Are you interested in signing up for martial arts classes? And maybe you’ve set your sights on one in particular - Jiu-Jitsu?
But you’re reluctant. After all, some suggest that martial arts are dangerous, so you’re presented with a dilemma:
Do I sign up for jiu-jitsu, or would it be better to try a different kind of activity?
But here is the thing:
All Sports Are Dangerous
Every type of physical activity carries an inherent risk. Lifting weights? Risky. Running on a treadmill? Risky. Playing contact sports? Especially risky.
But does this mean we should avoid movement for the sake of keeping ourselves injury-free? Of course not. Movement is essential to good health, maintaining normal body weight, and feeling good.
Countless studies find that physically active people are happier, more confident, and less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. But you don’t need research to tell you this:
Think back to a time when you were active for most of the day. Maybe you played sports, went hiking, or did some manual work around your house. How did you feel while doing it and afterward? Chances are, you felt energized, motivated, and in a better mood, despite pushing yourself.
It’s in our DNA to seek and benefit from movement. Leading a sedentary lifestyle is never a good option for our physical and mental health.
The Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu Outweigh The Potential Drawbacks
Yes, Jiu-Jitsu poses some physical risk, and minor injuries can occur throughout the course of training. In many cases, the injuries come in the form of mat burns, bruises, bumps, stubbed toes (“turf toes”), swollen fingers, and muscle soreness.
All martial arts come with these minor inconveniences that can feel like significant obstacles for newcomers. But, once you gain some experience, these minor aches feel less problematic, and most people stop paying attention to them entirely.
Plus, Jiu-Jitsu offers incredible benefits that far outweigh these potential drawbacks. Most notably, this is a fantastic art for building superior self-defense skills. It teaches you how to close the distance, disarm, and submit opponents through crafty footwork, skill, and wit. It’s not uncommon for a relatively small person to overpower a much larger opponent through skill.
Jiu-Jitsu is also excellent for your conditioning, strength, power, and overall athleticism. Training sessions are demanding and help you grow stronger, powerful, and more enduring.
The Key to Longevity
Jiu-Jitsu training is incredibly beneficial. And although some people deem it unsafe and risky, countless practitioners enjoy the sport for life.
So how does that happen? The key to enjoying Jiu-Jitsu training pain and risk-free is to find a quality instructor who stresses safety measures. This allows for fun, productive, and pain-free training sessions.
Minor aches can always occur (for instance, mat burns are an inevitable part of training). But a good instructor will help keep you safe from many other potential aches and injuries.
If you’re interested in working with an experienced and knowledgeable coach, come down to Dream Martial Arts and Fitness in Santa Clarita for a Jiu-Jitsu class.
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