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At this point, it has been a while since we were out of high school sports. One thing I vividly remember was that our coaches always pushed us to do ice baths after a hard training session so that our bodies could come back stronger than ever. Those ice baths helped with joint pain, and sore muscles, and gave us more energy to compete at the highest levels. Little did we know, these coaches were really onto something. The trend of dunking yourself in ice-cold water has taken the world by storm with the Cold Plunge Tub. What are the benefits of having a Cold Plunging routine? In this article, we will run through the way Cold Water Therapy through Cold Water Exposure is beneficial for your health, and mental well-being, and promotes an overall healthy lifestyle.

cold exposure

What Are the Benefits of Cold Plunge and Cold Therapy?

1) Speeds Up Physical Recovery for Athletic Performance

Cold Water Plunges can help speed up physical recovery for athletes by reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and helping to flush out lactic acid from the body. Cold Water Immersion can also improve mental clarity and alertness, decrease muscle soreness, and reduce overall fatigue. Athletes who use cold plunge tubs regularly can enjoy improved performance and faster recovery times after workouts or competitions.

2) Boost Your Immune System

Cold Water Plunges can help boost your immune system by increasing blood circulation and improving lymphatic drainage. Cold Water Immersion helps reduce inflammation, which can be a common cause of many illnesses. It also reduces stress levels and increases the production of endorphins, which are hormones that help to regulate the body’s response to stress. Cold water plunges also stimulate the production of white blood cells, which help your body fight off infection and disease.

cold exposure

3) Improves Resilience and Boosts Your Mood

The Cold Water Plunge can have a profound impact on your mental health and resilience. Taking the plunge in cold water stimulates the brain to release naturally occurring hormones such as Serotonin and Dopamine. These hormones are known to promote feelings of happiness and relaxation, as well as an increased sense of focus and clarity.

Cold Water Immersion also has a number of physical benefits that can help improve your overall resilience. It increases blood flow throughout the body, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, it helps to strengthen your immune system by stimulating white blood cell production. This in turn can help you fight off illnesses more efficiently.

Finally, Cold Water Plunges can help reduce stress levels by promoting deep breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and slow down your heart rate. This combination of physical and mental benefits can help you become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

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4) Improves Blood Circulation and Reduces Inflammation

A Cold Water Plunge has a powerful effect on the body, due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Cold Water Plunges cause Vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold temperature.

This constriction reduces inflammation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to be better circulated through the body. Additionally, when taking a Cold Water Plunge, the body releases Norepinephrine and Endorphins, both of which help improve overall circulation by increasing blood flow throughout the entire body. Cold water also helps to invigorate the lymphatic system, which removes toxins from cells and carries them away from the body.

cold exposure improves your mental well being

5) Prevents (and improves) Mental Health Conditions

There are many mental health benefits to Cold Water Plunges. . First, the shock of cold water can act as a distraction from intrusive thoughts, worries or anxieties. The physical sensation of the cold can interrupt the thought pattern and provide a break from rumination. The shock of cold water may also stimulate the body to release endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing chemicals that help reduce stress levels and boost feelings of well-being.

Additionally, submerging oneself in cold water can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for reducing heart rate and blood pressure and calming down an individual after stressful situations. Regular exposure to cold water may therefore lead to improved stress management skills. Finally, regular exposure to cold water has been linked to increased resilience against depression and anxiety due to its ability to regulate hormones such as Cortisol and Serotonin.

6) Helps You Better Manage Stress

Cold Water Plunges have been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. The cold temperatures in the water trigger the body’s natural fight-or-flight response, which can help to reset the body’s stress response system. This allows the body to become more resilient against future stressors. Additionally, this method of stress relief can also improve mood and provide a sense of calmness.

7) Improves Your Sleep

Cold Water Plunges can help improve sleep by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and increasing the amount of oxygen to your tissues. By reducing inflammation, cold water plunges can reduce the amount of pain and stiffness in your body. It also improves circulation which means that more blood is flowing to your muscles and organs. Increased oxygenation helps promote relaxation and improved sleep quality. Cold Water Plunges may also release endorphins which can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels.

 

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cold exposure and ice baths for athletes

My Experience With Cold Plunging and Cold Water Therapy

I tried cold plunging for the first time a few years ago and it was an interesting experience. Cold Plunging is a form of hydrotherapy that involves sitting in a tub full of cold water, typically between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, for anywhere from 1-5 minutes. The idea behind this practice is that it can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, boost your mood and energy, and even reduce stress levels.

The first thing I noticed when I stepped into the Cold Plunge was how intense it felt! It felt like a thousand tiny needles were stabbing me all at once and my body responded with an immediate shock. This sensation lasted for about the first 30 seconds before my body began to adjust and the feeling started to subside. Once I got used to it, however, I actually started to enjoy the sensation as it provided a sense of relaxation and clarity that you don’t always find elsewhere.

After five minutes in the Cold Plunge, I emerged feeling refreshed and energized. My skin felt softer than usual due to increased circulation throughout my body and my mood improved significantly as well. Since then, I have continued using Cold Plunges on a regular basis and am surprised at how quickly they can help me feel better after a long day.

Cold water therapy has been an excellent addition to my post-workout routine. At this point I train BJJ about 4-5 times a week and have dedicated at least 3 days per week at the gym. As my business scales and receive a bit more time freedom I look to boost these numbers and spend the majority of my days working, lifting, and training.

4 Tips to Make Your First Cold Plunge or Ice Bath a Success

    1. To get the most out of your experience do a post-workout ice bath to receive the max benefits of cold therapy

    2. Work your way to dunking your whole body into the water. It is common to not get past your upper body in your first session due to the stress of sudden immersion.

    3. Bring a warm set of clothes and a towel for after your plunging session.

    4. Cold Water Immersion can be a bit of a shock at first. Come mentally prepared to push yourself.

If you are looking to implement a strong recovery routine into your already active life be sure to consider a cold plunging routine and possibly a routine of spending time in a sauna. Cold Plunging leads to pain relief in muscles and joints after strenuous workouts, an improvement of mental fortitude, and promotes body functions on a cellular level. The benefits of cold water therapy are well documented for weight loss, improvement of vital organs, and helping people burn off stubborn brown fat.

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Cold plunging and cold water immersion are not new practices that someone recently came up with. These immersion techniques have been around for centuries at this point, it is only recently that we got some cool-looking tubs in our garage that we can actively practice it at our own time. In this article, we will break down some Cold Plunge benefits and how they can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle!

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Benefits of Cold Plunging

  • Improves Mood
  • Enhance Recovery from Exercise
  • Boost Physical Performance
  • Improves Blood Circulation
  • Reduces Inflammation
  • Improves Sleep
  • Boosts Mental Fortitude
  • Helps you Manage Stress Better
  • Boosted Energy Levels & Alertness
cold water immersion - cold plunge benefits

COLD PLUNGE BENEFITS: Boost Your Immune System

Cold Plunging can boost your immune system by stimulating the release of Endorphins and Adrenaline, which helps improve circulation and raises white blood cell count. It also promotes healthy lymphatic flow, helping to rid the body of toxins, bacteria, and viruses.

The cold water also helps strengthen your body’s natural defense mechanism by increasing its ability to fight off viruses and other infections.

Improves mood

The Cold Water Plunge can have a profound impact on your mental health and resilience. Taking the plunge in cold water stimulates the brain to release naturally occurring hormones such as Serotonin and Dopamine. These hormones are known to promote feelings of happiness and relaxation, as well as an increased sense of focus and clarity.

Cold Water Immersion also has a number of physical benefits that can help improve your overall resilience. It increases blood flow throughout the body, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It also helps strengthen your immune system by stimulating white blood cell production. This in turn can help you fight off illnesses more efficiently.

Finally, Cold Water Plunges can help reduce stress levels by promoting deep breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and slow down your heart rate. This combination of physical and mental benefits can help you become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

benefits of cold plunge - cold water exposure

Enhance Recovery From Exercise

Ice baths have been a common practice for athletic programs around the world, it is not a surprise that the practice would eventually make its way to the masses. Ice baths, just like cold plunging, can be used as a way to recover faster from physical exercise or activities that you find yourself indulged in.

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Joint pain, muscle soreness, and nagging injuries are all common in our sport of choice (jiu-jitsu) but I am 100% sure that the sport you do as a full-fledged adult has common traits. Whether you run on a court, play tennis, or possibly even golf, cold plunging can and will help with any kind of muscle soreness or fatigue that you may experience.

Boosts Physical Performance in Sports

Okay now I am not saying that once you jump into a tub you magically are able to dunk and run around a football field like a professional, that would be some magic solution that I could sell for way more than I would need and chances are I probably would not be writing this.

As we stated in the previous paragraph, cold plunging helps you recover more quickly. when you recover faster, you can get more time at the thing you are looking to get better at, whether that is tennis, BJJ, or football. When you are no longer running around in pain due to the tax on the body, you in part are able to perform that task at hand at a higher level.

Cold Plunging in freezing temperatures has been shown to have a positive impact on a number of things in your body. When you feel more energized, and more alert, cells in your body are more oxygenized, and you are not suffering from any kind of pain, it is no wonder that you will see a spike in your performance. It is not a secret that good recovery programs and routines boost athletic performance at this point.

health benefits of cold temperatures

Improves Blood Circulation

On a cellular level, cold exposure has a profound impact on the body. People around the world have been using cold therapy for centuries. The temperature of the water you use has a profound impact on your overall health.

Exposure to cold water causes the blood vessels on the surface of the skin to constrict. This diverts blood flow away from the surface of the skin. As blood travels away from the skin, blood vessels in deeper body tissues dilate. This improves blood flow circulation to the deeper tissues.

Reduces Inflammation

Cold Plunging can reduce inflammation by reducing the temperature of the body. When the body is cold, blood vessels constrict, which reduces inflammation and swelling. Additionally, when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures, it releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers and reduce inflammation.

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Inflammation occurs when your body has a response to some type of irritant. Irritants can occur in the body without us even knowing it at times. A large part of this has to do with diet and what we put in our bodies, to begin with. The unfortunate truth in today’s world is that we have to watch what goes into our bodies. It is no longer news that some new company is pumping foods with preservatives or GMOs that are harmful to us and cause things like inflammation.

Finally, cold water will reduce lactic acid buildup in muscles, which helps to decrease soreness from intense physical activity.

Improves Your Sleep

Cold Water Plunges can help improve sleep by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and increasing the amount of oxygen to your tissues. By reducing inflammation, cold water plunges can reduce the amount of pain and stiffness in your body. Improvement in the circulation of the blood in the body means that more blood is flowing to your muscles and organs. Increased oxygenation helps promote relaxation and improved sleep quality. Cold Water Plunges may also release endorphins which can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels.

cold shock response

Mental Health Benefits of Cold Water Immersion

Whether you know it or not, Cold Plunging is not an easy task. It may not be desirable to get into a tub of freezing cold water just to feel less pain relief but what if I told you there was more to it than just physical benefits?

When you do hard things that most people will go out of their way to avoid, you are consciously telling the world that you are capable of this type of work. In return for doing those types of activities, you’ll have a mental edge over those that will chase comfort instead.

