Historically, men have always dominated the MMA world. The most popular fighters are men and until the late 90s, no female fights were even on record. It took a long time for society to accept women into the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With the growing popularity of the art, now more than ever, is an ideal time for women to get involved. As Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to thrive, women should begin taking advantage of the benefits the sport provides.
Self Defense
It comes as no surprise that the number one reason BJJ appeals to women is self-defense. Sadly, the statistics back this reasoning up. In the United States, 1 in 4 women have fallen victim to domestic abuse and the ratio is even higher for unprovoked acts of violence. Since BJJ focuses on weaker individuals being able to dominate larger opponents, it is ideal for women. Unfortunately, in today’s society, knowing how to protect yourself is essential for every woman. Since BJJ teaches methods to defend one’s self using every aspect of the body, women who train have the ability to outwit their opponent. The strategic method behind the art of Jiu Jitsu also assists in scenarios where the attacker is larger.
Confidence One of the most important lessons BJJ instills within those who take part is confidence. In the initial stages of training, most are unaware of the capabilities their body possesses. The art of BJJ makes you love your body for what it can do, rather than what it looks like. There is no perfect body type when it comes to Jiu Jitsu. Although both genders face self-criticism, women tend to be much harder on themselves. BJJ helps to break down those feelings. The supportive environment surrounding anyone who joins a training group is bound to help ease any self-doubt.
Health Improvements The health benefits of BJJ are remarkable. The art enhances every aspect of the body, as the techniques move many muscles at once. There is no need to lift weights as muscle tone will naturally develop through training sessions. Many of the BJJ skills help improve flexibility as well. As do many aerobic exercises, training sessions will help reduce stress levels. Overall outlooks about health adapt when you begin serious training. Once an athlete becomes serious in regards to their Jiu Jitsu training, their mindset will adapt to a healthier one.
Now that women have made an impact on MMA it is important that they understand its true benefits. As there are no limitations to who can take part in BJJ, there should be no excuses to getting started.
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