You know how people say there’s a before and after for some big moments in life? That’s what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was like for me. My life before BJJ and my life after are worlds apart.

This martial art didn’t just teach me how to grapple and submit people. It shifted how I think, how I move, and how I live. It’s been more than just a sport or a way to get fit. It’s been life-changing.

Today, I want to dig deep into the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that I felt in my own life.

People standing on the jiu jitsu mat together to take a picture
Me training at Kao BJJ in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia

What Are The Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Thanks to BJJ, I felt some big changes in my life, and I’m excited to share them with you the benefits of jiu jitsu. 

1. I Gained Confidence

I was never the guy filled with confidence. More often than not, I was filled with doubt, thinking that others were better than me. Speaking up was a struggle. I was more likely to go with the flow than stand my ground. I was scared to fail, so I didn’t take chances.

Then BJJ came into my life. This martial art taught me something important: If you work hard and stick with it, you can achieve big things. This was a big realization, meaning I could defeat doubt with consistency and work.

This thought relieves me because it means I’m in control and not a victim of life. I found a BJJ success that spilled over into other parts of my life.

Now, I’m not just following the crowd; I’m making my own path and taking risks. I’m more confident about going after what I want. In fact, this confidence is a big reason I even started this blog. BJJ made me believe in myself and gave me the courage to try new things.

2. I Feel More Safe

Another big win from BJJ is that I feel safe. You don’t want to get into a street fight, but life happens. BJJ is about self-defense. It’s a toolkit for real-world situations. You learn to take someone down, keep them there, and use submissions. It’s perfect for a guy like me who’s not the tallest or the strongest.

So why’s BJJ one of the safest martial arts? It’s about control. Instead of throwing punches or kicks, you’re learning to manage a situation without getting hurt.

When I’m out, I feel more relaxed. Sure, I don’t want any trouble, but knowing I have a plan helps me walk with more confidence.

That’s not just good for staying safe; it changes how I show up in the world. Feeling secure helps me be more of the person I want to be every day.

3. My Life Got More Structured

Do you ever feel like your life’s all over the place? That was me. But training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped. BJJ classes aren’t just something you do when you feel like it. You have to be consistent if you want to get better. And that got me thinking about how I spend my time.

Before BJJ, my life was messy. I woke up and just went with the flow. But I had to get my act together once I got hooked on BJJ. I wanted to train as much as I could. So, I had to build a routine that let me do that and stay focused in other parts of my life.

Now, my days are planned out. I know what I’m gonna do and when I’m gonna do it.

Now, I’m more effective with my BJJ practice and my work and studies. That’s what BJJ did for me. Adding BJJ classes to your life can make everything else fall in line. It truly helped me to get my life in order.

4. I Am More Motivated and Driven

Man, let me tell you, BJJ lights a fire in you. When I started BJJ training, something clicked. I want to climb up to higher belts. And that drive didn’t stay just on the mats; it seeped into my life.

Before, I didn’t have any major goals. But BJJ got me dreaming. It made me start my own business with the goal of living life on my own terms.

BJJ makes you realize that you’ll see the rewards if you put in the work. It’s the same in BJJ as it is in life. 

Be consistent, work hard, and get where you want to go. This realization keeps me driven and motivated. And BJJ made me see that. 

5. Problem-Solving Skills

BJJ is like chess. Both need good critical thinking skills. In a BJJ class, you’re not just learning techniques; you’re figuring out how to outsmart the other person. It’s about making quick, smart choices. It’s not just muscle; it’s mind too.

BJJ presents so many problems to you that you have to solve. Sometimes, it seems unsolvable. But there’s a solution for everything in BJJ. You can get out of any position, no matter how helpless you think you are. This helped me with my work and my life. 

When presented with a complicated problem, I now know there is a solution, no matter how difficult it seems. I have to be consistent and keep trying, and I’ll get there.

I approach problems now differently than before. I know now that there is a solution for every difficulty. 

6. More Disciplined

Consistency is key. BJJ made that super clear for me. You have to train consistently if you want to get better. That lesson carried over into all the other parts in my life. It made me more disciplined in Jiu Jitsu, my work, and my studies. It made it easier for me to show up every day and not to make excuses.

BJJ training even made me eat cleaner. If you want to get your life in order, start with BJJ. It taught me discipline and persistence like nothing else. 

7. I Lost Weight and Gained Muscle

Let’s talk about how BJJ shaped my body. This is a full-body workout that gets every single muscle in your body working. You’re not just losing pounds; you’re gaining muscle as well. And I wasn’t super out of shape before, but I had some extra fat that I didn’t need. Now I shed that fat and packed on muscle.

But here’s the thing. BJJ didn’t just get me in the gym for jiu-jitsu training. It also got me into the regular gym. Because of BJJ, I started lifting weights and doing strength training. And the best thing is I actually wanted to do it. In the past, going to the gym felt like a chore. 

BJJ isn’t just exercise; it’s something I look forward to. So, if you struggle to get in shape, try BJJ. For me, it was a game-changer.

comparison picture of weight loss and muscle gain
February 2022 (left) vs. May 2022 (right)

8. Became Humble and a Better Person Overall

BJJ makes you a better person. Jiu-Jitsu teaches you humility and patience. In BJJ, respect is big. You learn to respect your coaches and your training partners.

And let me tell you, at the beginning of my jiu jitsu training, I got submitted left and right. So, it’s hard not to be humble when you’re on the mat. Especially when I saw the black belts rolling, I was stunned. There, I understood that Jiu-Jitsu is truly is an art.

But guess what? Being humbled like that made me a nicer person. Because I’m happier with myself, I’m kinder to others.

It’s simple: When you like who you are, you’re a better person to be around. So, BJJ didn’t just change my body and my mindset; it changed who I am.

9. BJJ is a Natural Stress Reliever

Have you ever had one of those days where everything’s just too much? Yeah, me too. Work problems, study struggles—you name it.

But here’s the magic: the moment I step into a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class, it all fades away. After training, I feel this calm wash over me. It’s a great way to reset your system.

I start smiling like a weight lifts off my shoulders. I can’t fully explain it, but BJJ clears my head. It’s like my own special stress-eliminator. And that peace sticks with me long after I leave the gym.

So, for my mental health, BJJ is a game-changer. It pushes stress out and lets calm in. And who couldn’t use a bit more of that, right?

Final Words

For me, the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu are mind-blowing! I started this Jiu-Jitsu journey at the start of 2022, and it’s like night and day. I evolved so much as a person. It’s more than just a part of MMA or a great form of exercise. It changed me—in all areas of my life.

BJJ did everything from boosting my overall health to shaping my body and mind. Since then, I have more confidence and self-esteem, less stress and anxiety, and more fun. It’s addictive and fun, and that’s why it works for me.

BJJ, unlike other mixed martial arts, is for people from all walks of life. So, if you’re on the fence, try one BJJ class and see for yourself. You’ll be so grateful you did. I know I am beyond grateful for BJJ. It truly changed how I approach life. Thank you, BJJ. 

(P.s. If you are looking for BJJ Gear, check out our list on the best rash guards and the best BJJ Gis in 2023!

Similar Posts