The Popularity of BJJ

In recent years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has seen a remarkable surge in popularity all over the world. What was once a niche martial art has now evolved into a mainstream phenomenon practiced by a wide range of people including celebrities such as Tom Hardy & Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

One of the most interesting things about the popularity of BJJ is its growth among adults. Most styles of martial arts which are predominantly practiced by kids and the adults who do train usually started when they were kids. BJJ is unique in its ability to attract adults who have had no previous martial arts training or even any other sports background.

Here are some of the reasons why I think BJJ has become so popular.

Easier to learn and master than other styles of Martial Art

BJJ’s emphasis on ground fighting and submissions distinguishes it from other martial arts. Kicks & Punches seem easier to learn but they take years of dedicated practice to master, and it’s very difficult to perform them effectively against a resisting opponent who is punching back. BJJ can appear confusing at first, but it’s easier to learn and use than most other martial arts styles. The reason for this is that it focuses on controlling your opponent and stopping him from moving while you use your techniques. Because of this aspect, it is especially appealing to adults who may not have the strength or speed of youth but can excel through technique and strategy.

Practical Self Defence Skills

BJJ offers the opportunity to learn simple yet effective self-defense techniques. It empowers practitioners with the confidence and capability to protect themselves in real-world scenarios.. Having the confidence that you can escape from someone who is trying to hold you down or headlock you is in my opinion more a reliable option for self defence than practicing groin strikes or eye pokes. The use of deadly force is not always necessary in self-defense situations. In most cases, the best solution is to use grappling techniques to restrain an opponent until they calm down, and BJJ is the right tool for this.

One of the best ways to get Fit!

Beyond self-defense, BJJ provides a dynamic full-body workout including cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and flexibility. Although it may seem like a tough workout at first it won’t take long until you are making it through the session and feeling great but exhausted. BJJ training will improve your endurance, build muscle, and enhance your overall fitness levels. And for most people it’s a lot more fun than just working out at the gym. One of my favorite things as a BJJ coach is seeing the progress in new students from when they first start training until a few months later when they can keep rolling through every round of sparring.

Breaking a Mental Sweat

BJJ is not just a physical activity but also a mental one. BJJ is sometimes referred to as a physical Chess game. BJJ’s strategic and problem-solving nature demands critical thinking and adaptability from practitioners. This mental stimulation not only enhances cognitive function and focus but also boosts self-confidence both on and off the mat.

Camaraderie & Life Long Friendships

The inclusive and supportive atmosphere of the BJJ community fosters camaraderie.. While a BJJ class initially appears like a bunch of people trying to murder each other, closer inspection will reveal that many of the students are close friends. BJJ students come to class to leave their real world problems behind and just focus on challenging themselves and improving with the help and friendly rivalry of their teammates and training partners. This feeling of combined effort to overcome adversity leads to close friendships.

Influence of MMA

The popularity of the UFC has significantly amplified interest in BJJ. The UFC was initially conceived by the Gracie family to demonstrate the prowess of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a global stage. A significant portion of new BJJ enthusiasts are often introduced to the sport through UFC exposure, igniting a desire to acquire self-defense skills after witnessing its effectiveness in action.

It’s amazing to see how far BJJ has come in terms of popularity since I did my first-ever lesson at the Budokawi dojo in London way back in 1998. I would never have imagined it would become such a popular sport and i can’t wait to see what the future holds.