Yes, I’m always up for a new fitness challenge. If YOU like to try something new that boosts your confidence, I might have an interesting read for you. What about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? I tried an introductory beginner class for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in North London.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)? It is a full contact martial art, combat sport, and a self-defence system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting.
First ever Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class and I was impressed! I managed to lift my training partner up and over to get on top. “Did you help me? Or was it me really doing it?”, I asked him.
Couldn’t belief it in the beginning but I managed it myself.
Together with my training partner we discover new ways of defending once on the ground. It’s not about muscle strength, it’s technique. There are ways of push and pull or hip movements that allow you to move a heavy person sitting on top of you. Just a small push on the hip to move slightly my body underneath, changing the legs and I was out.
During the introductory course I’ve leant the basic skills and movements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The group was mixed gender and is actually for anyone from the age of 12 years old. Benefits I felt from the course were my improved fitness level. It’s different if you run or cycle and if you already do different fitness like me, I felt physically an improved fitness level after 4 weeks and mentally a new boost of confidence.
My confidence changed already in the first class when I flipped over the guy on top of me. I’ll never forget that feeling. For a weak person laying on my back and being able to get out, it felt empowering I’ve not experienced during a class before. Wow, I was motivated and we practiced and changed roles. Now I was on top and got lifted off in a few seconds. It was fun.
Every class started with a warm up and then you partner up. I enjoyed being able to train with men and women. I felt confident having close contact with someone I didn’t know before. I was surprised as my initial thought was I’m not sure if this is something for me, but my initial insecurity was taken away quickly by learning new skills combined with fitness and I left every class happy.
At the end of one of the last session I attended we had 1.5 minute challenge to escape the person on top.
This was really tough. My muscles were tired after already an hour training, my strength at 60% but I gave my best.
My trainings partner was already 3 month in her training and made it really difficult for me.
I failed once and I managed to be on top once. I definitely need to practice more.
Every class I left sweaty and this time a bit more tired but happy. What a great training. Want to give it a go?
If you like to improve your fitness, try a new sport and boost your confidence there is a new course starting on 17th of September 2022 at Alexandra Park BJJ located in Alexandra Park School, Rhodes Avenue, London, N22 7UT
For more info just have a look here Alexandra Park BJJ
Or book your class tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/martials-arts-course-for-beginners-bjj-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-tickets-331261290437
Thanks for reading
Sabine xx
This post was in cooperation with Alexandra Park BJJ. The course was gifted. All opinions are my own.