Many of the articles I write focus on training programs to supplement your martial arts training. We sometimes forget the impact of the martial arts training itself on physique development.
MMA will not only make you look better… but you will also feel better.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling based martial art that teaches it’s practitioners to control their adversaries and then submit them using choke holds and joint locks. Although this article will focus on the physical benefits of BJJ, there are many other benefits. These benefits include: increased self-confidence, moral development, self-defense, improved self-knowledge, and lasting friendships.
Physical benefits of training for MMA
There is no doubt that people who train in martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-jitsu look and feel better. Training improves the body almost immediately. Muscles are strengthened, cardiovascular capacity is improved, body fat is melted off, and coordination improves greatly.
Improve your diet while training in MMA
One of the great side effects is that training makes you improve in other health related behaviors. I remember a conversation I had with a BJJ black belt not too long ago. He was saying that one of the best things he likes about training is that it changes what he eats. He wants to consume higher quality foods for increased performance on the mat. It’s needless to say that this individual is ripped and in his late thirties.
3 case studies
Many people who want to lose weight (more specifically they want to lose body fat but don’t realize it) are on the fence between going to a traditional gym to get in shape or a martial arts academy. While no one method is best for everybody, here are 3 examples of individuals who decided to use MMA as their primary tool and these individuals have no regrets!
Example 1: Gersan Martinez
Gersan has only been training for about a month now but he is really on his way to replacing his body with a new and more fit one. Mr. Martinez also consults with me about his nutrition and is proactively taking steps toward his fitness goals, which include fat loss and increased strength.
The main reason I’ve included Gersan as an example is because of the decision he’s made to “just do it.” He was on the fence for a while about whether he should go to the gym first and get into better shape for jiu-jitsu or not. Finally he stopped procrastinating and made a decision. As a result, he hasn’t looked back yet.
Example 2: “Tattoo” Billy
When Billy first came through the door a couple of years ago he was a much huskier, unhealthier version of himself. With hard work and dedication he is truly a new man today. Believe it or not, he is one of our better-conditioned athletes today. The one thing you could see is that Billy had faith that what he was doing would work.
Billy went from a flabby 310 pounds to a solid 173 in about one year. Although Billy has always felt he could do whatever he put his mind to, his confidence levels have now reached new heights. In the past he tried to lose weight with diets and other forms of exercise. He would lose weight initially but it would always come back. He now loves the cardio aspect of jiu-jitsu and it keeps him coming back.
Example 3: Dan “The Butcher” Watson
Dan claims that he never would’ve been able to achieve his transformation without the help of his instructors and training partners at Serra BJJ. He lost 100 pounds and says nothing is impossible with determination. He says the secret is making this workout a lifestyle and sticking to it. He claims that when he gets tired, thirsty, and out of breath, he likes to see how much more he can push it. Dan “The Butcher” truly has come a long way because he used to get tired just going up the stairs.
As you can see from my three examples, many great things are possible. I personally know all three of these great individuals and can see the positive changes in them both physically and personally. Don’t make the mistake of believing there is only one-way to reach your fitness goal. Find something you enjoy and it will work for you. In the case of these three men, it was jiu-jitsu.
