Rolling in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of sparring. It is a live training practice method that is both fluid and enlightening – a way for the students of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to test their abilities against a sparring partner in an effort to identify areas for improvement and heighten their skills. During Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rolling, one opponent attacks and the other defends – all fluidly until, for example, the first opponent who is caught in a choke hold or joint lock taps out by physically tapping his opponent or by verbally tapping out. Then, the two immediately begin the rolling training session once again.
Rolling takes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practice and training to the next level, improving techniques requiring work and, ultimately, gaining a higher level of understanding of this popular martial art.
When and How Should Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Be Incorporated into Training?
Introduction should take place in Goldilocks fashion – neither too early or too late. Introducing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rolling too early could overwhelm a beginner. However, at the other end of the spectrum, you don’t want to wait too long for students to take their training to the mats. Timing needs to be just right and should be left up to a qualified, experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu trainer who works one-on-one with students, closely monitoring them to know exactly what each is capable of.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rolling should also be gently introduced with the fundamentals to start. The right sparring partner is also crucial. At the onset of rolling training, beginners should be paired with a sparring partner who has nothing to prove – someone with a higher ranked belt, possessing greater experience, who will act as a knowledgeable guide – allowing the student who is new to rolling to develop an adequate and reassuring comfort level while experiencing all the positions.
Once a beginner becomes comfortable with the aforementioned scenario, they can gradually begin to participate in rolling with more similarly skilled opponents. Throughout their rolling sessions, students should practice good communication, remain loose, learn from their mistakes and show respect. While rolling, new students should work toward remaining positive and avoiding any delay in tapping when caught in submissions.
Rolling training should be conducted under the watchful eye of an experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner who can provide help and guidance throughout the session.
The Importance of Camaraderie in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu…and Life
Rolling isn’t just about mastering the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It also fosters camaraderie, which you will find is a common theme within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; and the benefits of developing and maintaining good friendships and a solid social network are immeasurable, but let’s take a stab at it, shall we?
Positive interactions come easily when spending time with people whose interests mirror our own. Our peers can also motivate us, through model behavior, to develop healthy habits. In turn, the positivity acquired through camaraderie can help to improve relationships, our work life and job satisfaction. It can open our minds to a larger world, making us more tolerant of others and it can help us more easily adapt to change and face life’s (and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s) challenges more easily and with vigor. Social participation in activities such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu also provides a support system and triggers positive feelings which can be emotionally uplifting.
There are also numerous mental health advantages that come along with positive social interactions such as those we encounter every day at the Mission Viejo Ralph Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy. Camaraderie can boost our mood, making us happier. It builds bonds which can reduce loneliness, anxiety and depression. Research indicates that social interaction, such as the kind we experience while taking part in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, can even improve our cognitive skills and sharpen our memory, and a sense of belonging can increase confidence and self-esteem.
Camaraderie, like that which is experienced through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, can also improve physical health. While the most obvious way is through physical training, which improves stamina and increases strength, it can also lower stress levels and blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health and even increasing longevity. It also promotes healthy sleep patterns, which allows the body to recharge and refresh, making us more alert, boosting our immune systems and improving overall physical performance.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is Fun Too – That’s How We Roll!
If all of the above weren’t enough, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be a whole lot of fun, especially at Ralph Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Mission Viejo, CA. Obviously, students of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu get to enjoy learning something new and benefit from their increased athleticism, but don’t forget the fun. Sparring with friends in a welcoming atmosphere, nurtured by some of the best martial artists in the world is exciting, entertaining, enjoyable and, yes…just plain fun!
Where to Experience the Joy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Rolling
If you are interested in learning more about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or rolling, call the Ralph Gracie Mission Viejo Academy at 949-400-7108, email ralphgraciemv@gmail.com or visit us at our convenient location: 26861 Trabuco Road #H, Mission Viejo, California.
The Ralph Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Mission Viejo, California, which has been named Best Martial Arts School and inducted into the Business Hall of Fame for the last five consecutive years, is revered at one of the world’s best for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction and offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for every skill level within every age group.
