Spiritual Advantages Of BJJ: It may surprise you to hear that practising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can have several meditative benefits.
The idea that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can offer some of the same spiritual advantages of BJJ as “formal” meditation seems absurd by definition, but it’s plausible that the thousands of students who practise BJJ frequently are reaping the benefits of meditation without even realising it.
Just by learning and practising the martial art, students of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu often report experiencing a greater awareness of their body, mind, and soul. Moreover, BJJ facilitates the identification of opportunities, constraints, and strengths—both mental and physical—as well as an enhanced level of tranquillity.
Should any of this seem implausible, one need just examine the initial motivations behind the illustrious Gracie family’s interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Inspired by the overwhelmingly good vibes that come from BJJ practice, the Gracies created a system of BJJ that is now a well-known martial art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is now utilised in high-level athletic events like mixed martial arts and competitive BJJ tournaments worldwide, in addition to being a very practical and efficient martial art in self-defence scenarios.
In essence, BJJ practitioners acquire elite self-defense tactics, methods, and attitudes in addition to refining, mending, and adjusting their brains.
We think that BJJ is a fantastic approach to practising mental awareness in addition to being a fun and successful martial art.
Using Eastern Inspiration
People all throughout the world have diverse perspectives on martial arts.
Some people associate martial arts with the high-stakes matchups between elite mixed martial artists in MMA promotions. Others associate martial arts with the classical forms that have their roots in Eastern culture. Despite the fact that both of these ideas are accurate in the sense of martial arts, they differ greatly from one another.
The Eastern style of martial arts instilled great respect and ideals that are still the major focus to this day, which is perhaps the most obvious distinction. Martial arts in the East emphasise the mind as equally important to the body as the physical body, moving beyond just “fighting.”
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners may have encountered the mental condition known as “Mushin.” The term “mind without mind” (mushin) refers to one of the core ideas of Zen Buddhism. This emphasises having a fully present and attentive mind rather than glorifying an “empty” one.
Skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners may often find themselves in the mushin mental state. Known as “no-mindedness,” Mushin mind observes martial artists fighting without thinking or feeling anything, including fear, rage, or ego. These martial artists will be flowing and depending on their innate reflexes and instincts rather than deliberately planning out their next move when engaged in battle.
You have, as it were, distanced yourself from your thoughts.
And you are now free of all the feelings that were there when you first came in the door if you have detached yourself from your thoughts. For a split second, you will forget about all of the issues and difficulties that are present outside the gym.
Is this the reason so many pupils become addicted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Is it conceivable that none of us realised we were all meditating while practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Maybe the happiness we feel when we let go of our everyday struggles and obstacles is what keeps us returning to training.
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Not Only Physical Advantages
There are several explanations for the continuous influx of individuals from around the globe into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools. Above all other considerations, the most important reason to study this martial art is for self-defense. Being able to protect oneself or others in a dire circumstance boosts self-assurance and makes it easier to dissolve tense situations.
However, this does not imply that using physical force to resolve disputes is necessary. One does not even need to apply Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu abilities or techniques to settle a conflict—all that is needed is the knowledge that one can protect oneself in a potentially dangerous situation.
Unexpected confrontation, however, is unexpected for a reason and is exceedingly challenging to handle. When it comes down to it, a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will be able to use his practical martial arts skills to subdue the aggressor and neutralise any possible harm.
Of course, one of the main motivations for many people to begin practicing BJJ is the desire to be able to defend themselves.
But we frequently overlook the significant psychological advantages of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which are maybe even more significant than the physical ones. These advantages are not limited to times when one needs to defend oneself; they may also have a positive impact on relationships and the job.
Every learner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experiences instant favourable psychological effects. The increased mental health is caused by the release of dopamine and endorphins. This release, in particular, can improve energy and motivation levels as well as cognitive performance.
There is a sense of unity among the mind, body, and soul as students finish their training with a sparring (rolling) session. The mind can think clearly and becomes focused in a way that wasn’t before possible.
Therefore, even if we practise Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the mats, the benefits are often felt outside of the BJJ gym. It helps to grow and free our thoughts.
There is much more to martial arts than merely fighting, as the Eastern branch of the arts discovered many, many years ago. When we practise Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s critical to remember that the mind and body are equal and that we are simultaneously developing our bodies and brains to the appropriate level.
These are the Astonishing Mental And Spiritual Advantages Of BJJ. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.