Fitness enthusiasts are always on the hunt for new, exciting, and interesting ways to stay fit, and the world of martial arts has recently gained a lot of attention as a workout option.
Among the various martial arts disciplines, Jujutsu stands out as a full-body workout that offers a range of benefits beyond just physical fitness.
In this article, we'll be exploring the question of whether Jujutsu is a good workout, and if it is, what makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to improve their overall fitness and wellbeing.
Jujutsu: The Rundown
Japanese Jujutsu, also known as Ju-Jitsu or Jiu-Jitsu, is a martial art that focuses on using an opponent's force against them in order to defend oneself. It includes throws, holds, joint locks, and strikes.
The intense physical nature of Jujutsu means it can be a great workout for most people. It emphasizes using proper body mechanics and core strength, rather than relying on brute force, which means you can still practice it even if you're not the biggest or strongest person around.
In addition to improving physical fitness, Jujutsu also helps improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.
If you do decide to take a Jujutsu class, you can expect a mix of cardio, strength training, and stretching exercises. Students will practice techniques with a partner and work on conditioning drills such as push-ups and jumping rope.
Overall, Jujutsu can be a great option for those looking for an intense physical workout that also teaches self-defense skills. Just be sure to find a reputable instructor and practice safely in order to avoid injury.
Is Jujutsu Good for Weight Loss?
An all-too-often heard myth surrounding BJJ is that you need to be in peak physical shape to train in it. And trust me, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Jujutsu is an inclusive sport that accommodates anyone--regardless of age, gender, body composition--and yes, physical shape. And if you're looking to go into Jujutsu for weight loss, then congrats! You've made the right choice.
Jujutsu can be a great exercise method for weight loss. The physical demands of training, from the constant movements to the intense grappling and striking, can lead to a particularly substantial calorie burn.
And on top of all of this, jujutsu promotes discipline in both diet and exercise outside of class, helping practitioners achieve their weight loss goals.
Although weight loss may not be the primary focus for many jujutsu practitioners, it can definitely be a positive side effect of dedicated training.
Does Jujutsu Build Muscle?
Jujutsu demands a high level of endurance from its practitioners. On the mat, fatigue can cloud your judgement and hinder your ability to react quickly and accurately, so being able to keep at it is a core part of your success in the sport.
That's where BJJ's muscle building efforts come in. Through consistent training, your body can adapt and develop greater endurance, which in turn improves your physical--and mental--performance.
Jujutsu also builds overall body strength and stability. And we really do mean overall! For example, one more crucial component of Jujutsu is grip strength. A strong grip can give you greater control over your opponent and increase your chances of submitting them quickly.
It's an oft-neglected part of overall body strength, one that isn't given very much attention. BJJ, however, will do loads for you in this regard.
One major area that Jujutsu targets is the core muscles. These muscles are deep within your body and are responsible for stabilizing your spine and pelvis.
While typical core strength exercises focus on muscles like the diaphragm, multifidus muscles, and transverse abdominis, in Jujutsu, the core is where most of your strength and power comes from.
Jujutsu training is great for this. It specifically targets the core muscles to improve balance, stability, and overall performance. Over time, consistent training will result in stronger core muscles.
How Many Calories Can You Burn Doing Jujutsu?
Maintaining a caloric deficit boils down to two main methods: eating fewer calories and burning more calories. Brazilian Jujutsu naturally can't help you with the former, but it does loads for you in the latter.
BJJ just outright burns calories like nobody's business. Anyone who has participated in a BJJ class can attest to the intense physical exertion involved in rolling.
Depending on the intensity and duration of your class, you can expect to burn between 700 and 1,000 calories in an average 1.5 hour session, which includes warm-up, technique training, and live rolling.
Needless to say, that's quite a hefty amount, especially compared to most other exercises you can do.
If you train BJJ three times a week, even with no other changes to your diet or exercise routine, you'll be at a caloric deficit of 2,100 to 3,000 calories per week compared to your baseline.
That's already quite a fair bit, allowing you to lose half a pound per week--and it'll only keep adding up over time.
In fact, with BJJ training alone, you could lose between 25-45 pounds per year, making it a lifelong pursuit that can help you lose a good hundred pounds by the time you reach your blue or purple belt.
The Wrap-Up
So to sum things up, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a highly effective form of exercise for people of all ages and body types.
It not only offers a full-body workout that improves physical fitness, but it also provides numerous mental and emotional benefits such as increased confidence, stress relief, and self-defense skills.
If you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding workout, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is definitely worth trying. So why not step out of your comfort zone and give it a go? You might just be surprised at what you're capable of achieving.
You've just taken a good look at Jujutsu. Why not read about Bujutsu next here?
[author-box-jpx-fitness]