Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art. Violent, right? Ironically, it brought peace into my life. I started to train BJJ 2 years ago, and my life changed completely. Since then, I’m more mentally stable, live healthier, and never felt as good. I’m truly grateful for everybody who supported me in this journey. In the following, I’ll explain what it did for me.
Gained Confidence
Before Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), I was the guy in the background, always doubting myself. But once I stepped onto the mat, things changed. BJJ taught me that I could overcome my doubts with hard work and dedication.
This newfound confidence didn’t just stay in the gym; it spilled over into every part of my life. Now, I’m not just a follower but a leader in my own story, taking risks and chasing my dreams. BJJ showed me the power of believing in myself.
Calmed My Anxiety
Life can get overwhelming, but instead of turning into supplements, BJJ became my stress reliever. Every time I trained, I left my worries outside the mat. BJJ’s focus and physical exertion cleared my mind and brought a sense of peace that I couldn’t find anywhere else. It’s amazing how grappling can flush out the day’s tension and leave you feeling refreshed and centered.
Sometimes, I feel so stressed and nervous before my BJJ class. 2 hours later, I come out of practice with a smile and a calm mind. Truly incredible.
Became More Disciplined
Consistency is key in BJJ. To improve, I had to show up regularly and put in the work. This discipline translated into other areas of my life as well. I started managing my time better, sticking to routines, and setting goals. Whether it’s my job, studies, or personal projects, the discipline I learned from BJJ keeps me on track in all parts of my life.
Feeling Safer with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ makes me feel safe. I’m not the biggest guy, so knowing how to defend myself is important. BJJ taught me how to defend without getting hurt or hurting others.
Now, when I’m outside, I’m more relaxed. I know I can handle confrontation. This isn’t just about physical safety; it’s about feeling confident and secure wherever I go.
BJJ Brought Structure to My Life
Before BJJ, my days were all over the place. But BJJ changed that. To get better, you gotta be regular with your training. And that made me think about organizing my time better.
So, I started planning my days. When to train, when to work, when to study – everything got scheduled. And it worked. I got better at BJJ and life.
Becoming a Better Person Through BJJ
BJJ teaches you to be humble and patient. You learn to respect everyone on the mat – from newbies to black belts. At the start, I was getting tapped out a lot. But that’s part of the process. Seeing how skilled and respectful the experienced practitioners were made me realize the beauty and depth of BJJ.
This journey made me a better grappler and a better human.
Lost Weight and Gained Muscle
BJJ isn’t just about learning techniques; it’s a total body workout. When I started, I was carrying some extra weight. But through regular training, I shed the fat and build muscle. BJJ also motivated me to go to the gym for additional strength training, something I used to avoid.
Now, I look forward to my workouts, and I’ve never felt better about my body.
Jiu-Jitsu gave me a WHY I should go to the gym. I don’t struggle with motivation anymore. Jiu-Jitsu motivates me to live healthy.
Final Words
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport for me; it changed my life. It gave me confidence, calmed my anxieties, made me feel more safe, instilled discipline, and got me in the best shape of my life. If you’re considering BJJ, I say go for it – it might change your life like it did mine.
Author Bio
Heythem is a psychologist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast. Heythem’s Blog focuses on the intersection between mind and body. He combines professional expertise with a personal narrative to help others to improve their well-being.