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...
Robert Moore, a psychologist and theologian, emphasized that for men the warrior spirit was “hard wired.” Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were warriors. As warriors they were required to defend themselves, their family, and their tribe in order to survive. This was crucial for the succession of family to carry on. While most of us in the Western world no longer traverse the plains of Africa, the primitive responses of our hunter-gatherer counterparts have not left us. The problem today is that most people have lost the ability to express their fight-or-flight response in appropriate ways. Martial arts are an excellent conduit for the positive expression of the warrior archetype. Martial arts are an opportunity to create a tribe of warriors who are once again able to be reunited, metaphorically expressing "the hunt" through public displays of courage, tenacity, and grit. Through the symbolic enactment of the martial process, people are able to sublimate their destructive energ...
Training in mixed martial arts can do more than just help you learn to defend yourself; it can help you reach fitness goals by offering these physical benefits: Total body workout: Martial arts are a high-aerobic workout that uses every muscle group in the body. Classes use calisthenics and other body-weight exercises as a warm-up. Consequently, your stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, balance, and strength will all improve. Healthy lifestyle: Due to the total-body nature of a martial arts workout, tons of calories are burned during every class. However, you will also find that your natural eating signals become better regulated, so food cravings will disappear and you will eat less as a result. Improved cardiovascular health: Research has found that the only real way to improve the status of the cardiovascular system is by participating in activities that stress the heart. Martial arts require constant movement which is great for your cardiovas...
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