Cold Plunging has been an experience that brought us closer to understanding how to control our mind in times of stress. When all you want to do is focus on how cold you are and how badly you want to get out of the tub it is hard to actually focus on the task at hand. It is a superpower to pull your awareness away from the discomfort in front of you and put in on something like your breathe instead.

Helps You Better Manage Stress and Helps Reduce it

Shocking your body with a sudden dose of cold water is normally unpleasant at first. It will put your body in a state of fight-or-flight and get everything firing like it is supposed to. In this sudden state of shock, the body is registering the experience as stress.

I read a really good piece the other day (could not find the link to it I know I am sorry) about there being two types of stress. Normal stress that we are all aware of (you know the one that is bad) is the type of stress like a boss hounding you and always over your shoulder and the second type of stress (that I was unfamiliar with) was eustress. Eustress is more described as a voluntary stress that we put ourselves through to come out the other side a better person.

Cold Plunging, sauna sessions, and BJJ are three examples of Eustress that we regularly put ourselves through. Eustress is the stress that you must start chasing to make yourself better equipped to handle the unwanted stress that may arise in life. Cold Plunging daily is a practice that promotes this line of thinking.

body's stress response cold water triggers

Increases Energy Levels

According to several research studies, cold water exposure and ice baths can increase energy levels in the human body. Through a process called cold thermogenesis, cold water stimulates the nerve endings in the skin. This results in an increase in oxygen levels and a boost in one’s heart rate and respiration rate. All of these added benefits have been linked back to an increase in energy levels and alertness in the human body.

Increases alertness

After taking a plunge, your body will feel completely different. It feels more awake. Now there is some deep science to this, which i will not bog you down in this particular post since we already did it on another one, the moral is that cold plunging will leave you more alert throughout your day to tackle all issues or conflicts that may arise.

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My Experience With Cold Plunging

We started cold plunging a couple of years ago as a friend of ours started getting very vocal about the practice. At first, it was extremely uncomfortable and the experience was a bit overwhelming. We were not used to putting ourselves into voluntarily stressful circumstances and it showed in those early days.

As we started to do the practice more regularly, the ability to just focus on our breath became second nature. We do not have our own tub, yet, we spend our time at local studios that do though, more often than we probably should! 

At this point, we are big advocates of the practice and think that it has been a huge advantage to our athletic performance on the mats.

Who can practice cold plunging?

If you are concerned that cold plunging may not be something you can do, it is probably best to ask a medical professional for their advice. The great thing about the Cold Plunge Tub in particular is that the temperature of the water is completely controllable, so you do not have to start at 35-degree wouldn’t water on your first try, we wouldn’t even recommend that in the first place.

The benefits of cold water immersion start to occur in the body when the temperature of the water is below 60 degrees, so if you have to, start at 59 or 58 and work your way down to the cold temperatures. Baby steps always.

cold plunge pool

Tips to Make Your First Cold Plunge a Success

  1. Go in knowing it is going to be very cold. The benefits of cold water therapy far outweigh the discomfort you will experience. Keep this in mind and go into the experience ready to push yourself.

  2. Bring a warm set of clothes and towels. Most places you go to that have Cold Plunge Tubs will also have towels but it does not hurt to bring your own. Your body will feel different after you dunk yourself in freezing temperatures so when it is all over getting into a nice set of clothes that will warm you up is needed.

  3. When submerged in the water the best way to push past the discomfort is to focus on your breathing. This is much easier said than done. Deep breathing and focus will help calm your body down to the sudden immersion in the tub.

  4. Work your way to getting your whole body in the tub. Most of the time, when starting out it is okay if you can only get the upper body submerged. Work your way to getting comfortable with a full-body submersion over time.

Ice Bath vs Cold Shower vs Cold Plunge – what’s the difference?

Ice Bath

  • Have to purchase ice every time you want to plunge
  • Out-dated design
  • No temperature control

Cold Shower

  • Can do it in the comfort of your home
  • Temperature control
  • No studied benefits on muscle or joint recover
  • Easy to build a routine

Cold Plunge

  • Complete temperature control (if you choose the right tub)
  • Can do it in the comfort of your home
  • Sleek Designs
  • Easy to build a routine
  • Studied and proven health benefits
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SAFETY TIPS FOR COLD IMMERSION

Be sure to consult with medical professionals if you have any pre-disposed issues that have you questioning if plunging is for you. Otherwise, if you are a healthy able-bodied individual, plunging is a safe process.

Be sure to watch your step coming in and out of the cold tub, it can get slippery!

HOW LONG SHOULD COLD IMMERSIONS LAST?

Cold water immersion is a process that should last no longer than a couple of minutes to get the added benefits you’re probably looking for. If you are plunging using a tub usually the time limit you want to stay submerged is somewhere around 2 – 5 minutes. If you decide to experiment with Cold showers you should aim for around the same time.

When we practiced cold showering we would do it for about 1 minute to get that sudden shock from the temperature of the water and once we felt more alert, we went right back to turning it to warm.

Take the plunge and try this out for yourself. 

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All the rage in the health and fitness industry is mixing both cold and heat therapy to help boost our body’s performance. Whether we just enjoy the mental workouts that both have to offer or if we are professional athlete, the benefits of getting a cold immersion and heat therapy routine are boundless for recovery times and overall health support. In this article, we will be breaking down 5 health benefits of combining a hot sauna session with cold plunging!

5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF COMBINING SAUNA BATHING WITH COLD PLUNGING

Is it better to use the Cold Plunge before or after the sauna?

It depends on personal preferences, as some people prefer to start with the Cold Plunge and then enter the sauna while others prefer to use the sauna first and then take a plunge.

Most people believe that using the Plunge before the sauna is more beneficial as it helps to lower your body temperature, increases circulation and provides a more intense thermal experience. This can also help to reduce muscle soreness after a workout.

hot sauna session with cold plunge benefits

Combined Health Benefits of Cold Plunging and Sauna

The combination of Cold Plunging and saunas offer a range of benefits which include:

1) Stress Relief:

Cold plunging stimulates the body’s natural fight-or-flight response, which helps reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Saunas also help to relax muscles, improve sleep quality and reduce stress.

2) Improved Circulation:

Cold plunging increases circulation in the body by forcing blood out of the extremities towards the core organs. This increased circulation can help improve muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and improve overall athletic performance. Saunas also increase circulation by dilating blood vessels and promoting sweat production.

3) Detoxification:

Cold plunging promotes detoxification by stimulating lymphatic drainage which helps flush out toxins from the body. Saunas also aid detoxification as they stimulate sweat production, helping to release toxins through the skin.

4) Immune System Boost:

Regular cold plunges and saunas can boost your immune system as they increase white blood cell count, helping fight off infection more effectively.

5) Weight Loss:

Both cold plunging and saunas can aid in weight loss as they burn calories through

benefits of cold plunge after sauna

5 Reasons to Cold Plunge After a Hot Sauna

1) Increases Blood Flow

The Benefits of a Cold Plunge After Sauna include improved recovery after strenuous exercise, a boost in energy levels, reduced inflammation, decreased soreness and pain, enhanced immune system function, and improved mental clarity. It also stimulates the production of endorphins which provides an overall feeling of well-being. Additionally, cooling down with a cold water plunge allows the body to conserve more heat for deeper sauna sessions. Cold showers or a cold bath is another way to add a Cold Plunge to your daily wellness routine. Using a hot and cold technique is the best way to see the benefits of a Cold Plunge after sauna.

2) Burns Fat and Helps You Lose Weight

A cold water plunge after sauna helps you to lose weight by sending your body into a shock. When you go from the heat of the sauna to the cold of the pool, your body has to work hard to adjust its temperature. This causes it to produce heat energy which in turn burns calories. Additionally, doing this helps activate your metabolism and increases circulation throughout your body, aiding in weight loss.

3) Improves your blood circulation

The Cold Plunge can help to quickly lower the body temperature after sauna use. This is beneficial for circulation, as the sudden drop in temperature causes the blood vessels to constrict, which promotes better blood flow and helps to flush out toxins and lactic acid from the muscles. Cold Plunging also helps boost energy levels, reduce inflammation, and improve overall immunity. Additionally, it can act as a natural stress reliever and may help improve sleep quality.

4) Increases Energy Levels

A Cold Plunge, or Ice Baths, is a great way to boost energy levels. Cold water impacts your nervous system and helps it adapt to the environment you’re in. This process has a positive effect on your stress response and can reduce fatigue. After a Cold Plunge, you may experience more alertness and elevated moods due to increased endorphins released by your body. The icy water also causes small blood vessels in your skin to constrict, which then forces more oxygen-rich blood into larger muscles used for exercise. This helps you become energized and better able to perform physical activities.

5) Helps Reduce Painful Inflammation

The cold water helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Cold Plunges also help to greatly improve circulation, as well as reduce muscle spasms and cramps. Cold Therapy also floods the body with endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help improve your mental clarity and focus.

Cold Plunges can be a great way to relax after a hard workout or day of physical labor. A Plunge can also help relieve stress by reducing cortisol levels in the body. After taking a Cold Plunge, you will likely experience improved sleep quality due to its relaxing effects. This is because cold water helps your body to enter into a state of calmness and restfulness, allowing for better overall sleep quality.

Regularly using a Cold Plunge Bath may help protect against common illnesses such as colds and flu. The shock of entering an icy pool increases your white blood cell count almost immediately upon entry – this helps to boost your immune system and you will also have an elevated mood!

You will find a huge boost to your immune system and mental health through the extreme temperature change of this cold and heat therapy. The feeling that you get using a hot sauna Cold Plunge is like milder spa experiences you get at a luxury spa.

Is the Hot Sauna and Cold Plunge Routine Safe?

Yes, a cold plunge after the sauna is generally considered safe, as long as the temperature of the plunge is kept at a comfortable level for the individual and they don’t stay in too long. It’s important to use caution when trying a cold plunge therapy routine and to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns. Additionally, starting slowly and easing into the routine over time is best.

Combining your plunge routine with some form of heat therapy like a hot sauna session is an awesome experience. It is something that not only has you feeling amazing afterward but has many benefits for your overall health and recovery from strenuous activities like martial arts training, intense weight lifting, or other activities that call for higher levels of athletic performance.

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All the rage around the health and wellness space is around cold water immersion. Cold Plunging is a process that has become extremely popular over the past two years due to the popularity of the practice on social media. Many companies are helping people reach their peaks and at the forefront of this trend is Cold Plunge. In this article, we will be taking a look at the benefits of cold plunging for athletic performance.

benefits of cold water exposure - benefits cold plunge

Benefits Cold Plunge: What are the Benefits of a Daily Home Cold Plunge?

1. Reduces Inflammation:

Cold Plunges reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and reducing metabolic activity, which can alleviate pain caused by joint, muscle, and tissue inflammation.

2. Boosts the Immune System:

Exposure to cold temperatures causes your body to produce more white blood cells responsible for fighting off infections.

3. Improves circulation:

Immersing yourself in cold water causes your blood vessels to contract and then relax, improving circulation and delivering more oxygen-rich blood to your organs and muscles.

4. Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress:

The shock of the cold water can help relieve stress and anxiety, while also helping you to feel more awake and alert.

5. Promotes Better Sleep:

After a Cold Plunge, your body will work hard to regulate its temperature back up again – this process helps to tire you out so that you can get a better night’s sleep.

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Benefits of Plunging for Athletes

Boosting Your Immune System

Cold Plunging can boost your immune system by stimulating the release of Endorphins and Adrenaline, which helps improve circulation and raises white blood cell count. It also promotes healthy lymphatic flow, helping to rid the body of toxins, bacteria, and viruses.

The cold water also helps strengthen your body’s natural defense mechanism by increasing its ability to fight off viruses and other infections.

Improved Circulation

Cold Plunging can help improve circulation by causing the body to constrict and expand the blood vessels. The cold water causes the blood vessels to narrow, forcing more of your body’s circulating blood into your core, which then increases overall circulation.

This improved circulation helps flush out toxins and impurities from your cells, which can lead to improved overall health. It is also been known to help reduce inflammation.

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Reduces Inflammation

Cold Plunging can reduce inflammation by reducing the temperature of the body. When the body is cold, blood vessels constrict, which reduces inflammation and swelling. Additionally, when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures, it releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers and reduce inflammation.

Inflammation occurs when your body has a response to some type of irritant. Irritants can occur in the body without us even knowing it at times. A large part of this has to do with diet and what we put in our bodies, to begin with. The unfortunate truth in today’s world is that we have to watch what goes into our bodies. It is no longer news that some new company is pumping foods with preservatives or GMOs that are harmful to us and cause things like inflammation.

Finally, cold water will reduce lactic acid buildup in muscles, which helps to decrease soreness from intense physical activity.

Improves Blood Circulation

A Daily Home Cold Plunge can improve blood circulation by causing the body to constrict its blood vessels and force the blood to circulate faster. This increased circulation helps transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, resulting in a host of potential health benefits ranging from increased energy levels to improved mental clarity.

Cold Plunging on a regular basis is a great way to help boost immunity and promote muscle recovery after exercise.

Helps You Better Manage Stress

A Daily Home Cold Plunge can help reduce stress by decreasing Cortisol levels in the body. Cold Water Exposure triggers a physiological response called “Cold Shock Response” which increases heart rate and blood pressure; this prepares the body to cope with the cold temperature, releasing endorphins and other hormones which reduce stress and anxiety.

The cold water also helps to speed up metabolism and circulation, improving overall mood and reducing fatigue. Additionally, it can help improve sleep quality, and even reduce inflammation in the body.

Improves Your Sleep

A Daily Home Cold Plunge can improve sleep by decreasing body temperature and helping to relax the nervous system. Cold Plunges can help reduce inflammation in the body, leading to improved circulation and better quality sleep. Additionally, decreased body temperature can increase Melatonin production, which is a hormone associated with healthy sleep cycles.

Increases Energy Levels

A Daily Home Cold Plunge can increase energy levels by increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the release of Endorphins (the body’s natural feel-good hormones).

Cold Plunges trigger a “fight or flight” response in the body, forcing it to create more energy to try and stay warm. This increased energy encourages blood flow throughout the body, bringing more oxygen to tired muscles and helping them recover faster. It also helps reduce inflammation by reducing soreness and stiffness in joints, allowing for better overall mobility.

Finally, Cold Plunges can stimulate the release of Endorphins which produce a feeling of euphoria and natural energy.

 

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My Experience With Cold Plunging

My experience with Cold Plunging was very surprising.

I had heard of it many years ago when I first tried it but never thought it could be so beneficial. The initial cold exposure to the water feels incredibly invigorating and refreshing. It helps to reduce inflammation and can help with muscle soreness and fatigue. I have found that taking a Cold Plunge after a workout or strenuous activity can really help to speed up the recovery process.

Physically, it helps to stimulate circulation and encourages my body to heal faster by increasing blood flow throughout the body. Mentally, it helps me to stay focused and motivated as the Cold Water Shock sets off a pleasant jolt of energy throughout my body which helps me to stay alert and focused.

Overall, Cold Plunging and Cold Water Therapy is an activity that I highly recommend for anyone looking for an effective way to improve their physical health, stress hormones, mood disorders, cardiovascular health, mental health, mental well-being, and energy levels.

Cold Plunging is also great for joint pain, pain relief, sore muscles, entire body rejuvenation, weight loss, and blood circulation, helps to lower your blood pressure, and has many mental health benefits.

cold water for athletes

Boosts Physical Performance in Sports

Plunging has been known to help boost physical performance in sports due to the positive impact that it has on one’s body. Cold water therapy has been proven to lead to less muscle soreness when used as a recovery tool.

Being an extreme athlete like those in snowboarding, MMA, or any other sport requiring high levels of intensity calls for a proper recovery routine in place. Cold Water therapy in the form of a plunge, ice bath, or cold showers are an essential piece to that puzzle.

Tips to Make Your First Cold Plunge or Ice Bath a Success

  1. Go in knowing it is going to be very cold. The benefits of cold water therapy far outweigh the discomfort you will experience. Keep this in mind and go into the experience ready to push yourself.

  2. Bring a warm set of clothes and towels. Most places you go to that have Cold Plunge Tubs will also have towels but it does not hurt to bring your own. Your body will feel different after you dunk yourself in freezing temperatures so when it is all over getting into a nice set of clothes that will warm you up is needed.

  3. When submerged in the water the best way to push past the discomfort is to focus on your breathing. This is much easier said than done. Deep breathing and focus will help calm your body down to the sudden immersion in the tub.

  4. Work your way to getting your whole body in the tub. Most of the time, when starting out it is okay if you can only get the upper body submerged. Work your way to getting comfortable with a full-body submersion over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cold Plunging worth it?

In our opinion, yes. Our recovery time has drastically improved since starting a routine. Many people that train jiu-jitsu at our gym has their own Tub at home. when you are training multiple times a day, whether consistent weight training or preparing for your next fight, the benefits of a post-workout ice bath are crucial.

What should I expect?

You should expect a shock if it is your first time. The water is very cold and this is not an exaggeration.

Safety Tips for Cold Immersion

Be sure to consult with medical professionals if you have any pre-disposed issues that have you questioning if plunging is for you. Otherwise, if you are a healthy able-bodied individual, plunging is a safe process.

Be sure to watch your step coming in and out of the cold tub, it can get slippery!

Taking your health to the next level starts with physical exercise that pushes you to your limits and a proper recovery routine. We advocate that in this routine you should add in cold water immersion, time spent in a sauna, and staying flexible with a practice like yoga. Your weight loss, health, and wellness journey is about to go to the next level!

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Many more people are consciously aware of starting their day off on the right note. There are millions of ways to start your day off better than checking your phone or scrolling on social media. Living a healthy lifestyle that is optimized for performance is what we want to empower each one of your to do. This starts with a proper routine that gets your body ready for the challenges that might arise throughout the day.

This article will discuss the benefits of starting your morning off with some form of cold water immersion or a cold plunge.

Cold Water Immersion Facts

  • Cold Water Therapy has been found to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation from sports injuries, muscle strains, sprains and tendonitis.

  • Cold Water Immersion is a technique used to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. It involves submerging the affected area in cold water for a period of time.

  • Cold Water Immersion can also improve recovery from exercise by reducing fatigue and increasing performance.

  • Cold Water Immersion can help reduce stress levels by inducing relaxation through its calming effects on the body.

  • The ideal temperature for cold water plunging is between 50-59°F (10-15°C).

  • For best results, cold water therapy should be done for 15-20 minutes at a time.

  • Protecting the skin while using cold water therapy is important by wearing protective clothing or covering with towels or blankets.

It is a Great Way to Start the Day

Cold Water Immersion is a fantastic way to start the day, as it has many health benefits. Immersing yourself in cold water helps to stimulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. It can also help you to relax and get rid of stress. Cold water immersion can also help you to build endurance and improve cognitive functioning. If you are looking for an energizing way to start your day, consider giving cold water immersion a try!

The Best Cold Plunge Tub | Grapplers Graveyard

Find the top rated cold plunges here. In depth reviews and commentary on the best cold plunge devices on the market. Find exclusive discounts and much more.

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mental benefits of cold plunge

Mental Health Benefits of Cold Plunges or an Ice Bath

Cold Plunges, also known as Cold therapy or Cryotherapy, are a type of physical activity that involves submerging your body in cold water. This practice is becoming increasingly popular due to its many potential health benefits, including relief from anxiety and stress, increased energy levels and improved sleep quality. Studies have shown that regular exposure to cold temperatures can help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation in the body. It has also been found to stimulate endorphins, which are responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. Cold Plunges can be used as part of a holistic approach to mental care, providing numerous psychological and physical advantages.

The primary benefit of Cold Plunges is the relaxation response it elicits from your body. When exposed to cold temperatures, your heart rate and blood pressure drop, inducing a state of relaxation throughout your body.

This state helps clear away the stress-related hormones circulating in your system and can even help you feel more energized after the plunge. In addition, it has been suggested that regular exposure to cold water may have antidepressant effects due to its ability to reduce inflammation in the brain.

One of the other main benefits associated with Cold Plunges is improved sleep quality due to your mind and body being in a more relaxed state due to the cold water exposure. You will also find that your physical and mental health improves even if you just add a cold shower or cold baths to your daily regimen.

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Boosting Your Immune System with Cold Therapy

Here are other ways as well as Cold Plunging that can help to boost your immune system:

1. Take a daily Cold Plunge: Cold plunging is a great way to activate your immune system and give it a boost. It’s simple really, just take a plunge in cold water for up to two minutes at least twice a week. This will stimulate your immune system and help you fight off germs more effectively. It is also great for your mental well being.

2. Eat immune boosting foods: Eating the right kinds of food can make all the difference when it comes to your immunity. Foods rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals like garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and fatty fish are great for boosting immunity.

3. Get enough sleep: Rest is incredibly important when it comes to having a healthy immune system, so make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep every night. Aim for 8 hours per night if possible!

4. Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to increase circulation and get your body working harder which helps to regulate your immune system better. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week – this could be anything from walking to running or lifting weights.

5. Manage stress levels: Stress has an incredibly negative effect on our bodies – it actually suppresses our immune

Increase Your Energy Levels with Cold Therapy

Cold Plunging is becoming increasingly popular as a way to boost energy levels, reduce stress and depression, and improve overall health. Here is how you can boost your energy levels:

1. Start Slow: If you’re new to cold plunging, start with just 10-15 seconds in the cold water. This will give your body time to adjust, and allow you to become accustomed to the sensation. You can gradually increase the duration over time, but always listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

2. Prepare Yourself: To get the most out of a cold plunge session it’s important to prepare yourself mentally before jumping in. Take some deep breaths and focus on how this practice will benefit you physically, mentally and emotionally.

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Find the top rated cold plunges here. In depth reviews and commentary on the best cold plunge devices on the market. Find exclusive discounts and much more.

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3. Use Cold Water Resources: Cold plunges are most effective when done with cold water sources such as an ice bath or even just a cold shower. A hot tub filled with ice cubes is also another great option!

