The Best Things About Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Winter

When you think Brazilian Jiu Jitsu images of Rio’s sun-kissed beaches may well come to mind. 

Or, perhaps an image of the great Rickson Gracie working through movement drills as the sun sets over the summer sands, as seen in the documentary Choke.

For an art developed in the tropical climate of Brazil, BJJ will perhaps forever be associated with a certain surfer chic and summer sensibility. 

“But what about winter?” You might well ask. “Should we stick our GIs in the wardrobe with the mothballs until summer comes round again? Should we shove our boardshorts and rashguards into the bottom drawer and forget about them for 6 months?”

Of course not! There are lots of benefits to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in winter too. Let’s take a look at just a few of these.

Submit the WInter Blues

During winter, the shorter days and decreased sunlight can play havoc with our mood. 

Unfortunately, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real thing. Even for those of us who don’t suffer from it, we may experience a loss of motivation, decreased energy, and general listlessness during the long winter months.

Training Brazilian goes a long way to combat these negative effects that we find associated with winter. Not only will you keep your body strong, you’ll keep your mind strong too!

Make Continued Progress!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a complex and beautiful art. While it is possible to attain the revered rank of black belt in some Martial Arts within 4 years, few make it to black belt in BJJ without at least 10 years of consistent training.

You see, Jiu Jitsu requires commitment to rise through the skill levels, not to mention the belt system. Getting on the mats consistently throughout the months of winter will ensure you continue to make steady progress towards your jitz goals.

Get to Grips with GI

This is definitely one of my favourites – winter GI training!

It’s great to get the boardshorts and rashguards on for summer. It offers you a chance to show off your summer beach bod while your partner chokes the life out of you!

But, when the winter comes there is no better time to don a nice heavy kimono and get your old school on.

There’s something about the slower, more technical nature of GI jiu jitsu that suits the winter perfectly – not to mention the fact a good GI will keep you nice and warm and all! 

As you can see, whether you want to wrestle your seasonal blues to the ground, simply secure your ongoing advancement in the art, or even just keep warm in a nice, snug GI until the sun comes back out to play, the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in winter are impressive indeed!