Are you curious about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but feel like it's not for you because you're not athletic?
Well, let me tell you that you couldn't be more wrong!
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that is suitable for people of all fitness levels and abilities.
It is a form of self-defense and fitness that is adaptable to suit the needs of non-athletic people.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for non-athletic people, and how it can be adapted to suit their needs.
We will also discuss how to overcome common challenges and find the right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school for non-athletic people.
So, if you're ready to discover a new form of exercise and self-defense that will change your life, read on.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for non-athletic people
Non-athletic people have a lot to gain from practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Not only it's a fun and engaging workout, but it also provides a wealth of benefits that can change your life.
From physical fitness to self-defense skills, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has something for everyone.
Benefit #1: Improved Physical Fitness
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a full-body workout that will leave you feeling like you just ran a marathon.
But don't worry, you don't have to be a marathon runner to do it.
The beauty of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that it is adaptable to your fitness level.
As you learn and practice the techniques, your fitness level will improve.
You'll start to notice that you're getting stronger, even if you're not an athlete.
Benefit #2: Increased Flexibility and Mobility
Let's face it, most of us aren't as flexible as we used to be.
But Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is here to change that.
As you learn and practice the techniques, you'll start to notice that you're becoming more flexible and mobile.
You'll be able to touch your toes, and maybe even do the splits (if that's your thing).
The best part is that you don't have to be a gymnast to achieve this.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is adaptable to your current level of flexibility and mobility.
Benefit #3: Weight Loss
Are you looking to lose weight? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is here to help.
As you learn and practice the techniques, you'll be burning calories and losing weight without even realizing it.
Who doesn't want to lose weight while having fun, right? It's like a dream come true.
Benefit #4: Self-Defense Skills
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great form of self-defense.
As you learn and practice the techniques, you'll be able to defend yourself in real-life situations.
Safety and security is important for everyone, isn't it?
It's always good to know how to defend yourself, just in case.
Benefit #5: Self-Confidence
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just a physical workout, it's also a mental workout.
As you learn and practice the techniques, you'll start to feel more confident in yourself and your abilities.
With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you'll be able to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
You'll develop a sense of self-assurance that will help you in all aspects of your life.
Whether it's in your personal or professional life, you'll be able to approach any situation with a sense of confidence and determination.
How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is Adapted for Non-Athletic People
In this section, we will explore some of the ways Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is adapted for non-athletic people.
From modified training programs to focus on technique over strength, we'll show you how even if you're not a powerhouse, you can still achieve great results in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Modified training program
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is adaptable to the needs of non-athletic people, and one of the ways this is achieved is through modified training programs.
These programs are designed to take into account the fitness level and abilities of each individual, and are tailored to help them achieve their goals.
This allows non-athletic people to train at a pace that is comfortable for them, without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
You'll still be getting a full-body workout, just at a pace that works for you.
One way to modify Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training program for non-athletic people is through lower intensity training.
This means that the training sessions are not as intense as they would be for athletes, which is perfect for non-athletic people.
It allows them to train at a level that is comfortable for them and still get a great workout without feeling like they are being pushed too hard.
Focus on technique over strength
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, technique is key.
And this is especially true for non-athletic people.
By focusing on technique, non-athletic people can still achieve great results, even if they don't have the same level of strength as athletes.
To achieve high level of technique, you also need to focus on having a proper form/posture.
By focusing on proper form/posture, non-athletic people can gradually improve their balance, weight distribution, defense and offense throughout their training.
Some basic proper form/posture that you need to focus on:
- Keep your head up and back straight most of the times to avoid being swept.
- Keep your elbows closed to your ribs to avoid being controlled.
- Tuck your chin to add a layer of defense from being choked.
- Elbows and knees need to stay close most of the times when playing guard to improve retention against the pass.
- And many more....
Remember that the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu maxim is "technique conquers everything".
Finding the Right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School for Non-Athletic People
Finding the right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school can be a daunting task, especially if you're not an athlete.
However, with the right research and due diligence, you can find a school that is tailored to your needs.
In this section, we will explore key factors to consider when searching for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school suitable for non-athletic people.
What to Look for in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School
When looking for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school, it's essential to find one that offers different types of classes and training programs to cater for different types of students.
Usually, a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school offers introductory, beginner and intermediate to advanced level classes.
Each of these will have different training regiments, drills and intensity.
A number of schools also offer a "competitor class", which is designed specifically for those who want to compete and become a professional jiu jitsu athletes.
So, if you come into a school and they only offer "competitor class" only and you are still brand new and very non-athletic, it makes no sense at all for you to sign up there unless you are aiming to become a full-time competitor.
More importantly, you want a school with a friendly and supportive environment, as well as instructors who are willing to work with non-athletic students.
How to Find a School That is Suitable for Non-Athletic People
A good way to find a school that is to research schools online for the nearest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools around you and visit them to observe training sessions.
Attend a free trial class and see if the instructors are willing to help less-athletic and weaker students working on their technique.
Feel the vibe of the school; are the students there friendly? Are the competitors willing to ease their intensity when rolling with beginners and non-competitors or they just smash them without regards?
You know you have found the perfect school if the vibes suit you.
Most importantly, make sure that the BJJ school of your choice is legitimate.
Try to look for background information about the head instructor/professor.
You want to make sure that the professor is a legitimate black belt with a clear lineage that can be traced up all the way to Carlos and Helio Gracie or Mitsuyo Maeda.
To wrap it up....
In conclusion, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just for the athletes or for people who are naturally strong and flexible, it's for everyone!
And non-athletic people have a lot to gain from practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
It's not just a fun and engaging workout, but it also provides a wealth of benefits that can change your life.
From physical fitness to self-defense skills, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has something for everyone.
We encourage non-athletic people to not shy away from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because of their perceived limitations.
Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with how much you can achieve.
If you're interested in trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, take the next step and research different schools in your area.
Visit them, observe the training sessions and speak with instructors to determine if they cater to non-athletic students.
Remember, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for everyone and you never know, you might just discover a new hobby that you love.
So, don't be afraid to give it a try, you might just have a blast!