7 Added Benefits of Training Jiu-Jitsu

Most of us start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for similar reasons. Either our parents got us into it when we were younger, we wanted to learn self-defense, we wanted to become a better overall martial artist, we used to wrestle, we love to compete, or we enjoy watching MMA and wanted to get involved in some aspect of it. If you fit into a different category, let me know. I'd love to hear it. Along with improving in jiu-jitsu itself, there are a ton of added benefits to training. Here are just seven of them:

1. Traveling - If you like to travel, or you have family out of state, there is a good chance there is a jiu-jitsu academy near by. Almost every academy has a drop-in policy. Some are free, some are $20-$30 drop-in, and some charge per day. If want to keep your jiu-jitsu sharp, pack a gi (white is safe because some academies only allow white gi’s) when you travel! Some people use jiu-jitsu as the main reason to travel. There are a ton of camps around the United States, and even around the world!
2. Friendship - There’s no way around it. When you train jiu-jitsu, you will make new friends. It’s hard not to when you’re in such close contact with each other, especially when you’re trying NOT to hurt your partners while trying to choke them! There is a bond that forms between training partners. Some of my training partners have become my best friends!
3. Network aka even MORE friends - Those who choose to compete develop an extended family. Typically, when you go to a competition, the same teams from the area show up. After just a few tournaments, you realize that your opponents are your opponents for many years. You become excited to share the mats with them throughout the years, and eventually start rooting for them when someone new enters the brackets, or when they move up in belt. I wish the most success to my opponents and consider many of them friends. 
4. Fitness - Whether you train for self-defense, or sport, or both, jiu-jitsu gets you in shape. The movements are full body movements. Lots of pushing, lots of pulling. We are using our feet, legs, hips, abs, back, shoulders, neck, head. It’s literally a full body workout. Plus, our hearts are pumping, and we are sweating. The best part is, we’re not even thinking about the workout, it’s just consequential.
5. Mental stimulation - Jiu-jitsu is tough, but not just physically. There is a lot of problem solving that requires thinking in the moment. Recognizing position to make the next move as quickly as possible is very cerebral and unnatural until you develop muscle memory, so you have to quickly analyze and make a move. In the beginning, it’s usually the wrong move. As you progress, those moves become second nature, until you’re ready for the next challenge. The best part is that there’s always a new challenge that awaits you.
6. Stress relief - Many occupations bring a high level of stress. Family issues can bring on stress. We suffer from weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, depression. This is all a part of stress. Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best stress relievers. The moment class starts, you can forget about everything else and focus on growth through something positive. Drilling and rolling require focus, and both will have you sweating by the end. And the best part, you are trying to choke your friends! Nothing more stress relieving than choking your friends. Hey, they signed up for it!
7. Equality - On the mats, we are all equal. Yes, there is a hierarchy within the belt system, yet, we are all equal. We ALL SHARE the mats. All races, all religions, all genders, all ages, all occupations. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or Republican when we are training. I don’t care if you’re an accountant, a teacher, a stay at home mom/dad, a student, an actor, a dancer - you are my training partner.

Do you have any more benefits that I missed? 
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-Greg