Why Jiu Jitsu Just Might Be Your New Favorite Hobby
Over the past 25 years, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been exponentially increasing in popularity in the US. With its introduction to the masses in 1993 at UFC 1 by Royce Gracie, jiu jitsu has been one of the most popular martial arts in the US.
Royce Gracie was a very thin and scrawny looking Brazilian man who was fighting against other men that had a 50+ pound weight advantage. Seeing Royce dominate much larger opponents with nothing but technique was very eye opening to the american public. Jiu jitsu was the martial art for the little guy.
Anthony Bourdain, a famous american chef and TV personality was heavily involved in jiu jitsu. “I do it because it’s hard,” said Bourdain. “Because it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And because it never ends. Every day presents me with a series of problems that I spend the rest of the day thinking about how I might solve — or at least chip away at. Next day same. And the day after that.”
One of the most basic positions in jiu jitsu is called “guard.” Without this important position, it would be very difficult to keep your opponent down on the ground. While lying on your back, wrap both of your legs around opposite sides of your opponent’s hips or ribs. Lock your feet together and try to control your opponent’s posture. Congratulations! You are now in full guard.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Rustin Hughes, a jiu jitsu practitioner of over 7 years, to talk about his views on the martial art. Rustin is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and regularly competes in Jiu Jitsu tournaments around the world. He has competed in tournaments in London, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, and Malmö to name a few. “I believe that Jiu Jitsu, and martial arts in general, parallel life a lot,” said Hughes. “Jiu Jitsu puts you in uncomfortable situations and teaches you how to be comfortable in those uncomfortable situations. Life is full of uncomfortable situations that may make you want to quit. Knowing how to thrive in uncomfortable situations is a great skill to have.”
One of the common critiques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that the martial art focuses heavily on ground fighting and not stand up fighting. What happens if you can’t get your opponent to the ground?
The best way to solve this problem is to practice other martial arts alongside jiu jitsu. Many people enroll in MMA classes that incorporate the best and most effective aspects of every martial art into one class. This will make you an expert on the ground as well as on the feet.
Jiu jitsu is a great hobby for anyone who is looking for a fun and entertaining challenge. The health benefits are endless. Learning how to properly defend yourself is also a very important skill that could come in handy someday. Most gyms offer a one week free trial for potential members. What are you waiting for? Go give it a try!
