1) Self-Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been proven to be one of the most effective martial arts in the world, by an endless stream of mixed martial artists who have arm barred and choked their way to victory. Boiled down to its essence, a martial art is a tool for defending yourself.
2) Health & Fitness
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an amazing full body workout. The warm-up, the drills and the sparring, will leave you crawling off the mats at the end of class. You’ll loose weight, and be inspired to eat healthy, setting yourself up for a much longer and healthier life.
3) You’re never too old to start
Whether you’re 20, 40 or 70 years old, it’s never too late to start. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on your (perceived) disadvantages. While youth certainly has its benefits, age also has its strengths. Experience suggests you’re probably a better decision maker, something that could certainly improve your game. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about making yourself better. Nothing more.
4) Problem Solving
BJJ teaches you that there’s an intelligent solution for every problem, even if the solution is tapping out. When you learn, you’re basically lifting weights with your brain. Studying and training will keep your brain quick, agile and young.
5) Friendship
When you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu you’ll instantly make friends. You need the help of other people to master the art.
6) Escapism
When you’re in class, the drudgery of a 9 to 5 grind immediately goes away. When you have bigger and stronger training partners trying to choke you, you won’t be thinking about your troubles, and when you’re done, you’ll feel inspired and optimistic.
7) Self-Confidence
While learning BJJ, you’ll overcome many challenges, which will greatly boost your self-esteem.
8) Teaching
On your first day of BJJ you’ll learn how to tie your belt. On your second day you can show someone else how to tie their belt. BJJ teaches you how to teach.
9) Humility
There’ll always be someone faster, stronger and younger on the mat, but there is no losing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, only learning.
10) Patience & Longevity
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takes time. After about 6 months you’ll start to feel like you might know what to do. After almost a lifetime, you’ll feel much younger than your age, healthier, and like there’s still a lot more to learn.