Now, is BJJ becoming more popular? Well, let me tell you, my friend, it’s spreading faster than a wildfire in a gas station. And for a good reason! With its focus on technique and strategy rather than brute strength, BJJ is the perfect martial art for both men and women, young and old.
An interesting finding according to Exploding Topics indicates that the search term for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has seen a 35% growth recently in search engines over the last 15 years. This shows that the art of BJJ is gaining traction in the martial arts world, with more people starting to get interested in it.
This article will explain why the popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been steadily increasing over the years and why it is considered one of the best martial arts out there!
But don’t just take my word for it. BJJ has been making waves in mainstream media, appearing in movies, TV shows, and even video games. And with the rise of professional leagues like the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the world’s top BJJ practitioners are getting the recognition they deserve.
So, what are you waiting for if you have yet to try BJJ? Join the thousands of people worldwide who have discovered the joys of rolling around on mats and choking each other out. Ensure you find a good instructor – we want you to avoid accidentally breaking your training partner’s limbs!
History of BJJ
Before we get into why it’s becoming more and more popular, let’s talk about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s history (BJJ). Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Brazilian? Isn’t Jiu-Jitsu Japanese?” Well, yes and no. Jiu-Jitsu originated in Japan, but it was when it made its way to Brazil that it started to take shape.
The story goes that a Japanese diplomat named Mitsuyo Maeda, also known as Count Koma, traveled to Brazil in the early 1900s to help spread the art of Jiu-Jitsu. There, he met a man named Carlos Gracie, who was fascinated by Maeda’s techniques and started training with him.
But Carlos needed to keep his newfound knowledge to himself. He and his brothers started refining and adapting the art to their own style. And thus, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was born.
BJJ became hugely popular in Brazil, with the Gracie family becoming synonymous with the art. They even developed their ranking system, with the highest rank being the red belt (and only a handful were ever awarded).
Today, BJJ is practiced worldwide, with millions of people rolling around on mats and trying to choke each other out. And it’s all thanks to one Japanese diplomat and a curious Brazilian named Carlos Gracie.
The recent surge in popularity
Have you noticed that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is popping up everywhere lately? Everyone talks about this martial art, from gyms to movies to TV shows. So, what’s behind the recent surge in popularity?
According to some BJJ experts, one of the biggest reasons is that it allows you to engage in a full-blown fight without getting punched in the face, and getting hit hurts. But with BJJ, you can still go all out and try to control your opponent without risking any head trauma. Although concussions in BJJ can happen, they are rare due to the nature of the practice.
And if things get too intense, you can always tap out and call it a day.
But it’s not just about avoiding pain – BJJ also appeals to people of all shapes, sizes, and ages. You don’t have to be a muscular Hulk to be good at it. Some of the most successful BJJ practitioners are smaller and lighter, relying on technique rather than brute strength.
Another reason for its popularity is that BJJ has a unique learning curve, where you can learn a vast number of techniques and strategies over a relatively short amount of time. And there’s always something new to learn, making it the perfect martial art for people who want to constantly challenge themselves.
The belt system creates a natural reward system and incentive for students, who strive to reach the highest level of achievement. The black belt is especially desirable and takes a lot of dedication and hard work to attain – but it’s well worth the effort. This goal system and fair hierarchy are innate in human nature and BJJ provides that outlet in a responsible and rewarding manner.
Community is another intrinsic attribute of BJJ. People who practice it often form strong bonds and become a family, supporting and encouraging each other to become better martial artists. It’s a fun and social way to stay mentally and physically fit as you train with partners of various skill levels.
And, of course, self-defense is another major reason why people are taking up BJJ. It can be a great way to learn how to protect yourself in dangerous situations, and it’s becoming increasingly popular among women as a means of self-defense.
MMA
Mixed martial arts (MMA) has become increasingly popular among young men initially but is now enjoyed by everyone. It is now entering mainstream pop culture. With BJJ being a strong fundamental for many MMA fighters, it is only natural that its appeal has reached the world of entertainment and media.
The sport is part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which features a series highlighting the pros’ stories in and out of the ring. MMA’s underground roots are reflected in widely circulated internet videos. Several MMA-related films are being released, and MMA fighters are reveling in the attention. The sport of MMA has helped give BJJ an additional boost in the public eye.
Rise of professional leagues
Let’s talk about the rise of professional jiu-jitsu and how it’s becoming a career option for practitioners. Back in the day, you had to pay to enter tournaments, and the prize was often just a pat on the back and a “Good job, sport!” The game has changed, and there are legit opportunities to make some cash.
First, we’ve got Fight to Win, basically the Woodstock of jiu-jitsu events. They’ve got lighting and a stage that would make Kiss jealous, and they’re approaching their 200th event. CEO Seth Daniels knows how to throw a party, and he’s bringing the best professional and local talent to each event.
Next, we’ve got Third Coast Grappling, which started in Houston but is expanding nationwide. They’ve got a unique ruleset that’s different from other promotions, and they’ve had some big names like Gordon Ryan, and Keenan Cornelius compete on their stage.
