Really nice write up. BJJ changed my live in crazy ways. It opened many doors all over the world. You go to a gym and have instant friends. Cool to see a write up about the non fighting aspect. Enjoy the journey. Ken from brazilianblackbelt.com
Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Re: Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
#12I am very interested in trying jiu jitsu, but am afraid of injuring my knee and not being able to run distance. I've read many accounts stating tearing a knee is inevitable when rolling as a beginner with beginners. Is it reasonable to train jiu jitsu if distance running is your primary objective? Or is it just too risky?
You don’t need to damage your knees. Find a school that doesn’t let white belts do leg locks on each other. Lower back is what to watch for, as keeping posture can take some power at the start. The biggest challenge is total hours. Adding 4-6 hours a week of Jiu Jitsu to the 8-10 required for distance training is a lot of overall wear and tear.
Re: Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
#13I’ve learned a lot through Jiu Jitsu too. Some is humility and empathy for a wide range of people. Also being able to learn over long time horizons. When I train the stress of life is more manageable. Perhaps the best part is being surrounded by a group of people all engaged in mutual self improvement.
I used to pack a Gi whenever I had work travel and it was a great way to connect locally.
Re: Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
#14I am very interested in trying jiu jitsu, but am afraid of injuring my knee and not being able to run distance. I've read many accounts stating tearing a knee is inevitable when rolling as a beginner with beginners. Is it reasonable to train jiu jitsu if distance running is your primary objective? Or is it just too risky?
I've been training BJJ for just over 8 years (Brown belt) and I've only hurt my knee once... wrestling, and I train at an academy that has a strong emphasis on leg locks. The best way to avoid injuries, regardless of if they are to your knees or other, if to learn when to tap. Take the time to go slowly, and take care not to go too hard.
Most of the injuries from BJJ happen when you're stubborn about tapping, or when people go too hard on a move they don't understand. BJJ is a long journey, so you want to train with injury prevention in mind. Hope that helps.
Re: Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
#15Cool, like many on HN I have long held an interest in the martial arts. After a 9 year hiatus after almost getting my back broken by a jujitsu rock star (in which hiatus I mostly did walking, hiking, and cycling) I just re-memorized fukyugata ichi from my karate days. Since martial arts interest is, in my life, associated somehow with higher than average stress levels, I found some additional benefit from martial art…
You might want to try Kendo. It doesn't have any distinctively colored belts or involve any back breaking. On the contrary, it has fixed my back after a cycling accident. It has the same benefits listed in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu article, like most martial arts.