The grace of combat sports

It seems like every other person I run into these days, whether a family member, co-worker or friend is practicing some sort of martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ.

Google trends data shows a mind-blowing 104.35% increase in BJJ search interest over the last two decades (2004-2024) compared to other martial arts like Judo, Karate, Muay Thai and Taekwondo, according to Submission Shark.

BJJ became an offspring of the Judo system when Japanese Judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda arrived in Brazil circa 1914 and began teaching The Gracie brothers, Carlos and Hélio the art of Judo. Stemming from this system, the brothers adapted and refined the learned techniques to develop the unique BJJ style we know today. 

Re-awakening of mixed martial arts

Growing up in the mid 90’s, it was all about karate. I can still smell the tiger balm. 

Since time immemorial, martial arts is continually re-defined, re-awakened, and realized in people from all walks of life. In a sense, it is our essence. To serve and protect. 

In America for instance nearly 30 years ago, it was the Ultimate Fighting Championship that promoted mixed martial arts and combat sports to the masses, which ultimately lead to a surge of gyms and schools now offering BJJ trainings across the country. 

While boxing, also known as the “sweet science” is still considered the number one practiced combat sport in the USA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has surely grown to become a close second.

What was once a combat sport for professional athletes, has spread to spark the interest of people in a variety of occupations today, including women and children. 

And so it was only a matter of time before this yoga teacher and student with over 15 years of experience found a way to leverage the non-combative art and skills of yoga with combat martial arts. Here are 4 reasons why I am hooked:

1. Self-Defense: Choke-holds, how to pass and retain guards, body positioning or leveraging to escape or neutralize threats in realistic scenarios are all a few examples of skills developed in BJJ training. As a woman especially, these are useful strategies and techniques to learn and know. The training builds confidence. 
2. Challenge: Anyone who has ever taken a BJJ class can attest to how much you sweat in a session. The constant movement and maneuvering presents challenges to maintain optimal mind/body awareness and breath control so you do not die. Well, not really die, but the intense practice referred to as ‘porrada’ by a recent sensei I trained with, really keeps you in the present and focused. Intentional.

3. Strength: In my experience thus far, strength mostly stems from learning how to leverage the body in challenging situations. For example, if someone has me in a side chokehold, how can I establish the frame to escape by utilizing my entire body. It is a very holistic practice which I appreciate. Every choice matters and strength I found often comes from recognizing the weaknesses, whether in yourself or opponent. It requires a keen sense of awareness and willingness to overcome.
4. Community: Is everything. To have supportive places where the coaches are well trained, welcoming and respectful is essential to build and nourish a community of martial artists. Combat martial arts can be intimating for people so holding space that emphasizes ethical conduct, humility, respect and integrity is important. Some of the people I have met thus far in the BJJ community have been some of the most passionate, welcoming and respectful people. It is great to see growing communities of young martial artists learning combat skills as well.

Unity through martial arts

There is a strength in stillness and stillness in strength. Combat martial arts has been a great compliment to the non-combative art and skills of yoga, or union.

The Virabhadrasanas or warrior seats, require a firm connection to the terrestrial force through the feet and hips which builds strength for the inner arches of the feet while also encouraging a strong pelvic floor, hip mobility and core strength. 

In these asanas the practitioner simultaneously uplifts through the crown of the head from the solar plexus, bringing space and awareness to the entire body. 

There is a heightened sense of directional awareness the warrior develops of space time, whether in virabhadrasana connecting to the Earth or a closed guard, connected to the mat or opponent. 

I look forward to developing more smart and artful ways of mastering combat martial arts. How about you? Until next time.