4. Hydrate & Refuel: After your session make sure you drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks.

cold water benefits

Increase Your Alertness

Cold Plunging, also known as cold water immersion, is a great way to boost your alertness and energy level. Cold Plunging involves submerging yourself in cold water for a short period of time, usually no more than a few minutes. This practice has been used for centuries to reduce fatigue, increase circulation and even improve mental clarity.

The most common way to take part in cold plunging is by using an ice bath or cold shower. The colder the water you use, the better the results. It’s important to note that while it is beneficial to plunge into cold water, it can be dangerous if not done correctly. Therefore, if you are new to this practice or have any medical concerns, please talk with your doctor first before attempting it.

Once you are ready to begin your Cold Plunging session, gradually lower yourself into the icy water while keeping your body relaxed and breathing deeply. Start off with just a few seconds at a time and then gradually increase the duration as you become accustomed to the temperature. You should aim for at least five minutes total of exposure per session but feel free to extend it longer if you can handle it comfortably. After each session be sure to dry off thoroughly with a warm towel or blanket.

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Tips to Make Cold Therapy Practices Easier

1). Start Small – If you’re just starting out, don’t attempt to jump into the coldest water right away. Begin with a bath or shower that is cooler than you normally would take and gradually lower the temperature over time.

2). Wear Protective Gear – Wearing a wetsuit or drysuit can help insulate your body and make cold plunging more comfortable.

3). Focus on Your Breath – Before taking the plunge, take some deep breaths to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the shock of the cold water. Focusing on your breath while in the water can keep your mind off of how cold it is and help you stay relaxed while in there.

4). Take it Slow – Don’t rush into a cold plunge session– take your time getting used to the temperature before attempting any type of movement or exercise in the water.

5). Talk Yourself Up – Whenever possible, talk yourself up before taking a dip into cold water– remind yourself that this is something you are capable of doing and that it will benefit you in the long run!

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Find the top rated cold plunges here. In depth reviews and commentary on the best cold plunge devices on the market. Find exclusive discounts and much more.

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Who Can Practice Cold Exposure?

Cold Exposure is a safe and accessible practice for anyone who is healthy and has no underlying medical conditions. The benefits to your immune system will be amazing. However, it is recommended to speak with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, including Cold Exposure. Individuals with certain health conditions such as heart disease may be at a higher risk for cold-related illnesses or injuries.

In 2023, health is of the utmost importance. There is nothing like knowing that your body is in unison with your mind so you can be at your best in all the activities that require that out of you. Starting your morning off on the right foot starts with a morning routine that shocks your body into a state of alertness. If you are serious about your health and physical performance or consider yourself any kind of athlete, you need to be implementing this into your daily regimen.

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Lately, we have been able to start picking up a routine of taking a post-workout ice bath in the cold plunge pool. Back when we played high school sports this was a common routine for us to implement because the ice baths always help with muscle and joint soreness so we could stay at our peak. Now that we have been regularly training jiu-jitsu our bodies are constantly under stress and we have to find ways to keep up with the physical demands. In this article, we will be discussing the benefits of having a Cold Plunge routine and why you should probably implement one yourself.

Cold Plunge Tub

Are you looking to take your health to the next level? Look no further than getting yourself a cold plunge tub or implementing this routine into your day-to-day. Cold plunging and cold exposure therapy have been proven to help with a number of things within the body.

cold baths

Cold Water Immersion Promotes Overall Health

Cold water immersion has been all the rage for athletes and health enthusiasts lately. It has been proven that getting cold water therapy has a number of benefits that promote ones overall health. In today’s world, being healthy and taking care of your body is a must. Here are some ways that cold water immersion can boost your overall health:

  • Learn how to manage stress

  • A better way to combat muscle soreness

  • Increase in sleep quality

  • Pain relief from sore muscles and joint pain

  • Promotes weight loss

  • Increase your mental well being

The Best Cold Plunge Tub | Grapplers Graveyard

Find the top rated cold plunges here. In depth reviews and commentary on the best cold plunge devices on the market. Find exclusive discounts and much more.

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Benefits of Cold Exposure: Boosting Your Immune System with Cold Plunging

Cold Water Immersion is considered to be incredibly effective against the immune system.

A Cold Plunge can boost your immune system by increasing the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, both of which carry essential nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body. Cold Plunges also stimulate white blood cell production, which is integral in fighting off infection. In addition, Cold Plunges reduce inflammation, help to eliminate toxins from the body, and stimulate the metabolism.

Reduces Inflammation

A Cold Plunge reduces inflammation by constricting the blood vessels and reducing swelling. This helps reduce pain and redness in the affected area, as well as decrease muscle spasms and increase the range of motion in the joint. Additionally, Cold Plunges can help reduce inflammation by stimulating the production of endorphins which act as natural painkillers.

cold water therapy

Triggers Hormesis and Improves Resilience

Hormesis is a process in which exposure to a low dose of an environmental factor, like cold temperatures, that would be damaging at higher doses induces an adaptive beneficial effect on the cells of an organism. In lemans terms, exposing yourself to the cold water in the Cold Plunge Tub is exceptionally beneficial for the cells in your body.

Cold Plunging Can Lead to Weight Loss

It’ll be a surprise to many to find cold exposure and one of its most overlooked benefits. In the United States, it has been found that cold water immersion may cause the production of swollen fatty tissue. Eventually, it causes the hormone Irisin or FGF to be released which burns fat tissue, causing the loss of body mass.

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Find the top rated cold plunges here. In depth reviews and commentary on the best cold plunge devices on the market. Find exclusive discounts and much more.

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ice cold water

Increases Energy Levels & Reduce Stress with Cold Plunging

Cold Plunging is a practice of submerging yourself in cold water for short periods of time, typically between 15-30 minutes. This practice has been popularized by athletes and wellness professionals who believe that it provides a number of health benefits. It is said to improve circulation, enhance alertness, reduce stress and fatigue, increase energy levels, improve mood, and even boost the immune system.

One way that Cold Plunging can help to increase energy levels is by stimulating the body’s fight-or-flight response. As you submerge your body into the frigid water, your sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear and releases adrenaline and other hormones which prepare the body for action. This rush of energy helps to increase alertness and focus as well as providing an immediate boost in energy levels.

Cold Plunging can also help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and activating the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for restful states. The cold water causes blood vessels to constrict which decreases inflammation throughout the body leading to a feeling of relaxation and peace. Additionally, there are psychosocial benefits associated with Cold Plunging such as improved confidence and self-esteem due to facing a challenge like this head-on.

benefits of morning cold plunge

Why you Should Plunge and Implement a Cold Water Immersion Routine

In this article, we discussed a number of benefits that Cold exposure can have on the body. Simply adding ice baths to your routine will have a drastic impact on what your body will be able to do.

Cold Therapy can be tough at first because of the immediate shock you get from the freezing cold temperatures. But as you do this more often you will be able to build up the mental fortitude to push past your barriers and truly reap the benefits of ice baths. Cold therapy has been all the rage recently and there are a number of tubs that you can choose from ranging in price. The three main tubs that you will find on the market are:

Most Popular
Best Bang For Buck
Best Budget
Primary Rating:
4.7
Primary Rating:
4.6
Primary Rating:
4.2
$173/mo
$89/mo
$75/mo
Pros:
  • Multiple Sizing options for taller/shorter people
  • Indoor & Outdoor use
  • Great Customer support and video tutorials
  • Has an All-in-One OPtion
Pros:
  • Not Breaking the Bank
  • 37ºF - 108ºF
  • Custom Design or Steel Design
Pros:
  • Holds 105 Gallons
  • Easy Drainage & Usage
  • Save on Electricity bill since no chiller
Cons:
  • Runs 24/7
  • Uncomfortable if you order the wrong size
Cons:
  • Decent Flowrate
Cons:
  • Little to no Flow to Water
  • Have to use ice to cool
Most Popular
Primary Rating:
4.7
$173/mo
Pros:
  • Multiple Sizing options for taller/shorter people
  • Indoor & Outdoor use
  • Great Customer support and video tutorials
  • Has an All-in-One OPtion
Cons:
  • Runs 24/7
  • Uncomfortable if you order the wrong size
Best Bang For Buck
Primary Rating:
4.6
$89/mo
Pros:
  • Not Breaking the Bank
  • 37ºF - 108ºF
  • Custom Design or Steel Design
Cons:
  • Decent Flowrate
Best Budget
Primary Rating:
4.2
$75/mo
Pros:
  • Holds 105 Gallons
  • Easy Drainage & Usage
  • Save on Electricity bill since no chiller
Cons:
  • Little to no Flow to Water
  • Have to use ice to cool
cold water

My Experience With Cold Plunging

I tried Cold plunging for the first time many years ago. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but after researching and reading up on the potential benefits of Cold Plunging, I decided to give it a shot.

When I first stepped into the Cold Plunge Bath, the shock of the icy water was intense! My body instantly reacted with shock and my breath caught in my throat. I was expecting it to be quite uncomfortable, but surprisingly enough after about two minutes, my body actually began to adjust and even enjoy the sensation of feeling so incredibly cold.

After a few more minutes of staying in the plunge bath, I started noticing some positive changes in my body. My heart rate had slowed significantly, allowing me to relax and feel calmer. My skin also felt incredibly tight and refreshed due to improved circulation that came from the extreme temperature change.

Throughout the day I also saw many benefits. I felt more alert and less fatigued and I also felt a lot happier too. The exposure to the cold water made my body feel relaxed rather than stressed and tense which would have had a positive impact on my blood pressure too.

Overall, Cold Plunging is an amazing experience that comes with plenty of health benefits if done correctly and regularly. Cold Water Exposure is great for both your mental health and physical health. It’s something that I will definitely continue doing as part of my regular routine as it helps me feel more energized and relaxed overall.

Cold Plunging is a great way to reduce inflammation, and pain and improve circulation. It can be beneficial for those who suffer from chronic pain, muscle aches, fatigue, joint stiffness, and more.

Cold plunging can also help improve the appearance of skin by reducing wrinkles, cellulite and acne. Overall, Cold Plunging is an effective and safe method to aid in various ailments and promote overall health and well-being and boost your immune system.

However, Cold Plunging should be used as directed and with caution as it can cause skin irritation, burns, and other health risks if done incorrectly. It is important to speak with a doctor before attempting cold plunging and to follow the instructions of any products used for the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cold Plunging can provide many beneficial health benefits as well as mental health benefits when used properly and with caution. Cold Water Therapy has a proven ability to reduce inflammation, and pain and improve circulation, it is an effective method for treating many ailments and helps with your body’s stress response.

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17 Health benefits of Cold Plunging

  • Relieves muscle soreness
  • Boosts Immune System
  • Reduces Inflammation
  • Improves Mental Health
  • Improves Blood Circulation
  • Boosts Mood
  • Manage Stress Better
  • Boost Energy Levels
  • Helps Burn Fat
  • Increased Thermogenesis
  • Better Muscle Performance
  • Boost Physical Performance
  • Improve Psyche
  • Increased Alertness

Jump to Benefit

Maintaining optimal performance and enhancing our well-being is what we actively seek out as an athlete. We train on a regular basis and have still managed to find time for weights in between this. In the process of getting ourselves in the best shape of our life we have to take our recovery just as seriously as we do our time spent on the mats or at the gym. In this article, we will discuss 17 health benefits that you could receive from Cold Plunging if you are someone who trains regularly.

