Hi! This is our first blog post and we believe that the best way to start is by telling you why we think you should give Jiu-Jitsu a try.

First and foremost, Jiu-Jitsu is an exercise. More and more studies show how beneficial exercise is for physical and mental health (click in the links for some examples). We can’t just stop there. In a world of social media and digital interactions, Jiu-Jitsu will give you a community to rely on. Your Jiu-Jitsu friends not only will try to choke you on a daily basis, but they will be there to help in times of need – on and off the mats. Here’s the thing: in order to get better and progress in Jiu-Jitsu, you have to help those around to become better as well. It’s a win-win situation.

As a martial art, Jiu-Jitsu will put you in very difficult situations, where the slightest mistake or impatience will mean the end of a match. By being able to develop patience, pay close attention to details and to solve dynamic problems, Jiu-Jitsu will help you navigate the hurdles of the modern world. Imagine having to stay calm as someone try to choke you and still be able to remember and perform a maneuver to escape that situation; all of that while already thinking about what you’re going to do next to be the attacker and not the defender?! Sounds like something that can be translated to any walks of life, huh?!

Discipline. In the exercise world you hear a lot about Motivation. Discipline is what keeps you going when you lack Motivation. Being a new member in a Jiu-Jitsu school will develop character and discipline. In the beginning, as you start sparring with others, you will most likely lose everyday. To younger people, older people, smaller, bigger, it doesn’t matter. Until you master some skills, you will most likely lose very often. Coming back everyday to a place like that helps you understand that in order to become skilled in a martial art – or any other sport for that matter – you need to fail repeatedly and show up the next day with the right mentality and openness to learn. It builds character and discipline.

Competition. Jiu-Jitsu is one of the few sports where you can compete at any age. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to compete in Jiu-Jitsu. You only need the desire to compete and make the commitment to prepare for it. You can still be a World Champion at age of 50 in Jiu-Jitsu. Or at any age!!!

I could go on and on on more and more reasons why you should try Jiu-Jitsu. Maybe I write a “Part II”, but for now, do yourself a big favor: look for a Jiu-Jitsu school next to you and schedule a trial class. You’re in serious danger of finding a new passion!

See you next time!!!!