Learning a new skill can be rewarding, but mastering the martial art of Jiu Jitsu can be particularly gratifying. The physical advantages of practicing Jiu Jitsu are very tangible, as this esteemed martial art is a full-body work-out providing participants with increased strength, improved physical fitness and the numerous health benefits that accompany that, as well as increased reflexes, balance, coordination, mobility and flexibility, as well as optimal weight maintenance. However, slightly less tangible, yet still massive in scope are the mental benefits of Jiu Jitsu. 

Let’s address those, shall we?

Jiu Jitsu helps us to maintain our focus on positive actions and outcomes; and studies show that positive people lead healthier, happier lives.

Practicing Jiu Jitsu can also boost self-confidence, leading to a virtual tsunami of positive experiences. For instance, having faith in yourself can lead to a more fulfilling and carefree existence; and when you carry yourself with confidence, the world will begin to see you as capable, which translates into better work and social experiences, as well as improved relationships.

Jiu Jitsu teaches us self-defense skills, resulting in heightened self-reliance and self-awareness.

It also teaches us self-discipline, restraint and learning to control our emotions to gain greater emotional stability, react responsibly and take responsibility for our actions. Applying that newfound knowledge to everyday life can greatly improve our propensity for success.

Concentration and focus are both crucial elements of the martial art of Jiu Jitsu and its moves require the mental acuity for fast thinking. So, this popular sport helps improve brain health by boosting cognitive function, increasing mental strength, intensifying determination and improving memory.

The physical aspect of Jiu Jitsu helps us to sleep better and more soundly and improves sleep patterns which, in turn, help to facilitate better days with more positive experiences. 

Additionally, Jiu Jitsu is an exceptional way for children and teens to burn off excess energy. Who doesn’t like that, right?

It is also an excellent outlet for releasing negative energy and aggression and channeling it into positive energy, resulting in a better overall mindset. 

Jiu Jitsu can also reduce stress, anxiety and depression which are all priceless for maintaining mental health.

The uplifting aspect of positive social interaction with like-minded people which is provided within a Jiu Jitsu training forum, such as the Ralph Gracie Mission Viejo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, is also proven to promote a healthy mental status. 

The release of endorphins Jiu Jitsu practitioners experience provides a boost in energy levels and all that dopamine places us on an even keel, providing a healthy balance and a happier outlook.

Much like meditation, Jiu Jitsu can also foster mindfulness; and while not a substitute for the treatment provided by a mental health professional, Jiu Jitsu can help eradicate feelings of powerlessness, help us establish boundaries and even empower some of us to release suppressed emotions, improve or eliminate destructive behavior patterns and heal from trauma.

Jiu Jitsu teaches us to think before taking action, focusing on deliberate actions rather than knee-jerk reactions which can be detrimental in competition as well as real life situations. Frustration over a poorly executed move, for example, can end up costing you a victory in Jiu Jitsu competition. Applying that same mastery of emotions, mental strength and discipline can help you to achieve continued success throughout your life.

Jiu Jitsu challenges us to push through adversity and accomplish increasingly larger and more difficult to attain goals. It also underscores perseverance in all aspects of competition and life, motivating us to establish and meet our goals. It also emphasizes the importance of values, which help build a solid foundation for a balanced, satisfying life.

Resilience, which can help you traverse and withstand difficult situations, also plays an important role in Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu teaches its students to bounce back from setbacks and brush yourself off, not letting missteps or life’s difficult challenges get you down.

Jiu Jitsu encourages open-mindedness, allowing us to gain new and valuable insights.

From the practice of Jiu Jitsu, we can also learn assertiveness, which can keep us from being taken advantage of and help us take our earned place in the world, reaping the benefits we deserve.

It teaches courage in the face of adversity and fosters leadership qualities, helping us to better assess the strengths in others, set direction and take decisive actions. 

Jiu Jitsu students learn valuable skills such as situational awareness which can help us anticipate and fully ascertain situations, leading to better outcomes. 

In Jiu Jitsu, we learn conflict management and de-escalation techniques; and, as Jiu Jitsu advances above and beyond planned and patterned moves, it teaches creativity and to work toward novel approaches and solutions.

Jiu Jitsu is proven to strengthen both the body and mind, positively permeating and improving all aspects of our lives. Research also indicates that Jiu Jitsu improves neurological functions and, in turn, nurtures the spirit, teaches us humility and grace and can help us more preparedly and adequately navigate life. Arming ourselves with the valuable mental and emotional skill set that Jiu Jitsu provides can also help us to understand ourselves better and instill sound direction and life purpose, leading to fulfillment, peace and a better overall quality of life. 

If you are interested in benefiting from all that this remarkable martial art has to offer at a premier Jiu Jitsu training facility, call Ralph Gracie Mission Viejo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy for more information and convenient class schedule options at 949-400-7108.