As we come to the end of the year, it is almost that time of the year when millions of people focus on making New Year resolutions.
To many, the New Year marks fresh beginnings. It is a time to move on to the next chapter of our lives.
Believe it or not, as people do their end of year reflection, most of them will want to have a lifestyle change. A change in lifestyle may include healthy eating, exercising more, learning a new skill or actively engaging in sports.
If you are one such person, why not think of taking up Jiu Jitsu this coming year?
JIU JITSU
Also known as Jujutsu, this is a form of martial art that originated from Japan. It is a method of close combat that focuses on defensive techniques that seek to control an opponent forcing him to submit.
Jiu Jitsu has numerous benefits. Apart from creating stronger bonds, longevity, and teaching self-defense, below are some other reasons why I propose that Jiu Jitsu be at the top of your New Year’s resolution list.
Physical Benefits
One of the most amazing things about watching people practicing Jiu Jitsu is how fast their reflexes are. Whether they are attacking their opponent or dodging blows, their reaction times are superfast.
This is not the same for a beginner. However, with practice and through repetition, their reflexes improve vastly. These quick reflexes will manifest in real life and may come in handy in several day-to-day activities like driving.
People who practice Jiu Jitsu also show improved posture, stamina, endurance, and stability. Over time, they gain significantly better balance.
Besides, studies show that Jiu Jitsu increases bone density. Better bone density is responsible for stronger bones, making them less liable to breakage in case of falls or injuries.
Jiu Jitsu classes involve exercises that emphasize dynamic movements. These movements train the muscles responsible for walking and balancing thus significantly reversing the decline effects seen in seniors.
Mental Benefits
While some of the physical benefits of Jiu Jitsu are visible, the sports’ effect on our mental well-being cannot be discounted. It is a form of mental therapy that allows participants to let out and discover suppressed feelings.
Numerous studies have shown that Jiu Jitsu students are assertive and could also alleviate symptoms of stress and depression.
Additionally, it improves a person’s attention span as well as significantly slows down the mental effects of aging.
Social Benefits
If you are at a point in your life when you feel empty and unfulfilled, joining a Jiu Jitsu class will be of help. It will let you focus on another exciting and positive skill. It also offers new life challenges; in this case, attaining the black belt. Achieving it will bring a renewed sense of purpose in your life.
The determination and courage participants show when striving to attain the black belt s enough to inspire and motivate the people around you. At the very least, you bring people to the realization that there is a possibility that they can do more with their lives.
Additionally, Jiu Jitsu together with other types of martial arts focuses on instilling respect and discipline in their students. These are life traits that allow you to get along and better relate with people.
Cardiovascular Health
Jiu Jitsu, just like any other sport that involves physical activity, offers cardiovascular benefits to the body.
During training, the movements and drills ramp up the heart rate. This, in turn, helps boost cardiovascular endurance and increase the positive impact of the sport.
Apart from building a strong heart which significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and heart failure, Jiu Jitsu slows down your resting heart rate and lowers your blood pressure.
Weight loss
Physical exercises build muscle mass which helps in improving the metabolism rate. Jiu Jitsu is a great form of exercise that will both build muscles and offer cardio benefits to the body. When these two are combined, weight loss is guaranteed.
Better Sleep
Most people underestimate the power of martial arts in improving sleep. People who have taken up Jiu Jitsu will attest to the fact that they not only feel better during the day but sleep soundly at night.
After a few weeks of practicing Jiu Jitsu, participants reported improved sleep quality as well as an increase in the number of hours they slept.
This is also a great sport for people who suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. It is a natural and highly effective therapy for insomnia. However, these benefits kick in over time as opposed to immediately.
Family Benefits
There is never a time well if not spent with your family and loved ones. One of the ways you could do this is by joining a Jiu Jitsu class with your family.
Jiu Jitsu offers the same benefits to your kids as it does to adults. However, with children, it will help them improve their academics. It also allows them to develop a ‘team mindset earlier on in life. This will make them better cope in the workplace and other social settings later on in life. Over time, the team mindset might also lead them to develop leadership qualities.
Better Digestion
Jiu Jitsu offers the body a great workout. A good workout gets the heart pumping faster, blood flowing better and oxygen circulating in the body. Since oxygen and blood are needed for digestion, the better they flow they better and more efficient the digestion.
Besides, the techniques used in Jiu Jitsu work the abdominal muscles, triceps, and hamstrings. It also incorporates a variety of circular movements and spinal rotations that massage the digestive organs. With such exercises, the intestinal muscles are given a well-deserved workout and this gets things moving and you might end up visiting the restroom.
It has also been noted to be a natural reliever of constipation.
So, as we head into the New Year, take a leap of faith and enroll in a weekly Jiu Jitsu class to experience these amazing benefits.
