What BJJ Has Done For My Mind & Body

From nerves to the mats

I have been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for almost a couple of years now and like a lot of people who do it, I have become obsessed.

Funny side note, I dreamt I was at class last night and Aimee got mad at me because I was moving around too much while sleeping.

When I first started, I was nervous as hell.

I had tried a couple of trial classes and was not impressed by the culture at any of the places I went to.

Eventually a mother of a long term client convinced me to try her club and I did, and since then I have not looked back.

Finding the right club culture

I am currently a four stripe white belt. To me it means I am not as uncoordinated as I was when I first started, but I still have my moments.

Like most sports, BJJ has both positive and negative sides.

The culture of the gym matters. If you are training in a highly competitive gym full of meatheads, injuries may be more common.

The hard parts no one tells you

The main negative is the toll it can take on your body.

Since BJJ is a combat sport, getting banged up sometimes is part of the deal. I have been told many times, when I accidentally whack someone and say sorry, that it is ok because we are not doing flower arranging. Injuries are par for the course.

Tap early tap often

By tapping early and tapping often, and by taking recovery and nutrition seriously, I have managed to avoid any major injuries so far.

Wanting more and learning to switch off

The other possible negative is wanting more.

I always want to learn more, drill more and roll more.

It can make it hard to switch off sometimes.

The wins that keep me coming back

The positives far outweigh the negatives. I have noticed both mental and physical improvements in my life.

When I first started, the anxiety and nerves before class were intense. I would often sit in my car beforehand and have to convince myself to go in.

Every time I did walk in though, it was friendly and welcoming.

It is funny to say, but the group of people at my gym are now like a second family, except we are allowed to try to choke each other.

Calm under pressure

Since training regularly my confidence has increased. I am calmer under pressure, both on the mats and in everyday life.

Fitness strength and better sleep

My cardio fitness and strength have improved. I move better, and I have lost some weight.

Rolling forces you to stay present, to focus on breathing and problem solving in real time.

That has helped my stress levels and sleep.

Learning to relax in hard spots

There is something very grounding about learning how your body works.

How to stay relaxed in uncomfortable positions.

How to keep thinking when your heart rate is through the roof.

Why BJJ clicks for neurodivergent minds

Another thing I have noticed is the number of autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people who are very good at BJJ and how easily they fit in.

The structure of class, clear rules, predictable routines and the focus on technique over small talk all seem to work well.

There is also a lot of sensory feedback from movement, pressure and contact. That can be really regulating for some people. You can be fully yourself, work hard, and still feel accepted.

For parents thinking about BJJ for kids

If you are considering putting your child into BJJ, or trying it yourself, I would recommend it.

Yes, it is tough, challenging, humbling and sometimes frustrating, but every part of the journey is worth it.

You gain fitness, resilience, problem solving skills and a community that wants to see you improve.

Where I train on the Sunshine Coast

In case you are wondering, I train at Collective Grappling Co in Buderim.

Clint

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