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17 Health Benefits to Cold Plunging

1) Relieves Muscle Soreness

Muscle soreness is a by-product of pushing ourselves in the gym and throughout training sessions at jiu-jitsu. Whether or not you participate in the sport, relieving muscle soreness is a great way to keep your training routine on schedule.

We hate even mentioning the excuse of being too sore to work out so the added benefits of cold therapy in our routine have been a game changer. Cold Plunging has been a regular practice in the world of sports and is just now reaching the masses. Back in the day, ice baths were a great way to prevent injuries and alleviate muscle soreness, in today’s modern world we have the Cold Plunge Tub.

Taking a plunge a couple of times a week after a workout has been proven to give you more energy and leaves you relieved from pain.

2) Boost Your Immune System

Cold Plunging can boost your immune system by stimulating the release of Endorphins and Adrenaline, which helps improve circulation and raises white blood cell count. It also promotes healthy lymphatic flow, helping to rid the body of toxins, bacteria, and viruses.

The cold water also helps strengthen your body’s natural defense mechanism by increasing its ability to fight off viruses and other infections.

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3) Reduces inflammation

A Cold Water Plunge has a powerful effect on the body, due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Cold Water Plunges cause Vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold temperature.

This constriction reduces inflammation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to be better circulated through the body. Additionally, when taking a Cold Water Plunge, the body releases Norepinephrine and Endorphins, both of which help improve overall circulation by increasing blood flow throughout the entire body. Cold water also helps to invigorate the lymphatic system, which removes toxins from cells and carries them away from the body.

4) Prevents (and improves) mental health conditions such as depression

There are many mental health benefits to Cold Water Plunges. . First, the shock of cold water can act as a distraction from intrusive thoughts, worries or anxieties. The physical sensation of the cold can interrupt the thought pattern and provide a break from rumination. The shock of cold water may also stimulate the body to release endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing chemicals that help reduce stress levels and boost feelings of well-being.

Additionally, submerging oneself in cold water can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for reducing heart rate and blood pressure and calming down an individual after stressful situations. Regular exposure to cold water may therefore lead to improved stress management skills. Finally, regular exposure to cold water has been linked to increased resilience against depression and anxiety due to its ability to regulate hormones such as Cortisol and Serotonin.

Most Popular
Best Bang For Buck
Best Budget
Primary Rating:
4.7
Primary Rating:
4.6
Primary Rating:
4.2
$173/mo
$89/mo
$75/mo
Pros:
  • Multiple Sizing options for taller/shorter people
  • Indoor & Outdoor use
  • Great Customer support and video tutorials
  • Has an All-in-One OPtion
Pros:
  • Not Breaking the Bank
  • 37ºF - 108ºF
  • Custom Design or Steel Design
Pros:
  • Holds 105 Gallons
  • Easy Drainage & Usage
  • Save on Electricity bill since no chiller
Cons:
  • Runs 24/7
  • Uncomfortable if you order the wrong size
Cons:
  • Decent Flowrate
Cons:
  • Little to no Flow to Water
  • Have to use ice to cool
Most Popular
Primary Rating:
4.7
$173/mo
Pros:
  • Multiple Sizing options for taller/shorter people
  • Indoor & Outdoor use
  • Great Customer support and video tutorials
  • Has an All-in-One OPtion
Cons:
  • Runs 24/7
  • Uncomfortable if you order the wrong size
Best Bang For Buck
Primary Rating:
4.6
$89/mo
Pros:
  • Not Breaking the Bank
  • 37ºF - 108ºF
  • Custom Design or Steel Design
Cons:
  • Decent Flowrate
Best Budget
Primary Rating:
4.2
$75/mo
Pros:
  • Holds 105 Gallons
  • Easy Drainage & Usage
  • Save on Electricity bill since no chiller
Cons:
  • Little to no Flow to Water
  • Have to use ice to cool
cold plunging is for all kinds of athletes

5) Improves Your Sleep

Cold Water Plunges can help improve sleep by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and increasing the amount of oxygen to your tissues. By reducing inflammation, cold water plunges can reduce the amount of pain and stiffness in your body. Improvement in the circulation of the blood in the body means that more blood is flowing to your muscles and organs. Increased oxygenation helps promote relaxation and improved sleep quality. Cold Water Plunges may also release endorphins which can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels.

6) Blood Vessels: Improves Blood Circulation

On a cellular level, cold exposure has a profound impact on the body. People around the world have been using cold therapy for centuries. The temperature of the water you use has a profound impact on your overall health.

Exposure to cold water causes the blood vessels on the surface of the skin to constrict. This diverts blood flow away from the surface of the skin. As blood travels away from the skin, blood vessels in deeper body tissues dilate. This improves blood flow circulation to the deeper tissues.

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7) Boosts Your Mood

The Cold Water Plunge can have a profound impact on your mental health and resilience. Taking the plunge in cold water stimulates the brain to release naturally occurring hormones such as Serotonin and Dopamine. These hormones are known to promote feelings of happiness and relaxation, as well as an increased sense of focus and clarity.

Cold Water Immersion also has a number of physical benefits that can help improve your overall resilience. It increases blood flow throughout the body, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It also helps strengthen your immune system by stimulating white blood cell production. This in turn can help you fight off illnesses more efficiently.

Finally, Cold Water Plunges can help reduce stress levels by promoting deep breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and slow down your heart rate. This combination of physical and mental benefits can help you become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

8) Helps You Better Manage Stress

Managing stress in your daily life is a skill that every adult should have in their tool belt. There are many ways to work this muscle in your mind and cold plunging is one of them. Cold water exposure through plunging shocks your system putting you in fight or flight mode almost instantly. The best way to manage the stress of this situation is through deep breathing and working your way to colder temperatures over time.

The great thing about the Cold Plunge Tub is that the temperature of the water can be regulated fairly easily through the filtration system that is in place. Dunking your entire body into freezing temperatures may not be something you are totally comfortable with right from the beginning. We suggest starting out at a higher temperature and working your way down to the freezing temperatures around 32 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Portable Cold Plunge
Best Overall Cold Plunge
Primary Rating:
4.4
Primary Rating:
4.6
Description:

The tub is crafted with military-grade durability suited for the outdoors and sets up in just 15 minutes. Use code 'GRAPPLER' to save $150 on your purchase

Description:

The Plunge cold plunge tub uses powerful cooling, filtration, and sanitation to give you perfectly chilled, clean water whenever you want it—no ice needed. The Plunge is designed for indoor or outdoor use, and we've made installation a breeze. Just fill your Plunge with a hose, set your temp (as low as 39°F), and get ready to change your life.

Best Portable Cold Plunge
Primary Rating:
4.4
Description:

The tub is crafted with military-grade durability suited for the outdoors and sets up in just 15 minutes. Use code 'GRAPPLER' to save $150 on your purchase

Best Overall Cold Plunge
Primary Rating:
4.6
Description:

The Plunge cold plunge tub uses powerful cooling, filtration, and sanitation to give you perfectly chilled, clean water whenever you want it—no ice needed. The Plunge is designed for indoor or outdoor use, and we've made installation a breeze. Just fill your Plunge with a hose, set your temp (as low as 39°F), and get ready to change your life.

weight loss and more energy

9) Increases Energy Levels

According to several research studies, cold water exposure and ice baths can increase energy levels in the human body. Through a process called cold thermogenesis, cold water stimulates the nerve endings in the skin. This results in an increase in oxygen levels and a boost in one’s heart rate and respiration rate. All of these added benefits have been linked back to an increase in energy levels and alertness in the human body.

10) Helps Burn Fat

Taking a dip in cold water may just be the thing you are looking for to reduce the amount of unhealthy body fat that you may have. New studies have shown that ice bathes, cold plunging, or cold water immersion may help burn body fat.

cold water therapy

11) Reduces stress

Cold Water Plunges have been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. The cold temperatures in the water trigger the body’s natural fight-or-flight response, which can help to reset the body’s stress response system. This allows the body to become more resilient against future stressors. Additionally, this method of stress relief can also improve mood and provide a sense of calmness.

Training regularly has already helped us a ton when it comes to regulating our stress levels and we have a place to further our practice in cold therapy.

12) Increased Thermogenesis: Control Your Own Heat

Thermogenesis refers to the process of heat generation in the body due to an increase in the metabolic process in our bodies. When you plunge into cold water, you are fighting for homeostasis- the body wants to stay at 98.6 degrees and fights to maintain its core temperature. In order to do this, the body has to put its metabolic rate into overdrive and starts to produce heat. This boost in heat is known as thermogenesis and is what ramps up calorie burning and weight loss while cold plunging.

benefits of morning cold plunge

13) Boosts the immune system

Cold Water Plunges can help boost your immune system by increasing blood circulation and improving lymphatic drainage. Cold Water Immersion helps reduce inflammation, which can be a common cause of many illnesses. It also reduces stress levels and increases the production of endorphins, hormones that help regulate the body’s response to stress. Cold water plunges also stimulate the production of white blood cells, which help your body fight off infection and disease.

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14) Better muscle performance

Cold water immersion is a popular strategy to recover from intense exercise and many studies have been put in place to see the effects that it has on the human body. Cold Water immersion has been commonly linked to helping with muscle soreness, alleviating joint pain, and leaving you with less pain overall, but does it actually improve your performance?

When we put our bodies through grueling training sessions, it is common that the next couple of days are extremely sore, making it very uncomfortable to get back onto the mats or on a bench. With a cold water immersion routine in place we can now recover faster and get more out of our bodies so in this instance it has allowed us to improve the performance our muscles.

boost sport performance

15) Boosts physical performance in sports

Cold Plunging promotes muscle recovery, improves the quality of your sleep, and helps eliminate soreness after tough workouts. All of these added benefits of cold plunging will clearly lead to a better performance in the respective sport that you take on. Whether you train as an amateur or are a high-level athlete, a proper recovery routine will lead to better performance in the sport of choice.

16) Improved Mental Well being: Cold immersion improves the psyche

Cold water immersion has a number of health benefits but none outweigh the mental benefits of being able to endure cold exposure. Cold exposure through the process of plunging is not easy and can be extremely uncomfortable at first.

The mental fortitude that you have to build up in order to make it through a session speaks for itself. It is not common to make it past a couple of minutes inside of the freezing cold water in a cold plunge tub. We are huge advocates of pushing ourselves past our limits and finding ways to build up that mental toughness and cold plunging is a suitable way to do just that.

17) Increases alertness

Due to the sudden shock that you experience from the extreme cold, it throws your body into an immediate fight or flight response causing to be more alert throughout the day. While cold immersion is happening, blood initially is pumped to the vital organs of the body. Once we step out of the tub and the body begins to self-regulate, blood begins to recirculate throughout the body. This process leads to enhanced blood flows throughout the day, oxygenating the cells, organs, and muscles which leaves us with an increased level of energy.

