BJJ Black Belt Jason Galyean showing a sweep above.

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More than just a workout, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is often referred to as “human chess” in that it exercises both the body and the mind.

The physical benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are immense and well-documented. Because Brazilian Jiu Jitsu presents a combination of dynamic and explosive movements with pressure-based isometric pushing, pulling, and holding, it helps to develop increased strength and cardio, as well as promotes weight loss and improved muscle tone. Because you’re constantly responding to another person’s movements, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu also heightens your body awareness and improves your balance and reactive ability.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also an incredible mental workout. For one, it provides the challenge of learning a new activity, with limitless variations of movements, techniques and submissions.

It also develops your reasoning skills, in that you are constantly planning your next step, both when you’re in an advantageous position or a defensive position. As an activity practised with another person, it increases your ability to think quickly and “on your feet” in response to your partner’s movements, as well as to remain calm and controlled when you find yourself in a defensive situation.

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