The Secret to Getting in Shape for Jiu-Jitsu
One of the most common phrases we hear is “I will start jiu-jitsu, but first I need to get in shape”. Getting in “shape” prior to starting your BJJ journey is a misconception that holds many people back from beginning a very rewarding journey in their life.
“I need to be able to run three miles so that I can roll longer”; “I am going to lose weight and lean out first, and then I’ll start”…. “But I just get so gassed out when rolling…” You name it, we’ve heard it… Every excuse in the book.
The secret sauce is simple. You want to get in shape for jiu-jitsu: Train more jiu-jitsu! We can not emphasize enough how training jiu-jitsu gets you in jiu-jitsu shape! A jiu-jitsu class has a specific warm up designed to get the blood flowing and loosening up your tight muscles. There is a light cardio component, stretching and specific movements that will aid in the motions needed for jiu-jitsu training. The exercises will strengthen your core, increase your flexibility and help with balance and coordination. At the same time, you will work on specific drills aimed at not only helping build muscle memory, but keeping your body moving and core engaged the entire time! It is a work out for both your body and your brain. Once you begin rolling (the term for jiu-jitsu sparring), the benefits only increase exponentially! It is a combination of cardio, core, balance, strength training all put together with mind work and strategy. It gets your heart pumping, your breath going, and leaves you feeling accomplished at the end of your training sessions.
The more consistent you are in your training, the better shape you will get for jiu-jitsu; plain and simple. If you have been hesitating to begin your journey for that simple reason, take the leap and begin your path to getting the shape you have always wanted to get in. If you are already training and still want to get into better shape for jiu-jitsu; keep on training jiu-jitsu. As time continues, you will be in better shape, have better cardio and reap the benefits you have always wanted from training BJJ.
