4 Hidden Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Women

Hi! My name’s Sarah, and I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a year ago, with the hope of getting fitter and stronger, and meeting a new group of people. Whilst the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for women often centre around self-defence, I’ve come to notice a range of other benefits that I didn’t really expect, and noticed after training for a number of weeks – even things you might not have associated with the sport. Whilst some women I speak to initially start Jiu Jitsu for self-defence, collectively, we find ourselves staying for the wide range of other benefits the sport has to offer. Below, I’ve summarised my top 4 benefits outside of self defence that you may not have considered before you start:

Strength and Fitness

Weights and cardio in the gym might not be for everyone, so if you’re looking to do something a little different to stay fit and active, Jiu Jitsu is a great option.

You can start Jiu Jitsu at any time regardless of your age or fitness level – there are no requirements to be super fit before you step on the mats. Regardless of how fit you are when you start, you’ll soon notice that your strength and fitness levels improve week by week. Whether it’s being able to push yourself a little harder in the warmup, building your endurance in rolling and specific training, or finding yourself being able to do more outside of the academy, you’ll reach new limits whilst having fun.

Confidence and Self Esteem

Starting something new can be daunting and turning up to your first session is by far the hardest part. After this, you’ll find yourself building connections, linking movements, and gaining a deeper understanding of the sport as a whole. As your confidence grows, you may find yourself attending more classes, sparring with new training partners, and even looking to compete to test your new skills!

As part of a class, you’ll occasionally train with stronger and/or heavier opponents, but with the right application of technique, you’ll gain the confidence to overcome challenges effectively – something that carries over into life outside of the academy.

Problem Solving

Whilst Jiu Jitsu is physically challenging, it is also highly tactical and requires quick thinking under pressure. Whilst this takes time to develop, much like fitness and coordination, you’ll soon gain confidence in your problem-solving abilities in and outside of Jiu Jitsu. Confidence in your own decision making and being able to think under pressure are attributes that develop quickly when training, and are sure to help you in everyday life.

Community

Whether you’re new to the area or looking to expand your social circle, the Jiu Jitsu community welcomes people from all walks of life. By its nature, it’s a highly social environment, so opens the door to new friendship groups and personalities. Regardless of where you choose to train, you’ll find a warm and welcoming reception each time you attend a class.

Outside of classes, regular socials and seminars mean regular meet ups, and the onsite café ensures a post training coffee on a Saturday morning is a great way to start your weekend.

What Our Members Say: Helen

“Training on a regular basis and doing something challenging makes the rest of my day a lot less difficult! It’s a really nice community environment – I know that I’ll be supported.

I’ve done other martial arts which were great and really enjoyed them, but being able to tap out makes Jiu Jitsu feel really reassuring and safe, even when training intensely with lots of different people.

Jiu Jitsu is a great example of a sport that is both intellectually challenging and physically challenging. I find that I often don’t notice that it’s physically demanding because I’m having to think strategically for my body type and style of Jiu Jitsu I like to play. It’s a lifetime sport that you can endlessly refine and develop.”

What Our Members Say: Lizzie

“The main benefit of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for me is building my self-confidence, and consistently challenging myself physically and mentally.

Its great way to meet new people and learn new things – no class is the same!”

Getting started is easy – you can simply attend a free, no obligation trial to see if Jiu Jitsu is the sport for you. Book your space today and discover the fantastic benefits that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has to offer.