Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

2 - It has advantages compared to learning other martials arts.

We believe training in any martial arts will have its benefits. But we - and others - also think that BJJ has some of its own specific advantages.

As a grappling martial art, BJJ carries less risk of head injury and concussion than striking martial arts such as boxing, Muay Thai or Taekwondo, particularly in sparring and competition.

You can train and compete in BJJ to an older age than more impact-heavy grappling martial arts such as Judo and wrestling, although people do practise these to older ages too. 

In many circles BJJ is seen as less traditional or hierarchical than other martial arts, with a more informal environment seen in many gyms. Again, there are exceptions to this!

Although it helps, BJJ doesn’t require athleticism, speed or explosivity to be effective. 

4 - It shows great potential as a tool for social good.

BJJ has countless techniques, approaches and ways to structure a class. It is simultaneously highly physical and highly cerebral. Individuals can find their own BJJ style and express themselves accordingly. Through BJJ you are physically close to and challenged by others in an atmosphere where everyone can get better together. 

It is perhaps for these reasons - and others - that BJJ shows promise as a way to change the lives of those facing disadvantage or difficulty:

As a social project - Similar to other martial arts, BJJ has proved an effective social intervention in the Cantagolo project in Brazil or the Akademi Kristus in Bali, giving purpose and community to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

As a form of rehabilitation - In the UK, a fellow non-profit Reorg do amazing work using the power of BJJ to support the rehabilitation of veterans.

For neurodiverse individuals - There is a growing evidence that BJJ can support children with ADHD to improve wider life outcomes. Similarly BJJ is seen by some as a positive means for individuals with autistic spectrum disorders to interact physically and socially with others. 

As a disability-friendly martial art - People can train and compete in BJJ with disabilities or injuries that would make other activities or martial arts challenging. There are many examples of individuals with disabilities winning prominent tournaments. This includes blindness, amelia or phocomelia (commonly known as missing or deformed limbs).

3 - It hasn’t been around very long.

This is a double-edged sword!

In the UK in 2009 there were only 12 BJJ gyms. Now there’s hundreds. You can find out more about the history on the UKBJJA website.

This means that the BJJ scene is still relatively fresh and has become the fastest growing martial art in the UK. This novelty appeals to many would-be practitioners, and leaves lots of scope for development.

On the flipside, BJJ hasn’t yet developed a youth or community offer in the same way that more established martials arts like Judo or boxing have. This means it is often unaffordable or inaccessible to many. 

For these reasons we think BJJ is both exciting to be involved in but needs organisations and people like us to drive forward its development for youth and communities nationwide.