12 Ways Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Can Improve Your Life: 2. Mental Health

Although mental health might not be why you join Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy, you’ll quickly realize its one of the top reasons you stay! When you step onto the mats your problems don’t magically go away, but what I have found is that during the active parts of the class, like learning technique or sparring, your attention is taken off outside difficulties. For example, when all the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills you’ve learned during your training are rushing through your mind, as you try to safely escape from a compromised position, you are forced to focus on the task at hand. This in turn can distract you from your problems at work or that angry driver who cut you off on the freeway. Another positive side effect of training BJJ is the ability to take some time to separate yourself from something that is bothering you. When you are finished with a class you gain a sense of perspective on the problem. This is because you return to the matter at a later time, rather than with the same emotion as before. In other words, it allows you a safe and constructive place to cool off.