The Gentle Art
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) offers many unique experiences which trigger rich, subtle, and fulfilling psychological changes in its students, changes which promote positive transformation, and keep people coming back to the mats. It is the constant physical contact in BJJ which I think is one of the most influential factors driving the experience. Such contact triggers the release of neurochemicals in our brain and hormones throughout our body, which make us more aware, focused, and connected. Oxytocin is one hormone often called the “empathy” hormone, which is released in the body during such physical contact. It is likely one reason why friendships develop so quickly and deeply amongst BJJ students.
But, this close physical contact occurs in the context of intense interpersonal competition, in a stylized struggle for survival, and a struggle for physical dominance. The nature of competition and survival triggers other intense psychological and physiological changes. In such situations, our brains and bodies react, preparing us to flee or fight, but also to be very alert. Norepinephrine, adrenaline, and cortisol flood our bodies and synapses, decreasing our reaction times, and thereby enhance our focus and awareness.
During intense exercise, our brain also releases a protein, called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This protein protects and repairs neural tissue, and yields a powerful feeling of euphoria. BDNF is one of the sources of the so-called “runner’s high,” that feeling of elation and satisfaction that often follows intense exercise. The effects of this protein, and the enhanced activity of our brains after such strenuous exercise help us to be more energized, focused, and in positive spirits through the rest of the day.
The combative and competitive experiences of BJJ are likely to increase levels of testosterone in many people’s bodies. The nature of the sport draws people who have naturally higher levels of testosterone, and research has shown that in athletes and police officers, competition and combative situations increase testosterone levels even further. The powerful experiences of BJJ are not related solely to biological effects though.
It is a powerful sense of accomplishment to realize that you can keep yourself safe when under attack, even by a larger, stronger opponent. This is one reason I think that BJJ can be such a powerful healing experience for many women, including those who have experienced trauma. The physical experiences of BJJ, the confidence and the ability to act to protect oneself, can increase anyone’s feeling of personal safety. Furthermore, such experiences may help some people to rewrite their body’s reactions to situations. BJJ can help them in acclimating to physical situations uncomfortably reminiscent of trauma, and it can teach them how to find safety and security, even in the midst of physical confrontation.
But, this close physical contact occurs in the context of intense interpersonal competition, in a stylized struggle for survival, and a struggle for physical dominance. The nature of competition and survival triggers other intense psychological and physiological changes. In such situations, our brains and bodies react, preparing us to flee or fight, but also to be very alert. Norepinephrine, adrenaline, and cortisol flood our bodies and synapses, decreasing our reaction times, and thereby enhance our focus and awareness.
During intense exercise, our brain also releases a protein, called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This protein protects and repairs neural tissue, and yields a powerful feeling of euphoria. BDNF is one of the sources of the so-called “runner’s high,” that feeling of elation and satisfaction that often follows intense exercise. The effects of this protein, and the enhanced activity of our brains after such strenuous exercise help us to be more energized, focused, and in positive spirits through the rest of the day.
The combative and competitive experiences of BJJ are likely to increase levels of testosterone in many people’s bodies. The nature of the sport draws people who have naturally higher levels of testosterone, and research has shown that in athletes and police officers, competition and combative situations increase testosterone levels even further. The powerful experiences of BJJ are not related solely to biological effects though.
It is a powerful sense of accomplishment to realize that you can keep yourself safe when under attack, even by a larger, stronger opponent. This is one reason I think that BJJ can be such a powerful healing experience for many women, including those who have experienced trauma. The physical experiences of BJJ, the confidence and the ability to act to protect oneself, can increase anyone’s feeling of personal safety. Furthermore, such experiences may help some people to rewrite their body’s reactions to situations. BJJ can help them in acclimating to physical situations uncomfortably reminiscent of trauma, and it can teach them how to find safety and security, even in the midst of physical confrontation.
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