Do I Need to Get in Shape Before Doing BJJ? Guide


shape

Practicing martial arts- will provide numerous mental and physical benefits. As a result, you can improve your physical shape by dedicating yourself to training. However, some may not want to start training in BJJ before they’re in shape. Here are the actual facts about this matter. 

You don’t need to be in physical shape before starting training in BJJ because you’ll better your physical condition while training. As a result, by participating in BJJ training, you’ll learn to fight while simultaneously improving your physical shape. 

Frankly, if you’re currently out-of-shape, not beginning your training because of that- is an excuse. As a result, if you desire to get in shape, it’ll be best to start training as soon as possible. 

This article will explain why you don’t have to be in prior shape before starting your BJJ training. Moreover, we’ll mainly discuss martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu’s physical aspects. Consequently, after reading this article, you’ll attain the knowledge you’re missing in this matter. 

What do I need to know before starting BJJ?

Jiu-Jitsu is a fantastic martial art- suitable for fighting purposes and as a sport. By dedicating yourself to it, you’ll receive many benefits, such as increased confidence. 

Moreover, you’ll learn to fight appropriately, which is the purpose of martial arts. Primarily, you’ll learn to use ground grappling with disabling your opponent with quickness and effectiveness

You don’t need to be in prior shape when starting to train in Jiu-Jitsu, as you’ll better your physical condition while learning. As a result, it’ll be best if you don’t think about your current physical condition. Instead, picture yourself bettering it with every training session. 

fighting style
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Honestly, you don’t need to know a whole bunch before starting to train. The beauty in martial arts is that you get better gradually. As a result, you’ll learn to love the learning process while improving yourself. 

Many studies showed the importance of physical training for your well-being. In fact, some of these studies examined the benefits of martial arts in particular. I’ll leave you with a study that motivated me to begin doing martial arts. I hope it’ll do the same for you. 

Training in martial arts has been shown to alter experiences of control and vulnerability, self-esteem, self-concept, fitness, confidence, and relaxation. As a result, some researchers characterize martial arts practice as a form of self-help. 

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Can you get in shape doing BJJ?

One of the prominent benefits you can expect to gain from training is better physical shape. Moreover, it comes sooner than others, which is surprising as it’s valuable. For example, I was sore after the first martial arts training session. 

By constantly participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll better your physical shape since it’s an intense workout. On average, BJJ trainees burn 706 calories/hour. Because of that, you’ll burn body fat while improving your aerobic shape, which is your physical condition. 

In today’s society, losing body fat is more challenging than ever. It seems as if everyone and their mothers are trying to lose weight. Nonetheless, people are complicating matters. However, if we follow the basic 80/20 rule (20% of the actions lead to most of the results), we can come up with a conclusion. 

You can better your physical shape by participating in more physical activites. It’s that simple. Most people will begin to complicate matters by optimizing everything. Yet, that leads to less consistency. 

However, by focusing your complete attention on the one action that leads to most of the results, you become capable of losing body fat effortlessly. Additionally, your overall condition will improve with your dedication to training. 

Is BJJ physically hard?

Many folks underestimate how physically challenging martial arts are. At first, you’ll struggle to complete some of the basic techniques, as they’re demanding to execute. However, as you improve, you’ll begin noticing that you can do all the movements you couldn’t before. 

BJJ is physically hard because it includes drills and exercises which will increase your heart rate to an uncomfortable level. But, as a result, it’s an effective workout- suitable both for losing body fat and improving your aerobic and anaerobic shapes.

boxers
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Because of that, many trainees will wake up sore from the upcoming training sessions. However, that shouldn’t scare you since it’s a positive outcome. If you’re sore, your body is developing. 

BJJ training sessions include various drills that’ll test your limits. For instance, rolling spars are incredibly difficult physically. Consequently, one may find it difficult to keep up with training, as it’s mentally draining. Yet, because of the challenge, you’ll develop both your mental and physical selves. 

How often should a beginner do BJJ?

Many trainees aren’t familiar with how often they should train. However, it’s an incredibly critical detail to know and understand since it may be the difference between progressing and permanently harming yourself. 

A beginner in BJJ should train up to 3-times a week on non-consecutive days. As a result, the beginner will let his body recover entirely before beginning his next training session. Not following this guideline will cause overtraining, which is highly harmful. 

For exemplification, here are some symptoms 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.

As you can see, these are not the most enjoyable benefits you’d expect to get from martial arts. Nonetheless, avoiding overtraining is as easy as it sounds; don’t train on consecutive days. For instance, if you train in Jiu-Jitsu on Sunday, don’t do so on Monday. 

Additionally, listening to your body- is crucial. However, I have no certifications in this realm. As a result, I’ll leave you with a quote on how to avoid overtraining from an expert. 

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. 

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Final words

Many people don’t begin to train in BJJ since they’re currently out of shape. However, that’s nothing less than an excuse. Instead, start participating in such training, and you’ll find that many people aren’t in the best shape either. As a result, you can improve together. 

I saw drastic improvements in my physical shape since I began training in martial arts. For instance, shedding body fat has become easier than ever. Additionally, my aerobic and anaerobic conditions improved in correlation to my invested effort.

Finally, if you reached this far in the article, you may also like to read about the reasons BJJ is effective for self-defense. If you desire to improve yourself in Jiu-Jitsu, consider following the link. 

Levi

I've served in the military as a special forces operator for 4-years. In that period, I've trained in many martial arts, including karate, MMA, BJJ, boxing, and even Krav Maga. I want to share my passion with you, so here it is!

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