Demi Lovato has been quite outspoken about her affection for jiu-jitsu among other things. The young pop star has taken a liking to a variety of mixed martial arts and can be seen around the web hitting takedowns on her instructor, working on technique and striking among other things.
“I would say that if you struggle with depression, anxiety, or any other type of stressors in your life, a really great way to get rid of those is through physical exercise and fitness.” Demi told People magazine.
“I first got into jiu-jitsu because I loved watching people grapple,” Lovato says. (Jiu-jitsu focuses on hand-to-hand combat moves and ground work such as grappling, throwing, and pinning.) “I think it’s really cool to learn something that helps you with self-defense.” She adds that she also finds MMA fighting meditative because she’s constantly thinking of ways to attack and defend.”
After an intense 1 year of training, Lovato was promoted to blue belt by her instructor Orlando Sanchez of Gracie Barra.
Lovato stated:
“I’m so beyond excited because I just received my blue belt in #brazilianjiujitsu!!!! I fell in love with #BJJ over a year ago and have been training several times a week ever since.. thank you so much to @chilcote.dunn@captainHarlan @tarsisbjj for giving me my belt along with one of the most important and special women in my life today @officialdaniellemartin/@trueboundaries – I love you so much and couldn’t be more grateful for you ???? also special shoutout to @jayglazer for flying in to give me my belt as well!!! Love you jay!!!”
