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We all know that physical training is one of the best ways to improve ourselves. It's also one of the best ways to improve your mental self, as you'll understand what true hardships look like. Then, when you face an obstacle in real life, you'll have no issues overcoming it. The question remains, should you learn Judo, which is one of the most effective and intense fighting styles on the globe? You should learn Judo because it provides endless benefits while teaching you practical and effective fighting techniques, primarily grappling. In real fights, Judo is one of the most effective fighting styles, as it'll allow you to control your opponent while maneuvering yourself and your opponent as you wish. This is one of the most powerful traits any fighter can have; the ability to maneuver himself and his opponent accordingly to his goals. In self-defense and street fights, being able to pin your opponent on his back to the ground will be of immense value. This article is going to review five reasons to start learning Judo. I know it can be difficult to take that first step and attend the first training session. However, once you're done doing that, everything becomes much easier. So let's dive into the article! Should You Learn Judo? Whether you should learn any martial art out there depends on one simple question, that if you can answer, means that you should commence your training as soon as possible. The question is: Do you want to better your life? Learning Judo is one of the best decisions you'll make because of the endless benefits it provides to your life. Not only will you learn to fight, which is the original purpose of martial arts, but your confidence will increase, your self-esteem will rise, and your aggression and stress levels will plummet. Let's now review the five reasons to learn Judo! #1 – Better Balance and Strength The first reason why you should learn Judo is for better balance and strength. I've been a martial arts disciple for a few years now and have noticed that trainees of any fighting style, but primarily Judo, are very athletic. If you imagine a Judo training session, it's not extremely intense and it doesn't work as much on flexibility. However, simply by practicing the throwing techniques and the grappling, your body is going to become much stronger and with greater balance. Here's a study that proves my point: The current results suggest that Judo could have beneficial effects on cognitive functions, denoted by elevated peripheral BDNF, as well as on balance and strength abilities. SOURCE I've seen Judo trainees of many different ages, including kids and the elderly. As a result, I know that it works for everyone since I saw it for myself. Your body is going to become much more effective when you train in any martial art and learn to fight. Learn about the best martial arts for kids by following this link, including whether they're safe or not. So the first reason is better balance and greater strength. Let's be frank, who doesn't want to be stronger? #2 – Better Physical Shape Being in better physical shape is one of the most desired goals in today's world. It seems like everyone wants to lose body fat and improve their body composition. However, very few people are putting in the actual work to make that happen. Let's review a study that showcased why Judo is a prominent and effective exercise to get better physical shape. Data showed that judo athletes and recreational judo practitioners show above-average VO2max, improved body composition, increased bone mineral density, and bone mineral content. Judo is associated with a sequence of adaptations in cardiac structure, function, and blood pressure changes. SOURCE Now, let's try and understand why that's the case. Basically, you'll be moving around constantly, trying to find openings to throw your opponent. When you do find an opening, you'll break through your opponent's defense and throw him to the ground. These all require many calories and will make you sweat rather quickly. Therefore, it's important to understand that by staying consistent in Judo, you'll be able to improve your physical shape and even lose body fat if you eat correctly. If you want to learn how to lose body fat through martial arts training, follow this link. #3 – Lower Stress Let's now review the third reason, which is going to be lower stress. I've had quite a debate with myself as to whether I should dedicate an entire section to "increased self-confidence and self-esteem" or "lower stress." Eventually, I decided to choose the latter because so many people will be able to better their lives by having a lower stress baseline. Let's start with a fantastic study I saw upon researching this article: The data showed that, on average, martial artists have lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and anger. SOURCE Judo reduces stress by being a platform for you to release built tension and aggression. Because it's an intense exercise, it's a great platform for you to release negative feelings and ensure they don't come back even post-training. You'll also be entirely focused on training, as you'll want to win and not get thrown to the ground. This is what people call mindfulness, which we'll review in the 5th reason. By being more mindful, you'll actually improve your well-being, which is in direct correlation with your baseline stress levels. Learn how martial arts reduce stress—by following this link to an article of mine where I break down the reasons. #4 – Learning to Fight Let's now talk about one of the most important benefits you'll gain from attending weekly Judo classes. This reason to start your journey will be learning to fight. Indeed, you'll become a solid fighter, especially in real self-defense and real fighting situations if you stay consistent with your training. What you'll learn is grappling, primarily throws and takedowns, which are extremely effective. The whole point of Judo is to throw your opponent on his back. Of course, when the stakes are real and you're facing someone you want to beat, you'll also finish with a submission, either a choke or an arm lock. Read more about the best chokes out there by following this link. Anyways, you'll learn to throw your opponent to the ground and finish with a submission. This is especially effective against people who train in striking-based martial arts, such as Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Boxing. I want you to watch the video below, which is a fight I broke down between a Muay Thai fighter (nuk muay) and a Judo disciple. From the moment the fight began, I knew the Judo guy is going to win because he has the advantage. If he closes the distance, the nuk muay has all the advantages in the world. Knowing to fight is a great reason to commence your Judo training. Likewise, learning to fight will boost your confidence and self-esteem, which are highly desirable traits in today's world. I hope you're fired up to start because of this result. Learn which martial arts are the deadliest globally by following this link! #5 – Mindfulness For the last benefit, let me show you a study that examined the effects of regular martial arts practice on mindfulness. This study was conducted on behalf of all martial arts, but it also applies to Judo, Here, take a look! The regular practice of martial arts (Judo) could elevate mindfulness levels of practitioners and thus influence positively on stress management and therefore quality of life and well-being. SOURCE Diagram showing the reciprocal activity between martial arts, mindfulness, mindful exercise, and stress. As you can see, there's clear evidence in the literature that martial arts boost mindfulness while reducing stress, which we already have understood. The mindfulness part is where I want you to really understand why that's the case. Today, the word mindfulness gets thrown around endlessly. From my understanding, many people don't really understand what it is. Essentially, it's when you examine your thoughts (your brain) as an outsider. So using your brain to examine your brain (kind of weird, but makes sense.) When you fight, especially in martial arts like Judo, BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Kickboxing, and MMA, you'll have zero distractions around you. Likewise, you'll be so focused on the goal ahead (to win the fight) that you'll boost mindfulness even outside training. Mindfulness and focus are closely linked, which means that you'll be able to improve both of them simultaneously. Judo, in short, boosts mindfulness and focus while minimizing distractions Final Words These are all the reasons why I think you should learn Judo. So, to end this article on a high note, let me tell you what takeaway I want you to take. I don't care if you remember the benefits and the reasons I've listed in this article. Likewise, I don't care if you skipped through this article and didn't manage to read any of the reasons. What I do care about is action. This is my philosophy in life. Without action, nothing valuable will come to your life. You must take active steps toward success, which is difficult. I know that it's difficult because I'm also out here hustling. Start your Judo training, even if you're unsure that it's the most suitable martial art for you. You'll be surprised at how much fulfillment and value it'll bring to your life. Here are other articles you'll benefit from reading: Judo vs. Muay Thai – The Ultimate Showdown (Who Wins?) Aikido vs. Judo – The Ultimate Showdown! 7 Tips to Perfect Your Takedowns (For BJJ & Judo) Kouchi Gari Complete Breakdown – For BJJ & Judo Foot Sweep Guide (For BJJ, Judo, and Wrestling) Seoi Nage – Takedown Breakdown (BJJ & Judo)