You or your friends may have been considering starting BJJ for a while. There is a lot of publicity around the sport, even without it’s UFC connections. The size of events, the star athletes and the overall lifestyle are making it increasingly popular. If you are looking for even more justification I have come up with what I think are the 4 best reasons for starting BJJ.

Health and fitness- As with any sport there are many physical benefits. One of the main ones I have seen with other is weight loss. As classes last an hour or so, you will be doing a lot of activity for quite a long time. The physical nature of the training will also help with muscular toning and strengthening, along with cardiovascular fitness. Don’t think you have to be fit to train BJJ, the training will definitely make you fit.

Mental effect – When you have had a hard day at work and your head is spinning with everything that has happened. An hour at BJJ can reset your mind. You cannot train BJJ and worry about work. You have to focus on what you are doing there and then. It has happened to me so many times that after class I have walked out feeling so much better.

Social – BJJ is well known for being a very social activity. You will spend a lot of time and the mat and it makes it easy to get to know people. Our club run various types of social events for members and family. This makes it easier to keep up with your clean diet as you are around a lot of like minded people, which is great. The more you train BJJ the more time you will spend on the mats with your friends. Instead of partying till late into the morning. This is a more positive socialising which is not only better for your health but for your finances too.

Longevity – BJJ is a sport you can do for life. Everyone I know plans on training well into their retirement year. It keeps you physically and mentally active, which keeps both your body and mind strong. Most active sports have an age where you may have to give it up. With BJJ you start to adjust your strategy and how you train. There are even IBJJF masters division for competition for men 57 years and older. Even Rickson Gracie said: “Jiu-Jitsu is for life.” Even if you don’t want to compete, being able to have fun whilst doing something you enjoy is the most important thing in life.

I think these are some of the best reason to start training BJJ. I have had so many more benefits from BJJ than any other activity I have tried in my life and would always recommend trying it to anyone.