Top 4 Reasons Why You
Should Attend Jiu-Jitsu Class Regularly
- Maintaining
Sharp Technique
A technique does not develop itself. Neither is it downloaded
into your brain and muscles when you practice it only five times. Repetition is
the key to your brain and body remembering anything. There have been studies
stating that in order to be an expert in any field, you must dedicate one
thousand hours to it. Whether it’s true or not, the message is clear - you have
to practice, practice and then practice some more. That’s why so many BJJ
champions and coaches claim that drilling is the key to success in jiu-jitsu.
Remembering it in your mind is not enough since jiu-jitsu requires your full
body motion - you have to train your body to remember the techniques so you can
execute them without thinking. This is also a great way of remembering details,
which are usually first to leave your memory when taking time off of training.
- Shows
respect to your instructor
Are you thinking that you may be ready for your next belt?
Even if you feel you are technically sound and talented, if you’re missing in
action most of the time at your academy, it is less likely that you will be
promoted. People forget that jiu-jitsu is still a martial art, no matter how
sportive it has become. You need to come to class regularly to show your
professor discipline and dedication. When a professor gives away a belt he is
entrusting you with upholding his reputation and also expects that you will be
in the school to help the other students improve. Coming to class regularly
doesn’t mean everyday, but it does mean coming in at least a couple of times
per week on a consistent basis, without several month gaps.
3. Helping
your teammates improve
As mentioned in the latter point, coming regularly to class
is important because you help others in your academy improve as well. In cities
where jiu-jitsu is not yet so popular, it is hard to come by good training
partners or even many partners. Once you join an academy you are part of the
team and you are dependent on each other to improve. Likewise, while you help
your teammates improve, they will help you improve. Teammates motivate each
other by being there to help each other train and also there are non-training
factors that add to giving the academy a good vibe and having larger classes.
4. Staying
in shape
People forget how great of a workout BJJ really is. Probably
one of the worst feelings is taking time off exercising and then realizing that
not only have you gained weight, but you’re also grossly out of shape.
Conditioning fizzles away quicker than technique, so it’s a horrible feeling
when you return to BJJ and realize that even though there are techniques that
you remember and want execute, your body will not comply because your cardio
has diminished. It also makes it harder for you to come back to training after
feeling like this - it will really take some serious motivation. Try to avoid
taking time off, unless you’re treating an injury. Coming back to training and
being out of shape is one of the worst feelings to endure.