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cold water therapy

How Long Should You Stay in a Cold Plunge?

Typically, cold plunging is a process that can be done in a couple of minutes. Our typical sessions last anywhere between 2-5 minutes but if you are a beginner you may want to start at higher temperatures and shoot for 2 minutes submerged.

Tips to Make Your First Cold Plunge or Ice Bath a Success

  • Work your way to getting your whole body submerged by starting at a higher temperature

  • Focus on your Breathe

  • Start your temperature somewhere between 50 – 60 degrees and drop a degree each week to work your way to those cold temperatures

  • To get over the sudden shock it could help to dunk your whole body right away

These tips will make your first experience with cold plunging a bit more manageable.

water pool shower

Who can practice cold therapy?

Anyone can practice cold therapy on a regular basis but it should be used with caution if you have underlining health issues. Be sure to check with a medical professional if you are worried about how your body will react to exposure to cold water.

My experience with cold exposure

The first time I did a cold plunge was a couple of years ago. We tried it out for fun because we had seen one of our friends talk about it on Instagram. We made sure to come a bit sore after a workout so we could see if the benefits were what they lived up to be and we were shocked by the initial experience. Fast forward a couple of years and we still find ourselves plunging on a regular basis.

Cold plunging has helped us mainly with the recovery from our workout routine. We do our best to train BJJ multiple times a week and sometimes multiple times a day while still regularly lifting weights. This strict workout regimen calls for a strong recovery process or else we would be constantly having to sit days out to recover.

We have not bought out own tub yet but do plan on doing so in the future. For those that are looking to upgrade their at-home gym and see themselves using the cold plunge device often, we believe it is a worthwhile investment.

benefits of a plunge

How long should cold immersions last?

Cold water immersion should last only a couple of minutes. Typically when we cold plunge our session lasts anywhere between 2 – 5 minutes. As you get more experienced with cold temperatures you may want to push yourself mentally and shoot for longer times at colder temperatures. There is nothing wrong with this and the added time under the water will not impact your physical well-being.

Are you ready to take the plunge? The Cold Plunge is a new way to imagine a process that has been around for decades now in the form of ice baths. Getting a cold plunge tub and stepping up your recovery process through cold water exposure will help you with your performance in your respective sport. Cold Plunge tubs are an investment and the typical starting price for one of these bad boys is around $5,000.

If you plan on making a purchase of any cold plunging device be sure to check out our reviews comparing different models in this article.

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It is not a surprise that we are sitting here writing an article on known other than Jake Paul. He has proven to be a master at ruffling feathers and keeping the public’s attention. Recently, Paul signed a massive contract with the PFL to help promote professional fighters to new heights. Whether Jake is in a boxing ring or now an MMA cage, he will bring a massive crowd of people who want to see the spectacles that he always seems to put on. But is Jake Paul really fighting MMA?

The Problem Child was spotted recently training BJJ with some big names in the jiu-jitsu community… does this mean his MMA debut is right around the corner?

Professional Fighters League

Paul and the PFL CEO Peter Murray have created a pay-per-view division called “PFL PPVC Super Fight”, which it guarantees the fighters will receive 50% of the revenue generated from its events. This is huge for the fighting community as it has been a notorious fact that they, repeatedly, get left out of the money-making equation when it comes to putting on these events.

Fighters all around the world are going to get a great chance to showcase their skills and get paid the way they deserve to be paid in the new league known as the PFL. The PFL is a league that fights for fighter advocacy and equal fighter pay. PFL fighters have a bright future ahead of them with the likes of Paul joining their force.

We are excited to watch some fights from the PFL. Male and female fighters around the world are going to get the opportunity of a lifetime to get the eyeballs they have been looking for all their career. Imagine the talent that arises down the road. This is an exciting time to be a PFL fighter and the show has yet to even begin.

boxing career - is jake paul doing mma

Is Jake Paul Doing MMA?

It is not a secret at this point, Jake Paul does a fantastic job at keeping our attention time and time again. Just recently Jake Paul, the youtube gone undefeated boxer, broke the internet with his groundbreaking deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

From the looks of it, it seems like Jake is on his way to fighting in the cage against some top-tier talent. MMA fighters looking to make a name for themselves will be clawing for the opportunity to step into the ring with the likes of Jake Paul.

Paul has already been taking the fight community by defeating multiple mixed martial artists in the boxing ring. Now he is taking his talents elsewhere, and his MMA debut is right around the corner.

The Problem Child better known as Jake Paul is not shy of a bit of controversy. It is not a surprise that he is a master at ruffling the feathers of people who seem to want to see the dude get knocked out. Recent Paul signed a massive contract with the PFL to help promote professional fighters to new heights. Whether Jake is in a boxing ring or now an MMA cage, he is going to bring a massive crowd of people who want to see the spectacles that he always seems to put on.

The Problem Child was spotted recently training BJJ with some big names in the jiu-jitsu community… does this mean his MMA debut is right around the corner?

jake paul mma

Is Jake Paul Doing MMA?

It is not a secret at this point, Jake Paul does an amazing job at keeping our attention time and time again. Just recently Jake Paul, the youtube gone undefeated boxer, broke the internet with his groundbreaking deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

From the looks of it, it seems like Jake is on his way to fighting in the cage against some top-tier talent. MMA fighters looking to make a name for themselves will be clawing for the opportunity to step into the ring with the likes of Jake Paul.

Paul has already been taking the fight community by defeating multiple mixed martial artists in the boxing ring. Now he is taking his talents elsewhere, and his MMA debut is right around the corner.

Jake Paul Jiu Jitsu Training

Recently a video surfaced on Twitter of Paul getting some time in on the mats. He was training with some pretty big names in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu space. Mo Jassim, the Head Organizer of ADCC and Mike Perez a high-level BJJ athlete were giving the Problem Child some lessons to help him up his grappling game before he starts taking on serious talent.

Paul’s first opponent has yet to have been named but something tells us that whoever steps into the ring with him is going to get some serious publicity. Everyone wants to see the Problem Child fall, and when he fights the world tunes in.

If his MMA career is going to be anything like his boxing matches, we know we will be tuning in! It is undeniable that Paul is a good fighter and is always putting on an excellent show for the audience in and out of the stadium!

boxing career - is jake paul doing mma

Professional Fighters League

Paul and the PFL CEO Peter Murray have created a pay-per-view division called “PFL PPVC Super Fight”, which it guarantees the fighters will receive 50% of the revenue generated from its events. This is huge for the fighting community as it has been a notorious fact that they, repeatedly, get left out of the money-making equation when it comes to putting on these events.

Fighters all around the world are going to get a great chance to showcase their skills and get paid the way they deserve to be paid in the new league known as the PFL. The PFL is a league that fights for fighter advocacy and equal fighter pay. PFL fighters have a bright future ahead of them with the likes of Paul joining their force.

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55% of Grapplers polled fro our audience stated that they could take on a gator and come out on top. Our Instagram is a great place to find all kinds of grappling-related content and soon a great place to find all kinds of gear! We recently took to our audience with the question,” what animal could you fight and win against” and here were our results!

A Poll on Grapplers

We recently ran a poll on our audience to what animal grapplers thought they could beat in a head-to-head match and the answer was shocking. It is not a secret that people who partake in grappling-based martial arts have increased confidence, but going head-to-head with animals doesn’t seem too farfetched for most.

Fighters worldwide have been notorious for throwing some wild answers to the question, “what animal do you think you could beat in a 1-on-1 fight” and it is no surprise that our audience fit this mold. Training alone must be doing something to get these types of answers!

Grapplers Graveyard

We took to our audience and the results were pretty shocking. With over 500 people voting on the poll majority said that a gator would be their animal of choice to face (and win) in a fight! Following closely behind the gator we can see that a monkey or gorilla would be the next animal of choice to grapple against and come out on top.

Now if we had to pick the animal of choice to go up against we would probably side with it being a gator or a bear. We all have seen Khabib wrestling with a bear as a child so its not out of our minds to think that we could hop in there for a couple of rounds with a cub or two!

Our audience of 15,000 followers on Instagram is a set of grapplers from all walks of life in all areas across the globe. Doing these polls is a fun way to engage our community and look further to understand what makes them happy and what runs through their head.

Pick The Gator Success is Inevitable

Maybe its good to conclude that gators are the only animals on this list without real long limbs or sharp claws. Disregarding the talons on all these animals it’s a pretty clear and easy choice of which animal would be easiest to take on amongst the list we provided.

All jokes aside, no animals were harmed in our little experiment and it is probably not the best idea in the world to wrestle any kind of wild animal.

We’re not sure if even the greatest grapplers in the world right now would have the right mind to go up against a wild animal but something tells us that Gordon wouldn’t have any issues with a gator if they went to battle.

Maybe with enough training we can all take on and defeat a wild animal. It’s definitely an item that is added to our bucket list at this point!

What about you?

If you had to wrestle one animal and had to come out with the win, which one do you think you could take on successfully?

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Arizona is not only a state that has been on everyone’s radar for their travel destination but it also seems that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu’s next hub could be sprouting up in the state. The state of Arizona is a beautiful desert oasis that hosts a number of attractions that bring people from all over the country. To add on top, Arizona Brazilian Jiu-jitsu seems to be exploding in popularity! Both kids and adults across the state are falling in love with the sport every day and leading the movement is none other than AZBBJL, Arizona’s Premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament host!

https://youtu.be/om63tgaVKCA

AZBJJL: Arizona Jiu Jitsu

The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu scene in Arizona is something to keep an eye on for the coming years. In Arizona, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is exploding in popularity with over 20 schools across the valley! Last season for the state was remarkable and people were captivated by the competitive scene that AZBJJL, the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu League in the state, hugely dominated.

AZBJJL fosters the budding community that is growing within the state by keeping track of the top academies for both the kids and adults divisions, here is how last season turned out:

azbjjl acadamy rankings

Last season in the adult division, Kiko France snuck away with the best competitive gym in the state by a close margin! This season is looking to be just as exciting for the academy. Will there be a newly crowned champion in the state for 2023?

In the kid’s division, the competition scene was dominated by Refuge BJJ with Ares East Mesa right behind! 

azbjjl kids rankings

For both children and adults the competitive Brazilian Jiu-jitsu scene is spurring into something that people should truly keep their eyes on. There is a ton of talent across the state and there seems to be so much more room for growth.

Kicking Off the Season

The 2023 season is about to get started for AZBJJL and they are looking forward to another competitive and fun year. On February 11th, AZBJJL will be hosting the opening tournament of the year at Bell Bank Park, a new sports facility that is attracting all kinds of attention for te state’s athletic scene.

Future Events for 2023

Here is what the schedule looks like this year for AZBJJL:

  • February 11th – AZ INTERNATIONAL OPEN
  • April 15th – Kid’s Cup (Spring)
  • April 15th – Copa Bela ( All Female Jiu-Jitsu Tournament)
  • June 24th –  AZ State
  • August 12th – Novice Cup & No-Gi State
  • October 14th – Southwest Classic
  • December 9th – Masters Cup & Kids Cup (Fall)

If you are like one of the millions that plan on visiting Arizona this year be sure to check out some local schools! Across the valley, you can find an academy that will welcome you with open arms!

