Learning any martial art– is wise. You’ll gain numerous mental and physical benefits. Moreover, you’ll learn to fight, which is why you’re most likely starting to train in the first place. BJJ is one of the best martial arts. Yet, is it hard to learn?
BJJ isn’t hard for beginners because you don’t need any previous experience with martial arts or sports. As a result, anyone can begin training to start from today. For instance, some fighting styles require you to have some levels of training, such as MMA.
Although that’s accurate, some may find Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu unintuitive. Remember, ground grappling isn’t as straightforward as punching or kicking. Because of that, the time until you learn the basics- may increase from other martial arts, such as boxing.
Nonetheless, Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best martial arts one can learn. In fact, it’s one of the most suitable ones for self-defense. Thus learning it- is incredibly smart.
This post will demonstrate various factors that favor the fact that BJJ isn’t hard to learn. However, I’ll also present some counterarguments. Eventually, I want you to make the wisest choice possible. After reading this article, I’m confident you’ll have an easier time choosing one to learn.
How long will it take to learn BJJ?
First, we discussed that BJJ isn’t as hard to learn as other martial arts, as you don’t need to be in the previous shape. But, on the other hand, ground grappling, which is the technique you’ll learn in BJJ training, is less intuitive than other movements, such as punching or kicking. So, how long will it take to learn BJJ?
Learning the basics of BJJ may take anywhere from 1-6 months. Advancing to the belt after white, which is blue- takes 2-years on average. Because of that, we understand that many may not grasp the basics of Jiu-Jitsu even after 6-months. Nonetheless, it’s unlikely.
I’m a big fan of the grappling technique. Anyone can use it to disable anyone in seconds. Therefore, it’s incredibly effective both for self-defense and all fighting purposes. To demonstrate how practical ground grappling is, I’ll include a video demonstrating it.
You can see why many trainees may find it more difficult to learn than other techniques, such as punching and kicking. As a result, it may take more time to learn than the average martial art.
Nevertheless, you don’t need to be in prior shape in your BJJ training. As a result, you can begin training starting today. If there’s a single action it’ll be best if you take- it is to start training as soon as possible.
Do you need to be fit for BJJ?
Some martial arts require you to have some physical shape before beginning to train. Because of that, some people may find it more challenging to start since they’re not in shape. Is it the case with BJJ?
You don’t need to be fit to start doing BJJ because your physical shape will improve the more dedicated you are to training. As a result, you’ll burn many calories and improve both your aerobic and anaerobic conditions. For instance, you can burn up to 1100 calories in a single session.
Eventually, you’ll progress faster if you can be in shape before your training. Some BJJ trainees earn the black belt (high status in any martial art) in under 4-years, which is incredible. These trainees had some previous fighting background combined with a solid physical condition.
Nonetheless, that’s one of these things you shouldn’t invest your worry about. If you can begin training, you’ll start noticing plenty of physical results. Moreover, you’ll begin grasping the ground grappling techniques, which take time to comprehend.
Participants report that the therapeutic benefits of BJJ practice include assertiveness, self-confidence, self-control, patience, empathy, empowerment, improved sleep, and mindfulness. Source
As you can see, training in BJJ– is incredibly beneficial. Moreover, these traits are all highly desirable in today’s world. Thus if you can achieve them while learning to fight, you’re winning from all aspects.
Is BJJ difficult to learn?
Because we previously discussed this point, I’ll answer it briefly. However, I’ll change my answer reasons so you can learn more about Jiu-Jitsu. As I stated, my goal is to aid you in choosing whether you want to learn BJJ or not. Thus let’s discuss the details.
BJJ isn’t difficult to learn because you know the martial art once you understand ground grappling. So regardless of how long it’ll take, which is most likely longer than other martial arts, once you understand it, you have understood the basics of BJJ.
To clarify, the only central aspect of BJJ is that it’s unintuitive. Therefore, once you comprehend it, you’ll have an easier time learning the rest and enjoying the training than in the beginning.
How often should a beginner do BJJ?
Optimizing the times you train will ensure you avoid over-training, which is highly harmful. Eventually, if you let your body over-train, you’ll lose more than you gain in training. For instance, if I train daily and over-train my muscles, I’ll lose more than I earn in every training session. Thus it’s incredibly unwise.
A beginner should train up to 3-times a week on non-consecutive days because he’ll let his body fully recover. As a result, reaching a state of over-training- becomes impossible. The symptoms of such a state are incredibly harmful, even in the long term. Thus it would be best if you avoided it.
Here are some symptoms you may experience when you don’t optimize your training routine and achieve over-training.
Lifestyle-related signs of overtraining Source
- Prolonged general fatigue.
- Increase in tension, depression, anger, or confusion.
- Inability to relax.
- Poor-quality sleep.
- Lack of energy, decreased motivation, moodiness.
- Not feeling joy from things that were once enjoyable.
Each one of these benefits- is highly harmful. As a result, even experiencing one of them- is incredibly detrimental. Can you even imagine what it feels like to experience all of these at once? Moreover, combine the fact that you can’t train since your muscles hurt too much. So, concluding the overtraining part, it’ll be best if we avoid it at all costs.
Thus ensure you maximize the number of times you train in BJJ to 3-times a week. However, I’m no certified expert. Therefore let me quote a professional.
To prevent overtraining, schedule regular rest days after long or demanding workouts. Take a break from targeting a muscle group for 1 or 2 days if you do weight or resistance training. At the same time, don’t allow for too much time to lapse between workout sessions. Have a rest period during your workout. Source
What is the best age to start BJJ?
You can do any martial art- at any age. Moreover, you’ll experience the same benefits that others would experience too. For instance, you’ll better your physical shape as much as others. Additionally, you’ll increase your confidence and self-esteem.
The best age to start learning BJJ is any age because there’s no restriction. As a result, you could receive all the benefits anyone would if you begin training. For instance, both an 8-year-old and a 60-year-old individuals can learn BJJ and reap similar results.
Because there’s no restriction, you can begin training today. Think with yourself; what’s stopping you? What are the reasons that you haven’t already started your training? Often, these reasons are merely excuses. Use self-reflection to ensure you’re not using any excuses to let this opportunity pass.
Final words
If there’s a single piece of advice I want you to take is to begin training in BJJ. Regardless of any reasons or excuses you may have invented; you’ll benefit your well-being in many aspects. As a result, if you can begin as soon as possible, you’ll notice benefits sooner. Therefore, staying consistent- becomes more manageable.
BJJ isn’t hard for beginners because you don’t need to have any prior training before you start practicing. However, ground grappling, which is the technique you’ll learn, might be challenging to grasp. Consequently, some may find it more demanding than other fighting styles, such as boxing.