That’s right, more and more people are choosing to make jiu-jitsu their full-time gig. Who needs a boring desk job when you can choke people for a living? Am I right? More and more competitions are popping up, and practitioners are getting paid to compete. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll see your favorite practitioner on the big screen.
So, if you’re a jiu-jitsu practitioner with dreams of making it big, don’t give up. The opportunities are out there, and the sport is only growing. Just keep training, keep competing, and maybe one day you’ll be the star of the show at the biggest party in grappling.
BJJ as a lifestyle choice
BJJ is not only a fun martial art to learn but can also help improve your overall health and well-being. Here are four ways BJJ can enhance your lifestyle:
- Sleep like a champ: Consistent BJJ training can improve your sleep quality and help you establish a regular sleep routine.
- Say goodbye to stress: BJJ provides an excellent outlet to release stress and break from daily stressors. Plus, community support can help you manage stress in all areas of your life.
- Fuel your body for success: Proper nutrition is crucial for peak performance on the mat. BJJ training will encourage you to make healthier food choices and fuel your body with the right nutrients to help you reach your goals.
- Connect with like-minded people: The BJJ community is full of friendly and supportive individuals who share a passion for the art. Building relationships with these individuals can enhance your overall sense of well-being and provide a source of support and encouragement in all areas of your life.
So, as you can see, BJJ is becoming more popular because it ends up being a large part of many practitioners’ lifestyles, even if they aren’t professionals. Of course, some people can still enjoy the benefits of BJJ without ever stepping foot on the mat. From parents that cheer on their kids at tournaments to the fans streaming matches online, BJJ has something for everyone.
Benefits of training BJJ
Do you want to know why BJJ is awesome? Well, there are a ton of benefits to getting your roll on.
Firstly, if you’re trying to lose some extra pounds, BJJ is the perfect workout. You’ll use multiple muscle groups in every class, from warm-ups to open mats. That means you’ll be burning calories like nobody’s business.
Secondly, you’ll become more flexible and mobile. BJJ teaches you how to move efficiently, so your range of motion will improve as you drill techniques in class.
Thirdly, you’ll develop better mental focus. When doing something challenging, like BJJ, you learn to be present and committed to what you’re doing. This mental fortitude will help you in other areas of your life too.
Fourthly, BJJ will improve your critical thinking skills. You’ll encounter problems on the mat that you’ll need to solve. And the cool thing is you get instant feedback on whether or not your solution works. This kind of learning will help you develop stronger neural connections, making you a better problem solver in all areas of your life.
Lastly, and most importantly, BJJ is just plain fun! Sure, it can be challenging, but you’ll have a blast working with your friends and growing together on your Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Importance of finding a good instructor
Now, as BJJ becomes more popular, it can also become more important to find a good instructor. As with any martial art, some instructors just don’t take the time to make sure their students understand the techniques they’re teaching.
A good instructor can help you move efficiently and improve your range of motion through warmups and drilling techniques. They can also help you sharpen your mental focus by pushing you to do difficult things and be present in the moment.
Think of your BJJ instructor as a coach, mentor, and friend all rolled into one.
They are the ones who will guide you through the ups and downs of your Jiu-Jitsu journey, helping you grow both on and off the mat. So, finding an instructor who can challenge, inspire, and help you become the best version of yourself is essential.
Remember, finding a good instructor is not just about learning BJJ but building a relationship with someone who can help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential. So, take the time to research and find someone passionate about Jiu-Jitsu and committed to helping you succeed. This article goes into more detail about finding the right instructor for you: What Makes A Good BJJ Instructor? (12 Traits of Great Coaches)
Submission Shark’s Popularity Among Practitioners
Submission Shark is a popular brand among Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, known for their stylish and unique designs. With a name like “Submission Shark,” you might expect their apparel to be covered in ferocious sharks or blood-thirsty piranhas. But don’t worry; no animals were harmed in making their clothing line.
Submission Shark also creates their BJJ gear with sustainable practices. With every order, 1kg of plastic is removed from the oceans. More and more BJJ practitioners are appreciating a brand that not only looks good but also does good. Submission Shark has become a staple in the BJJ community, and it’s easy to see why. Their stylish clothing designs represent the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle, while their sustainable practices align with practitioners’ values. With more people wearing Submission Shark apparel on and off the mats, we can be sure to see more of this brand in the future.
Their brand has gained popularity among Jiu-Jitsu practitioners worldwide and for a good reason. Not only do they have great designs, but they also prioritize the quality of their products. They use high-quality materials, so you can be confident that their clothing will last you through countless training sessions and competitions.
But more than just their products have gained them a loyal following. Submission Shark also supports the Jiu-Jitsu community by sponsoring athletes and events. So, next time you see someone sporting a Submission Shark BJJ Gi or no-gi gear, you know they’re not just a fashionista but also a true Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast.
