If you train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there is a good chance you have had a friend or coworker express interest in learning more about the gentle art. If you have trained for a few months or have been an avid fan of the UFC, you can easily forget how intimidating the thought of training in martial arts can be for the average person on the streets. There are many misconceptions about martial arts and BJJ, since many will associate it with the most violent highlights from the UFC, while not realizing the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits from training. Whether your friend wants more information about BJJ or just needs a little bit more convincing before trying out a class, these 5 videos below will help show them why BJJ is a great workout, sport, and way of life for its practitioners.
In the video below, Rener Gracie breaks down the philosophy of BJJ and why it works as an effect form of self-defense on the feet and on the ground for a smaller and weaker person. If your friend is on the fence about training, this video will help sell your friend on the mental and physical benefits and the practicality of BJJ.
Rener’s uncle, Royce Gracie, became a BJJ and MMA legend by accepting challenges against practitioners of other martial arts. In the video below, Kung Fu expert and future UFC fighter Jason DeLucia traveled to the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA in the early 1990s to challenge Royce to a fight. In the video below, Royce uses his grappling techniques to control and submit a larger striker to show the effectiveness of BJJ compared to other martial arts.
At UFC 1, Royce Gracie faced professional wrestler and shoot fighter Ken Shamrock, who outweighed Royce by 30 lbs and looked like a Greek God. Royce, who looked liked the average guy on the street showed how technique and skill can conquer size and strength. The video below highlights how BJJ is a great equalizer in self-defense situations for smaller and less athletic individuals who are trained in the art.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqyyGfk56Wk
Podcaster, comedian, and UFC commentator Joe Rogan has been one of the best marketing tools for BJJ for the past decade. He is a lifelong martial artist, former Tae Kwon Do champion, and holds BJJ black belts from Eddie Bravo and Jean Jacques Machado. In the video below, Rogan talks about how BJJ has positively impacted his life, introduced him to amazing people, and made him a better and stronger human being.
Riley Breedlove is a beast. I often get asked by parents if BJJ would be good for their young daughters. As stated above, BJJ can be a great equalizer for smaller and weaker individuals in a self-defense situation. Riley is an amazing competitor and shows off her skills against members of her high school wrestling team in the video below. In interviews, Riley is composed, confident, and articulate. Training in an individual sport like BJJ will help your child learn problem solving skills, overcoming adversity and dealing with winning and losing which are all important life skills.
