullies.

9. For couples- more interesting date night than IHOP and a movie. Fighting increases all sorts of things related to interpersonal attraction. Do jiu jitsu with your partner. You won't be disappointed. Besides, learning to fight boosts self-confidence, and self-confidence is sexy. ;-)

10. It's a sport for all ages. Jiu jitsu came about as a means of defending against bigger, stronger opponents. This is the purpose of joint locks and chokes- they negate physical advantages to a degree. The technique trumps athleticism. Because of this, anyone at any age could learn the techniques. It's one of the few combative arts that offers that advantage.

There you have it- ten reasons to jump on the Brazilian jiu jitsu band wagon. Find a gym. Stop in for a visit. Buy a gi. Get a month membership. Start a blog.

All the cool kids are doing it.

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