It is all sweat and smiles after a BJJ class at Alliance Madison!
If there is one thing we know, living in Madison, WI, it’s that Wisconsin winters can be rough. Sometimes it feels like we can go weeks without seeing the sun and the constantly gray sky can wear on our very last nerve. And between the freezing cold and shoveling feet of snow, we are all just looking for something to brighten our day. You may not know it, or even know what it is for that matter, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is just the cure you are looking for to cure your winter time woes! Let’s take a look at a few reasons why.
1.) Alliance BJJ is a very welcoming community: Walking into any new surroundings, especially a Martial Arts facility, can definitely raise the anxiety level for many people. That’s definitely understandable. One thing you will notice right away when walking into Alliance Jiu Jitsu of Madison, is the tremendous number of smiles you will see. While we often refer to ourselves as a team, we really consider ourselves a family. I can’t say how often I see our members go above and beyond for one of their teammates. It’s hard to explain, until you give it a try, but the bond you develop with your new BJJ friends is something really special. But as soon as you start you will realize you have found a second home. Being surrounded by these smiles is contagious, and is just is one of the reasons you will soon forget about the gloomy weather outside!
2.) BJJ Challenges the mind: Often referred to as “Chess on the Mat” Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is as much a mental art as it is a physical one. Unlike many other Martial arts, which rely heavily on speed, flexibility, and athleticism, BJJ relies much more heavily on use of your mind. This is not to say you won’t become stronger, faster, and/or more flexible while practicing BJJ. You most certainly will improve all aspects of your health. Very few Martial arts can give you such a great mental workout while also being outstanding physical exercise. Recent research has show that challenging yourself mentally everyday can help relieve depression in many adults. And again, when surrounding by amazing people trying to solve the same riddles you are, there are sure to be smiles all around to help alleviate the seasonal mood disorder we all have to face!
3.) Endorphins, the Body’s natural Antidepressant: Let’s not forget about one of the greatest benefits to learning BJJ, the physical exercise and associated benefits of working out. Now, I know that it is easy to avoid exercise in the winter. Again it is cold and dreary, but I assure you the gym is warm and glowing with energy! So you have taken that first step and you start training BJJ. After your first few classes you begin to notice a strange sensation. You are tired and sweaty, but you barely noticed how much exercise you were getting! This is the secret that all BJJ practitioners wish they could share with the world. BJJ is actually FUN!!! Your class times will fly by and when it is over, you realize you are breathing heavily and sweating, but again…..Smiling!
Physical exercise actually releases Endorphins. WebMD says Endorphins and exercise will:
- Reduce stress
- Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
- Boost self-esteem
- Improve sleep
- It strengthens your heart
- Increased energy levels.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Improves muscle tone and strength.
- Strengthens and builds bones.
- Helps reduce body fat.
- Makes you look fit and healthy.
We hardly see a downside to those benefits, especially when we are having so much fun in the process. So, let’s see if BJJ is your cure for the winter blues! Still a little nervous? Lets run through a few FAQs
Q. Do I just start right away and get thrown into a class?
A. No, as a matter of fact, your first 3 Lessons are a one on one class with an instructor. This will help you get prepared to be in the regular classes without feeling like you are so “New” or inexperienced.
Q. Is BJJ dangerous?
A. As with ANY other activity, BJJ could have the risk of injury. At many academies you will begin live training right away and that is often when people will get injured. Our system is different and we have a fundamental curriculum dedicated to make sure that, when the time comes, you will be ready to train BJJ in a live setting while minimizing your risks of injury. We pride ourselves on having a very low injury rate and for helping our students choose their level of training to make sure they are comfortable in our Academy.
Q. How long until I really start to learn BJJ?
A. In your very first class you will apply techniques to your instructor, so that you can begin to learn the ideas of leverage and base that reinforce the idea that ANYONE can participate in our programs.
Give us a call or email today and let us help you make it through winter in the most exciting way we know.