Our modern world seems tailor-made for anxiety. The constant bombardment of information, the pressures of a career, financial worries, and now, the persistent undercurrent of a global pandemic, all collaborate to create an environment rife with stress. For those battling anxiety, it often feels like being caught in an invisible, yet persistent chokehold. But what if I told you that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) could serve as a tool to ease this often-overwhelming condition?
Anxiety and Its Discontents
Anxiety is more than just worry. It’s a prolonged, excessive fear or apprehension towards everyday situations. It’s the ongoing narrative in our minds that convinces us that disaster is always imminent. These intense, often uncontrollable worries can severely impact our day-to-day life and overall well-being.
BJJ: An Unlikely Antidote to Anxiety
At first glance, a martial art that involves intense physical contact may seem like an odd remedy for anxiety. But a deeper dive into the philosophy and practice of Jiu Jitsu reveals its potential as an anxiety-reducing practice.
Mindful Practice: The Heart of BJJ
Mindfulness is often proposed as a treatment for anxiety, and for a good reason. By training our minds to focus on the present moment, we can disentangle from the loop of worrying thoughts. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in its essence, is a form of active mindfulness. When you’re on the mats, you must be fully present, focusing on your movements, your opponent’s actions, and your breathing. There’s no room for worrying about that email you need to send or the mortgage payment coming up. The mat becomes an island of calm in the chaotic sea of our thoughts.
Building Self-Confidence through Mastery
As you progress in your Jiu Jitsu journey, you’ll acquire a growing arsenal of techniques and strategies. With each new belt, each successful sparring session, you gain a little more self-confidence. This burgeoning self-assuredness doesn’t stay confined to the mats; it seeps into other areas of your life. Being more self-confident can help alleviate anxiety, as you realize you’re more capable and resilient than your anxious thoughts would have you believe.
Exercise: The Natural Anxiety Reliever
Numerous studies have linked regular physical exercise with reduced anxiety levels. Exercise releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural mood lifters. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, another vital factor in managing anxiety. With its mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility work, Jiu Jitsu is a comprehensive fitness solution that hits all the sweet spots.
A Sense of Community: The Power of Belonging
Human beings are social creatures. We thrive on connections and suffer when they are lacking. For many people, anxiety creates a sense of isolation, a feeling of being out-of-step with the world. Joining a Jiu Jitsu gym means becoming part of a community that supports, challenges, and understands you. This sense of belonging can help combat feelings of isolation, providing a social support network that is often beneficial in managing anxiety.
Jiu Jitsu: A Journey, Not a Destination
It’s important to remember that while Jiu Jitsu offers many benefits for managing anxiety, it isn’t a cure-all. It’s a tool that, when combined with other interventions like therapy or medication, can form a comprehensive approach to anxiety management. Everybody’s journey with Jiu Jitsu will be different, as will their journey with anxiety.
The essence of Jiu Jitsu is about moving with, rather than against, your opponent. When it comes to anxiety, perhaps we can view it not as an enemy to be defeated but as an opponent to be understood. By understanding our anxiety, we can learn to move with it, redirect it, and sometimes, put it in its place.
Jiu Jitsu doesn’t promise a life free of anxiety. What it offers is far more valuable: the skills to manage anxiety, the strength to withstand it, and the community to support you through it.
So, whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or someone who’s never put on a Gi before, remember this: In the fight against anxiety, the Jiu Jitsu mat could be an ally worth having. After all, as Grandmaster Helio Gracie once said, “Jiu Jitsu is a mousetrap. The trap does not chase the mouse. But when the mouse grabs the cheese, the trap plays its role.” Let’s use Jiu Jitsu to set our traps and take control of our anxiety, one roll at a time.
Grappling with Jiu-Jitsu 