Here’s Why BJJ Is the Hardest to Learn Martial Art


Grappling

Everyone enjoys practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since it is a distinctive grappling martial art that is especially fun for people of all ages. It places a focus on close-quarters combat and forbids the use of stick techniques. Since the inaugural UFC, BJJ has grown in popularity.

Some trainees assert that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most challenging martial art to learn. Is this fact?

BJJ is the hardest martial art to learn because it teaches ground grappling, in which practitioners must master various techniques and motions at every stage of progress, which takes time and effort. It may take a trainee up to a year of practice for their body to become accustomed to the BJJ martial art.

Indeed, It’s a dedicated discipline that’s psychologically and physically taxing.

BJJ demands a level of suppleness that one can only develop over time. This article discusses why BJJ is difficult to learn. 

Is BJJ hard to learn?

The idea that anyone could learn Jiu-Jitsu was fundamental when Mitsuyo Maeda, the founder of BJJ, taught Carlos Gracie and Luiz Franca how to grapple.

BJJ isn’t hard to learn physically. Everyone can learn Jiu-Jitsu techniques, regardless of gender, age, or physical characteristics; however, the learning process is undeniably difficult. You may learn the fundamentals within a few weeks or months of taking the first class and improve your ability to defend yourself. Mastering a wide range of skill sets is challenging.

A black belt
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BJJ demands an open mind, devotion, and time on the mat. Additionally, it takes some time for some Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to acquire the necessary muscle memory for proficiency. It will take the average individual time to become used to the fundamental “shrimp” or “hip escape” movement.

Why is BJJ the hardest to learn martial art?

The art of grappling is unlike any other sport. Jiu-Jitsu frequently feels substantially more counterintuitive, unlike Boxing and Muay Thai, which may feature punches and further strikes that, in their most basic form, feel quite normal to the typical person. It’s common for beginners to feel anxious when trying new training methods.

BJJ is the hardest to learn martial art because BJJ sparring is more complex than other striking arts. You get to fight bigger opponents. You put 100% effort into the fight. Likewise, you practice your defense in sparring matches with seasoned practitioners and come close with your adversary, which can be very unpleasant.

MMA
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

Many individuals are not used to ground fighting, which BJJ emphasizes.

An actual test of your mental fortitude, resolve, and physical prowess in BJJ training is that Jiu-jitsu pushes you beyond your comfort zone repeatedly, forcing you to delve deeper inside yourself to keep from losing it. And when you do, you get up and prepare to roll on the mat once more.

Follow the link to read about the best grappling mats for your money. Buying one is the first step to training BJJ at home, which will save you money in the long term.

Should you learn BJJ?

Even in the safest nations, we should all exercise additional caution and, of course, never take safety for granted in light of the rising crime rate. Imagine yourself in a dangerous circumstance where you must defend yourself, and BJJ comes in handy.

You should learn BJJ because it teaches practical and applicable to real life fighting techniques, which revolve around ground grappling. Furthermore, it provides countless benefits to its trainees, such as increased confidence and self-esteem, and reduces stress, aggression, and violence levels.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, also known as BJJ, was created to help a smaller, weaker opponent defeat a bigger, stronger one. BJJ is for everyone, since size is irrelevant! 

grappling

Many people are unaware of how essential BJJ is for one’s self-development and how it may help the typical person daily. Here, therefore, are five reasons why you should learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

1 – BJJ improves your capacity to defend yourself

Statistics show that most battles end on the ground, which is why BJJ is so effective. It emphasizes grappling and on-ground combat.

It will become apparent to you as you develop as a martial artist and learn numerous techniques why BJJ is one of the world’s most cutting-edge and effective martial arts.

2 – BJJ aids in weight loss

BJJ uses both your aerobic and anaerobic systems, which will increase your cardio endurance. Additionally, it shapes your physique because when you grapple, you employ a variety of muscles.

You’ll get into the best physical shape of your life as your BJJ training progresses, both inside and out!

If you want to read whether Jiu-Jitsu is suitable for weight loss and fitness, follow the link to a piece of mine addressing the topic.

3 – It forces you to step outside your comfort zone

Nobody likes to be knocked down and made to submit or fight a bigger opponent. But you’ll develop courage and maturity when you regularly face your worries and step outside your comfort zone.

Gaining confidence can help you learn to take chances both on and off the mats, which could have beautiful results.

two men grappling
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

4 – BJJ increases your confidence

You’ll feel more confident in your capacity to defend yourself if you understand how to effectively protect yourself, or even to force a submission on someone bigger and stronger.

Additionally, once you discover that you can use your flaws as strengths, you’ll start to believe in yourself. The results of your life would be more favorable if you had this unwavering self-belief.

Learn more about the mental benefits BJJ grants by following the link to an article of mine.

5 – BJJ brings you amazing friends.

Your friendship with other BJJ practitioners is a unique and unbreakable one. Along with supporting you in class, they’ll be there to encourage you on the most challenging days and share in your achievements.

I hope these reasons persuade you that you should learn BJJ. Begin your martial arts journey today and let your inner fighter out! 

How long does it take to learn BJJ?

BJJ, in some ways, is a “game of human chess,” incorporating hundreds of principles and tactics learned through years of practice. You may wonder, “How long does it take to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?” 

Learning BJJ may take anywhere from 2-12 months. The number ranges depending on how dedicated to training you are. For example, you can earn a blue belt after 1 to 2 years of diligent training. The whole BJJ belt structure is available here. For most people, learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong journey.

The ultimate goal is to obtain the title of BJJ black belt. Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a challenging job that takes years of effort, discipline, and dedication.

black belt

A black belt in BJJ usually takes between 10 and 15 years to achieve. There are, of course, exceptions to any rule. MMA athlete BJ Penn famously earned his black belt in just three years and four months, making him one of the fastest individuals ever to obtain the level. 

This type of progression is exceedingly uncommon for most people.

Beginners begin as white belts and earn stripes as they develop, though this may vary depending on the school you practice. 

A blue belt is the second belt you will acquire as a BJJ practitioner, demonstrating knowledge of various techniques gained via hundreds of hours of constant training.

Final words

To make your Jiu-Jitsu journey enjoyable, you must adopt the proper mindset. Next, work on your defense and continue improving your technique to thrive in practice. 

Always learn from your errors and attempt to correct them. Instead of focusing on winning, attempt to learn as much as possible. When you know a new technique in class, try it immediately during sparring.

 If you keep failing or tapping out to belts lower than yours, be kind to yourself. Maintain a good attitude at all times. Don’t be so hard on yourself. 

Finally, you will execute your submissions with the delicacy you desire, and your passion will soar. The motions you used to find difficult become second nature soon, and you’ll learn and comprehend better as you grow.

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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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