Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts and combat sports are proving beneficial to athletes in other contact sports, including team sports. Despite BJJ being a world apart from the football field, there is evidence suggesting that participating in martial arts can help these other athletes. One NFL star has even discussed exactly why BJJ is helping him improve his football skills.
Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts are growing in popularity, which can be seen in the rise of broadcasted events and the number of combat sports betting markets available. This growing popularity will continue if star footballers and other athletes continue to recommend martial arts as part of training routines.
Football star trains in BJJ
Will Gholston is a defensive player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has recently stated in an interview that he took up BJJ as a way to improve his footballing performances. The NFL star has swapped his usual routine for the martial arts scene during the off-season.
In the interview, he went on to state that BJJ is the hardest thing he has ever had to do and is much more demanding than his usual NFL training routine. But he isn’t just doing BJJ to get fitter and stronger. He believes the fundamentals of this combat sport will be beneficial for his skill-based performances on the football field.
Many of the fundamental movements in BJJ are similar to the movements required during a football game, especially in Gholston’s defensive position. Hand movements and grappling in the BJJ gym are identical to the actions he needs to perform against opponents, which have helped him develop beneficial fast-hand techniques in that area.
BJJ beneficial in everyday life
Learning the art of combat sports like BJJ isn’t just beneficial to team contact sports. The skills and fitness gained from training in combat sports can be exceptionally beneficial in areas of everyday life. Not only does it make you stronger and fitter to cope with the demands of your daily environment, but it can even have psychological benefits.
Simply knowing you can defend yourself in a threatening situation can boost confidence. And it should create discipline in challenging situations you may find yourself in, which could be in a working environment or within your social life.
How hard is BJJ?
BJJ is a combat sport that was designed to allow anyone to get involved, regardless of their natural body shape or current fitness. However, to be good at BJJ takes time, dedication and lots of hard work. Many consider BJJ as the most demanding type of martial art. One of the reasons for this is that BJJ has some of the longest time you are engaged in contact with your opponent due to the amount of time spent grappling on the floor. There are many techniques you’ll need to learn to be good at BJJ.
