3 Awesome Things About Group Jiu Jitsu Classes

January 30, 2020

If you’ve been thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu, you might have done a little bit of online research and discovered a variety of training options. Most Jiu Jitsu academies offer students a few different programs, including both group classes as well as private training.

So, how do you figure out which program is the best fit for you? Personal martial arts goals, along with your level of fitness and experience, will help you narrow it down.

If you’re leaning toward group training, but you’re still feeling a little nervous about getting started, here are just a few of the awesome things about group Jiu Jitsu classes:

1. Overcome the Intimidation Factor

Feeling like  the new guy or girl  in any group can be intimidating. However, what you’ll find with the Jiu Jitsu community is a group of supportive individuals and athletes who want you to benefit from the practice of Jiu Jitsu. Every person understands and respects what it feels like to be new. So rather than egos and exclusivity, you’ll find an inclusive group that will make you feel more comfortable instead of intimidated.

2. Work on Your Weaknesses

Anytime you train by yourself, it becomes all too convenient to focus on your strengths and neglect your weaknesses. On the other hand, group Jiu Jitsu training holds you accountable for all aspects of your practice, including the areas where you could improve. With the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor, you’ll be more likely to confront weaknesses and work on becoming a more well-rounded athlete.

3. Gain Accountability

Group Jiu Jitsu classes are made up of people who share similar interests to yours. Because of this, you’ll probably find it easy to form relationships with fellow students and make some new friends. Over time, your new friends and training partners will become a source of accountability for  your martial arts training . If you miss a class or a few days of classes, someone will notice. You might get a text or a call asking when you’ll be back on the mats. These people will make even the most uncomfortable workout or training session much more enjoyable.

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4 Elements of Martial Arts Fitness You Can Train from Home

March 27, 2020
When you can’t make it in for your regular martial arts classes, your training doesn’t have to stop. Along with martial arts training to continue improving and refining your skills, you can also work on improving your fitness from home.

3 Ways Jiu Jitsu Promotes Mindfulness

March 16, 2020
A Jiu Jitsu martial arts practice has many health benefits for your body and your mind. With every class you attend, you are building habits that can lead to improvements in your physical and mental health. By focusing all of your attention on a single activity, Jiu Jitsu, your training becomes like a moving meditation. When you become more mindful, you become more aware of your thoughts. Managing these thoughts means you experience less stress. And when you experience less stress, your overall health and daily life improve. Here are a few ways that Jiu Jitsu promotes mindfulness: 1. Breathing. One of the basic ways to create a strong connection between your body and mind is through breathing. Taking deep breaths where you’re focusing on the inhale and exhale creates a calmer mind, reduces heart rate, and improves performance. Shifting your focus to your breathing directs your attention away from the stress of the day. One hundred percent of your attention is on your Jiu Jitsu class and what’s happening in the present moment. 2. Awareness of Thoughts. It’s impossible to stop negative thoughts, but it is possible to reframe them. The first step in managing negative thoughts is to become aware of them. This awareness develops, along with a strong mind-body connection. If you practice awareness of your thoughts (either positive or negative) while training, you’re also increasing mindfulness. 3. Individual Focus. Comparing yourself to other students in your class makes it tough to maintain a mind-body connection. Rather than paying attention to others, focus on yourself. Practice noticing when you’re no longer focused on yourself and bring your attention back to your training. Letting go of how much the other students are progressing in favor of your own improvement promotes mindfulness.

5 Skills that Encourage Kids to Be Leaders

February 28, 2020
Through martial arts, kids develop both character-building and leadership skills. Here are a few skills from martial arts that encourage kids to be good leaders: 1. Focus Martial arts students practice paying attention to their instructor while ignoring distractions. Students learn to focus only on what is relevant and responding appropriately. Being able to recognize and let go of the things that aren’t relevant to the task at hand is one of a leader’s many strengths. 2. Self-Discipline A disciplined martial arts student has figured out the value of working hard and putting effort into their training. He or she has learned that training through repetition ultimately helps to accomplish a goal. At the same time, a leader recognizes the importance of committing to the learning process to achieve a future goal. 3. Respect From the first time a student steps on to the mats, respect is a fundamental value of martial arts. Instructors expect all students to be respectful of each other. They honor and show kindness to everyone and receive respect, honor, and kindness in return. 4. Self-Confidence Martial arts provides kids a chance to build up a belief in themselves and expand what they think they’re capable of. Hard work, patience, and dedication to martial arts leads to success and confidence. And a confident student is more likely to grow and become a confident leader. 5. Social Skills Group martial arts classes encourage the development of social skills. Students learn how to interact with one another and build relationships with kids from a variety of backgrounds. The ability to build strong relationships is another valuable trait for good leaders.
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