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All the rage in the health and fitness industry is mixing both cold and heat therapy to help boost our body’s performance. Whether we just enjoy the mental workouts that both have to offer or if you are a professional athlete, the benefits of having a cold immersion and heat therapy routine are boundless for recovery times and overall health support. In this article, we will be breaking down the benefits of using a sauna and cold plunge!

cold plunge and hot sauna

BENEFITS OF SAUNA AND COLD PLUNGE

Improves Blood Circulation

Cold plunging increases circulation in the body by forcing blood out of the extremities towards the core organs. This increased circulation can help improve muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and improve overall athletic performance. Saunas also increase circulation by dilating blood vessels and promoting sweat production.

Boosts Your Mood

Here is how to boost your mood with your Cold Plunge routine:

1. Get Ready: Before you take the plunge, make sure you have everything you need to make it comfortable and safe. Wear a swimsuit or other appropriate clothing and prepare towels, warm clothes, and anything else that will help you transition after the immersion.

2. Prepare your Mind: Take a few moments to relax your mind and body before taking the plunge. Practice deep breathing exercises and use calming visualizations to focus on the positive effects of Cold Plunging.

3. Take the Plunge: When you’re ready, step into the water slowly and adjust to its temperature with controlled breaths. Make sure you are completely submerged in the cold water for at least 30 seconds before coming out. You may want to repeat this process several times if needed until your body adjusts to the temperature.

4. Reap the Benefits: Cold Plunging can help relax tense muscles, reduce stress levels, improve circulation, boost your immunity, and even aid in weight loss! The Endorphins released from Cold Plunging also help to improve mood and alleviate depression symptoms over time.

hot sauna cold plunge

Here ARE the mood-boosting benefits that you can do during a hot Sauna session:

1. Spend time in the sauna. Taking the time to sit in a sauna can help quiet the mind and relax your body. Just 10-15 minutes can be enough to achieve a sense of calm and lift your spirits.

2. Listen to music or read a book. Many people find listening to music or reading a book while in the sauna to be soothing and restful. Pick something that is calming and enjoyable, such as classical music or an audiobook, so it will help you get into the right frame of mind for relaxation.

3. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session. It’s important to stay hydrated while using a sauna, as you will be sweating more than usual. This helps promote detoxification which can improve mood and energy levels.

4. Breathe deeply and focus on positive thoughts while in the sauna. Focusing on positive thoughts can help reduce stress levels and promote feelings of contentment and happiness. Deep breathing also helps your brain relax, which can make you feel more at peace with yourself and life in general.

5. Use aromatherapy oils or scents. During your sauna session for further relaxation you can add aromatherapy oils or scents. Certain scents, such as Lavender and Chamomile, have been known to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Adding them to your Sauna session can help you reach a deeper state of relaxation.

hot sauna cold plunge

The Science and Benefits of Contrast Therapy

Saunas and Cold Plunge benefit Thermal regulation and is an energy-intensive process in which your body processes heat and will reduce stress levels. Saunas or hot dips are good ways to incorporate heat regulation into your routine. If your body alternates between hot and cold, your muscles will improve the control of temperatures during physical activities. Cold exposure or ice baths can help in recovery, cardiovascular health, and mental stability.

Practicing Water Therapy combined with a hot Sauna or Steam Room will increase the capacity of the body to regulate heat, circulate and improve mental toughness. You will see so many benefits from these extreme temperatures that you can easily become one of the many Cold Plunging enthusiasts who love cold therapy, a nice ice bath which are all forms of a Cold Plunging Technique

Is it Best to Sauna before Cold Plunge?

Yes, it is generally recommended to use a sauna before taking a Cold plunge. The combination of the two temperatures can help with muscle recovery and provide some health benefits. Cold therapy and heat therapy has been known to help boost blood flow and improve overall recovery times after tough workouts.

How Often Should You Sauna and Cold Plunge?

The frequency of sauna and Cold Plunge sessions will depend on your individual goals and needs. Generally, it is recommended that you incorporate saunas and Cold Plunges as part of a balanced health routine two to three times per week. If you are recovering from an injury or illness, it may be beneficial to do more frequent sessions. Always consult with your doctor before beginning any new wellness routine.

Mental Health Benefits of Having a Sauna and Cold Plunging Routine

The benefits to your Mental Health of having a Sauna and Cold Plunging Routine are the following:

1. Improved Mood:

Regular sauna use can boost your mood and reduce stress levels due to its calming effects. The heat of the sauna helps to relax the body, soothe tense muscles and improve circulation which in turn triggers the release of endorphins that reduce stress and promote feelings of tranquillity.

2. Reduced Anxiety:

Cold plunging stimulates the release of Norepinephrine, a hormone that has been shown to have anti-anxiety properties, leading to improved mental states.

3. Improved Sleep Quality:

As well as helping you relax both physically and mentally, regular sauna and Cold Plunging sessions can also help you sleep better at night due to the increased levels of Endorphins released throughout the process, resulting in improved sleeping habits.

4. Improved Cognitive Function:

Studies have found that regular sauna use leads to improved cognitive function due to it being an effective way of reducing stress, improving relaxation and boosting blood flow which helps carry more oxygen to your brain cells – all beneficial factors for our mental health.

5. Increased Mental Clarity & Focus:

Regular cold plunges can help improve mental clarity and focus as they flood your body with oxygen-rich blood while reducing anxiety and improving relaxation. This can help clear your mind, allowing you to focus on tasks more efficiently.

Overall, a regular sauna and Cold plunge routine can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health as they help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, boost cognitive function, and increase mental clarity and focus.

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Training martial art is a transformative thing for many people but discovering which one is right for us is a hard decision to make. We firmly believe that choosing a grappling-based martial art (wrestling, BJJ, Judo, Sambo) or a striking-based martial art (boxing, kickboxing) is the way to go, they are the most realistic when it comes to real-world application. BJJ practitioners around the world view their martial art are the most superior because it is one that has stood the test of time. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the two grappling-based martial arts and comparing them to one another.

Martial Arts: Judo Compared to Jiu Jitsu

Judo and BJJ are two very popular grappling-based martial arts that people mainly use in tandem to become better in mixed martial arts (MMA), other martial arts, and combat sports in general.

In Judo, techniques are much more focused on standing rather than being on the ground like its counterpart in BJJ. In Judo, you will fight your opponents in a standing position and win the match by throwing your opponent to their back. Standup game and mastering the ability to get your opponent on their back are the most important parts of Judo.

When looking at the differences between Judo and jiu-jitsu, the fact that you fight standing seems to be the key difference. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you will start standing, but most of the matches you have will be done on the ground. Groundwork and ground techniques are the bread abutter of jiu-jitsu and by the time you become a BJJ black belt, ground fighting becomes second nature.

Most of the grappling techniques you will encounter training jiu-jitsu focus on locks or chokes that get your opponents to tap out. Typical BJJ clubs will teach ground fighting techniques such as how to escape if someone mounts you to the ground or how to work a submission if you are in a side-control position.

Judo and BJJ are two martial arts that are great for martial artists to learn together. There are many things that you can take away from Judo that can be directly applied to your BJJ game and make you a more all-around martial artist. Judo requires a different set of skills compared to BJJ, but generally speaking, the steep learning curve of either martial arts gets cut down when you practice one or the other.

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Scoring System and Rules of Judo vs Jiu-Jitsu

Some key differences in Judo vs jiu-jitsu will have to be in the scoring system that is in place for both respective grappling arts.

Scoring System: Judo

In Judo competition there are five different ways to secure a victory.

  • Throw an opponent with considerable force and speed leading to the opponent’s back hitting the ground
  • Pin and hold your opponent to the ground for 20 seconds
  • Chokes
  • Arm and Joint Locks
  • Referees Decision

Judo competitions rules are by the International Judo Federation (IJF). In Judo you have one goal in the match: scoring an ippon (one full point) or two waza-ari (half point). An ippon is scored by throwing your opponent to the ground in a forceful way but leads to them hitting their back on the ground. Throwing someone on their side results in a half-point (waza-aris).

Scoring System: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

In BJJ, grappling techniques are used to control opponents and score points while on the ground. You can win a match in BJJ in two ways:

  • Win by points
  • Win by submission

The point system in BJJ is explained like this:

    • 2 Points are scored for a takedown

    • 2 points are scored for a sweep

    • 4 points are scored if you get into a mounted position

    • 2 points are scored if you get a knee-on-belly

  • 4 points are scored if you get control of the back (with hooks)

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Rules: Judo

Judo and jiu-jitsu share many similarities although they do have some distinct differences especially when it comes to progression. As a beginner in both martial arts, you will start out with a white belt and work your way up to a black belt.

In Judo, there are a higher number of belts that follow this order: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.

judo belt system

Rules: Jiu-Jitsu

BJJ techniques and rulesets are different than what you will find in Judo. While the progression system is the same you will notice that in BJJ there are fewer belts when compared to Judo.

Typically, Judokas progress through belts by demonstrating a specific set of techniques but it is important to note that the rules of progression depends on the Judo clubs instructor. This is not necessarily the case of how progress is made or shown in a BJJ club.

Competition rules and regulations for BJJ are set by the Internation Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). A BJJ practitioner that finds themselves competing will also find themselves very familiar with the competition rules that is in place by the IBJJF.

Uniforms

Both traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo uniforms look very similar but they have some minor differences that should be noted. Both martial art forms wear a uniform known as a Gi which could be interchangeable with the word kimono.

The Judo gi is slightly heavier and a bit more durable than the standard kimono in other martial arts like Karate since Judo is a martial art that is predicated on throwing and gripping. On the other hand, the BJJ gi is far more durable and heavier than the Judo kimono because there is much more dynamic movement and grip needed in BJJ.

The gear you will wear in BJJ has many more options when compared to Judo. The Judo gi really only comes in one color while the kimono for BJJ comes in colors including blue, black, and white.

Belts

Judo’s progression system is similar to Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s but there are noticeable differences. In judo, there are 6 belts before reaching your black belt and two more after that, for a grand total of eight belts in the system.

BJJ has a similar color scheme but just less amount of belts to reach along the way.

Gear

As stated earlier in the article, both BJJ and Judo train in uniforms known as the Gi but Brazilian jiu-jitsu has a new budding form known as no-gi where practitioners train in uniforms more similar to what is common in wrestling. The no-gi uniform is simply a rash guard and BJJ shorts

The kimono in Judo is slightly heavier and is built to withstand throwing and gripping.

BJJ practitioners have more colors to choose from when it comes to their uniform whereas Judo’s Gi is only white.

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judo vs jiu jitsu

Which is better Jiu Jitsu or Judo?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling while Judo emphasizes throwing techniques rather than groundwork. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is dynamic and requires constant movements, unlike Judo. Judo has fewer physical demands.

Which martial art is better can be a silly question to ask in 90% of cases but if you are serious about training and becoming a better overall version of yourself it is something to definitely contemplate. Striking techniques and more defensive techniques are something that both judo and BJJ lack.

