As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, coaching BJJ here in Norwich, I can see how many new clubs and coaches keep springing up. This is a testament to the power and growth of Jiu Jitsu, not only locally in Norfolk and East Anglia but across the UK. Why is it so popular, genuinely, what are the benefits?
Physically, there are huge benefits; BJJ engages all major muscle groups, providing a full body workout, building strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. Not only this, Jiu Jitsu can help improve overall cardiovascular health. The intensity of some sessions can help improve cardio fitness and increase heart and lung capacity.
Weight loss is often seen due to the amount of calories burned in each session. As well as this, flexibility and mobility is improved over time. Jiu Jitsu is a great way to help improve coordination and balance, as well as lower stress.
By the very nature of the art, you are constantly working on solving problems and in positions where you may be under stress This in turn can help promote strategic and critical thinking.
Often people talk about the self-defence and confidence building benefits gained from learning Jiu-Jitsu. Whilst this is true, it needs to be trained over a number of years, putting in several hours and should be something you use with caution. If you are in the unfortunate position where you are being 'attacked' or where there is a 'threat' posed. The first line of defence should be to try to avoid or remove yourself from the situation. If all else fails, there are techniques that can be utlised. However, when weapons are involved, depsite what you may see or read elsewhere from other martial arts instructors, being unarmed you are in a very dangerous and perilous position.
So, after considering all of this, the question will be, why choose Jiu Jitsu, why choose us, in fact, why choose any of the grappling clubs in Norwich?
We previously did a blog post on what to look for in a coach - helping you to come to decision, however, we now talk more about coaching specific to the grappling arts.
So, what is important when choosing the right coach/Jiu-Jitsu instructor?
- Look for someone with a solid background in martial arts and ideally, someone who has competed successfully and holds a high-ranking belt, a black belt is of course best.
- Check their lineage to understand who they trained under and their connection to reputable BJJ teams
- A good Jiu-Jistu teacher should be able to break down the technique into its simplest form. Not only should they be able to demonstrate the technique but also demonstrate it when facing resistance, if relevant.
- The coach should be able to provide personalised feedback and be approachable for questions and guidance.
- The coach’s attitude towards training, competition, and personal development are important, whilst they don’t need to align perfectly with your own, there should ideally be some common ground and open areas for discussion/progression/
- They should foster a positive, respectful, and encouraging environment.
- Effective communication is vital. Your coach should be able to explain techniques clearly and provide constructive criticism wherever possible.
- The teacher should be open to feedback and willing to adapt teaching methods to suit different learning styles. Everyone is different, not everyone can learn at the same rate. However, everyone should eventually be competent enough to be able to teach the technique effectively themselves, in the long term.
- A passionate coach who is actively involved in the grappling community and continuously seeks to improve their own skills can be very inspiring. If you are not moving forward, you are staying still. Nobody wants that from someone they are learning from and
- Your coach should be committed to the progress and well-being of their students.
Of course, everyone is different; different needs, different approaches to learning, different approaches to teaching, not everyone can get along with oneanother. With this in mind, it is about forming a lasting relationship, after all, you will be spending a lot of time with eachother. So, you will need to be able to feel comfortable talking about almost anything.