Posts

McMahon personalized training

Health Benefits of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, also referred to as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a fast-growing martial art. We’ve already talked about the difference between Gracie and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on our blog, but what about the benefits of signing up for a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class at McMahon Training Center?

Learn more about the health benefits of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and sign up for classes at McMahon Training Center in Fort Collins today!

Health Benefits of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a type of martial art that developed in Brazil from the Japanese tradition of Jiu-Jitsu through the Gracie family — hence the name Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family learned from Mitsuyo Maeda (‘Count of Combat’), a Japanese instructor who moved to Brazil.

While Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense martial art, practicing this martial art can give you different health benefits.

Sweat It Out

Sweat is usually a sign of a well-done workout. During a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class, you’ll work through different intricate moves and techniques and, by the end of your class, you’ll be dripping in sweat!

So what’s the benefit of sweating? Your body releases different toxins and chemicals through your sweat, flushing out your body. On top of that, the sweat can help tone your skin and improve circulation. So get those bad toxins out of your body and sweat your way through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Get Moving

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu will get you moving! The movement you do during your class will help strengthen different muscles and give you a variety of health benefits:

  • Your heart rate increases, allowing your body to circulate more oxygen throughout and helping strengthen your heart.
  • The increased blood flow helps your brain cells function at a higher level, improving your overall brain health.
  • When you work out, you breathe heavier and faster to compensate for the additional oxygen your body needs. Over time, your lungs will become stronger and the VO max — or the maximum capacity of oxygen in your lungs — can increase as you gain muscle strength in your lungs.

Improved Flexibility

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu works different muscles and parts of your body. As you learn and become familiar with these different moves, you’ll notice increased flexibility in different muscles from practicing those moves. If you spend all day sitting down or staring at a computer, stretch your body using Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Work Your Mind

While many people think about physical wellness when we talk about health benefits, Jiu-Jitsu can also strengthen your mind, giving you a powerful mental workout. Since the goal of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is not about being bigger or stronger than your opponent, it requires a lot of skill and knowledge. That challenges your brain, making you think strategically instead of just relying on your strength.

Sleep Better

Since you’re working your body in both physical and mental ways, you’re getting rid of toxins in your body and clearing and strengthening your brain. You can have trouble sleeping for a variety of different reasons, but the other health benefits you get from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu can make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

Try Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at McMahon Training Center

Interested in trying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu — and experiencing these health benefits — for yourself? Stop by McMahon Training Center in Fort Collins to sign up for classes.