Practicing martial arts is an excellent way to improve your strength and conditioning. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is particularly beneficial for those individuals who want to get stronger without the boredom of the usual gym routines. Here are 5 ways that Brazilian jujitsu can help you get “BJJ Strong”.
1. BJJ Strong: Grappling with a gi improves your grip strength.
There are very few exercises that can improve your grip strength the way that grappling someone wearing a gi can. There are several different grips that you will learn when you train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, like the Gable grip and the hook grip. Pulling and holding someone’s gi when they are resisting you is a tremendously powerful isometric exercise.
…the joy of being in the best shape, best health of your life…
2. BJJ Strong: You improve your core strength with takedowns.
Takedowns like the single leg and the fireman’s carry require you to take someone off balance and bring them down to the mat. In order to do this effectively you must use muscles in your legs, back, arms and abdomen. Even after a few short weeks of practice you will likely see an improvement in these areas of your strength.
3. BJJ Strong: Holding someone in your guard works out several different muscles.
The guard is a fundamental position of Brazilian jujitsu where your legs are wrapped around the waist of your opponent. This basic position allows you to attempt various sweeps and submissions from your back. In order to hold your opponent in your guard, you must use muscles in your abdomen, hips, thighs, back and arms at various times.
Ab Training from the BJJ Guard Position
4. BJJ Strong: Drilling techniques improves your muscular endurance.
There are several different drills that are common for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. Many of these drills are similar to wrestling drills and will test your endurance and muscular strength repeatedly. After a good round of Jiu Jitsu drills you can feel like you just spent an hour at the gym!
5. BJJ Strong: Resistance training taken to another level.
You’ve heard that resistance training is one of the best ways to increase your strength and build muscle, right? Well what about when it’s another person who is resisting you? This is exactly what sparring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is like. You attempt a technique and your opponent counters with a different technique and sometimes the two of you scramble for position.
During this entire time you will need to be efficient and effective with your strength so you don’t burnout. This is why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is considered the ultimate resistance training to some.
The health benefits to BJJ are endless. While technique is a huge part of the sport, you will still build your strength and muscle tone with every single class.
If you would like to learn more about BJJ classes in Portland, click here.