If you are serious about your combat training, you will know that having submission techniques, self-defense techniques joint locks, and various chokes in your back pocket only makes you feel more secure.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs Judo: Which is Right for You?

One of the biggest discussions around the martial arts community is what is better for self-defense, Judo or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and which is best for you to train. To many people new to martial arts, Judo and BJJ will look similar.

Both BJJ and Judo involve practitioners wearing a kimono known as a Gi and working in a standing position on a mat.

One of the major differences between Judo and BJJ is that Judo focuses more on throwing techniques with very little emphasis on groundwork and BJJ focuses almost entirely on ground work with very little stand-up, throwing, or takedown techniques.

Which one is more popular? Should you do BJJ, Judo, or train both?

What is the Difference Between Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

The main difference between Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu can be understood further when looking at the following list below. 

Techniques

Judo and BJJ share many similar techniques like joint locks, chokes, and throws. The main difference is how these moves are executed. Judo is more focused on throwing techniques and getting their opponent off balance to get them to the ground, in BJJ you are more focused on chasing after submissions and groundwork.

In Judo, when you forcefully throw someone to their back and their shoulders are on the ground you have effectively won the match, this is known as an ippon. Many of you train BJJ already and know that this is not the case in Brazilian Jiu-JItsu, there is a whole scoring system in place if a submission is not locked in and if someone taps out the match is over. The only way to get someone to tap is to lock in some kind of submission that forces it upon your opponent.

90% of BJJ matches are on the ground or end up on the ground at some point. In fact, in many sparring sessions practitioners will opt to start on the ground to make the rolling environment safer for those around them to work on specific positions.

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judo vs jiu jitsu: self defense

Which is better for self-defense judo or BJJ?

Judo works and maybe the better self-defense martial art over BJJ. Unlike Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Judo focuses on getting your opponent to the ground from a standing position. While you could argue that judokas may not know what to do on the ground as well as someone that trains BJJ, it is important to note they also do have some locks and chokes in their back pocket.

Standing techniques are extremely valuable for a self-defense scenario. We will always start on our feet but have a high likelihood of ending up on the ground. Training in some kind of grappling sport is better than not training. Both Judo and BJJ are very valuable skills to know and are great ways to protect yourself and get into excellent physical shape.

Judo vs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Which is More Effective

Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are the two most popular martial arts on the planet. Although they may share many things in common, in many ways the two martial arts are very different when you look deeper into grappling sports.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is more focused on groundwork and grappling much like wrestling. Judo, in comparison, emphasizes throws and takedowns and requires an entirely different set of skills to master.

Judo vs Brazilian Jiu-jitsu can seem like a silly topic to most because comparing two martial arts to one another is like comparing apples to oranges, the philosophies and styles are completely different and the reasons someone trains are entirely different. 

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Examples of Different Types of Grappling Disciplines

    • Brazilian juju – jujitsu submissions.

    • No-GI Jiu – Jiu-Jitsu.

    • Sumo Russian sambo.

    • Greco-Roman Freestyle Wrestling.

    • Shuachi Chiao.

    • Judo

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Benefits of Learning BJJ

BJJ is one of the most famous martial arts disciplines to learn. This is due to the massive popularity of the UFC and influencers like Joe Rogan talking about the benefits of training. BJJ involves ground fighting techniques and various submissions that include arm locks, leg locks, and chokes.

BJJ is mart art that is credited to teaching many aspects of life to the people that take the sport seriously. BJJ has been proven to lift people out of bad places and completely transform their lives for the better. The gentle art is taught all across the globe and these days finding BJJ schools is just a simple Google search away.

Takedowns vs Ground Work

Having both the ability to take a resisting opponent to the ground and have your way while on the floor are two important skills one must master if they are looking to protect themselves in a situation where self-defense techniques are needed.

For this reason, we believe that it is wise to have a wide range of martial arts training under your belt. It never hurts to be well-rounded and only improves your game in both respective sports.

The Future of Martial Arts: Judo vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Right now, people can argue that judo is more widely accepted because of its presence as an Olympic sport but the rise of Brazilian jiu-jitsu should not go unnoticed. BJJ is the fastest-growing and most popular Martial art in the world thanks to people like Joe Rogan and the UFC bringing it to the masses.

No-Gi BJJ will dominate the grappling competition world in the United States. Most Judo clubs will have 10 to 15 people on a mat at a time while most BJJ schools have 20 – 30 or possibly a completely packed house!

Can BJJ Beat Judo? 

BJJ practitioners may be more effective on the ground but Judeka’s are still better off if they are standing. Judokas are more adept at ground fighting than BJJ Practitioners. More often than not, Judo’s moves can be superior to BJJ techniques in a fight.

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Looking at the differences between judo and BJJ makes the similarities more apparent as well. Both judo and BJJ share the fact that they are grappling-based techniques that help people learn self-defense that can make them feel comfortable in their bodies. When you start training either of the martial art forms you will most likely start off with

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Judo and Jiu-jitsu are both grappling-based fighting styles that are widely popular around the world. Arguably, these are the two most famous grappling martial arts due to their popularity in the Olympics and the Rise of organizations like the UFC. Judo and BJJ are similar in the sense that the fights will clinch with opponents, work for takedowns, and submit their competition. In this article, we will take a further look at Judo vs. Jiu Jitsu.

Judo vs. Jiu-Jitsu: Key Differences

Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are two of the more famous grappling arts in martial arts. BJJ and Judo are arts that can be used for self-defense purposes and have many things in common with one another when looking on the outside.

But as we dive deeper into the two martial arts, we find that there are key differences that separate the art forms in a way that most novice martial artists would not pick up. 

To begin Judo is a martial art that primarily focuses on throwing techniques and stand-up game. The goal of a Judoka in competition or any match is to successfully throw your opponent on their back in a forceful manner. This process wins you a match, gives the person who did the action a full point and has a name called an ippon. 

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is entirely different in its approach to how matches are won. Like Judo, BJJ is a grappling-based martial art but primarily focuses on grappling, ground techniques, and finding the optimal solution to get your opponent to submit to your techniques. 

BJJ and Judo share some similarities in regard to the techniques that are present in the sport but for now let’s dive further into what separates the two martial arts by looking at the differences in their rules and scoring systems.

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Scoring System: Judo

The rules and regulations of Judo are governed by a federation known as the IJF (International Judo Federation). Majority of the rules for competitions are fostered by this group and regularly updated when the time is needed.

In Judo competition there are five different ways to secure a victory.

  1. Throw an opponent with considerable force and speed leading to the opponent’s back hitting the ground
  2. Pin and hold your opponent to the ground for 20 seconds
  3. Chokes
  4. Arm and Joint Locks
  5. Referees Decision

Judokas win points through a system called waza-ari this is:

  1. When you throw an opponent on their back but not enough force 
  2. Holding an opponent down for 10 – 19 seconds

Scoring System: Jiu-Jitsu

In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu the goal it to get your opponent to submit and tap out. Points are an effective way to win the match and these are the common objectives of scoring:

  • 2 Points are scored for a takedown
  • 2 points are scored for a sweep
  • 3 points are scored for passing an opponent’s guard
  • 4 points are scored if you get into a mounted position
  • 2 points are scored if you get a knee-on-belly
  • 4 points are scored if you get control of the back (with hooks)

If someone taps out the match is over. BJJ has many more submission techniques than Judo, including leg locks, chokes, arm bars, etc.

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Rules: Judo

Judo and jiu-jitsu share many similarities although they do have some distinct differences especially when it comes to progression. As a beginner in both martial arts, you will start out with a white belt and work your way up to a black belt.

In Judo, there are a higher number of belts that follow this order: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.

The rules and the scoring system of judo go hand and hand. To win matches you must successfully get your opponent of their back in a forceful manner or dominate them and control positions.

Rules: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 

BJJ techniques and rulesets are different than what you will find in Judo. While the progression system is the same you will notice that in BJJ there are fewer belts when compared to Judo.

Typically, Judokas progress through belts by demonstrating a specific set of techniques but it is important to note that the rules of progression depends on the Judo clubs instructor. This is not necessarily the case of how progress is made or shown in a BJJ club.

Competition rules and regulations for BJJ are set by the Internation Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). A BJJ practitioner that finds themselves competing will also find themselves very familiar with the competition rules that is in place by the IBJJF.

Depending on the competition one finds themselves competing in the ruleset will change. For example, if you are competing in ADCC, JJWL, or IBJJF tournaments the rules will vary very slightly but most things are the same. It is important to read up on exactly what is allowed and what is not allowed when you decide to compete.

Similarities: Judo and Jiu Jitsu

After looking at the differences of the two grappling-based martial arts, it is much easier to see the similarities that the two have.

It is very common for Judokas and practitioners of BJJ to be well-trained in both martial arts because in a lot of ways the two complement each other. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu mixed with Judo and wrestling makes you a formidable opponent to anyone. Being well-rounded in the art of taking people to the floor and being able to control any situation is an underrated skill.

We know plenty of people we personally train with that do this and are leaps and bounds ahead of those around them.

judo vs brazilian jiu-jitsu

Uniforms

Both in BJJ and Judo you will find people wearing traditional kimonos known as a Gi. The Judo Gi usually only comes in one color, white, and is slightly less durable when compared to the BJJ gi which was built to withstand a lot more action.

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Judo vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: What is the Better Martial Art?

This may seem like a silly question to ask but if you are looking to get into martial arts and start your journey, it is valid. Many people in the community of martial arts will go online and give you a million reasons why their martial art is the best or why other martial arts would not work in a “real-world situation”. 

We are not here to spew out nonsense like this. 

The best martial art to choose is usually one that fits your budget and where you are in your journey. We have done kickboxing and practice BJJ regularly at this point and we firmly believe that BJJ is far superior to anything we have seen. 

Good martial arts are street tested and proven over time and nothing to date can really hold a candle to what Brazilian jiu-jitsu has been able to do. We are not the only person who holds this line of thinking and are joined by the likes of Joe Rogan in our opinion. 

But, if you are serious about training it is always good to take on multiple disciplines because each one has something to offer… except karate, don’t do karate.

Judo vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu For Self Defense

One of the main reasons people get into martial arts, to begin with, is that they want to have some form of self-defense training under their belt. It is common for people that join the community to start for this reason.

Judo For Self Defense

Clearly, the focuses of the two martial arts are completely different. Judoka like many BJJ practitioners trains in multiple martial arts to hone their skills. Being that Judo is an Olympic sport it should not go unnoticed that Judo is much more widely practiced than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (for now).

Judokas’ main objective when competing against someone is to get them on their back with a flashy, unpredictable takedown or throw. The goal is to unsettle your opponent rather than overcome them.

In Judo, you are in the standing position almost all the time unless you find yourself losing the match in which case you are on your back. Judo is a good way to work on your stand-up game (without adding striking to the mix) and teaches its practitioners how to get someone off-balance and to the ground effectively. For this reason, many believe it is a solid choice when it comes to using martial arts for self-defense purposes.

The likelihood that you find yourself in any kind of altercation is very slim to begin with but looking deeper it may be safe to say that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the better of the two for a situation that needs to be handled, let’s examine further.

judo vs brazilian jiu-jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Self-Defense

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that mainly focuses on joint locks and ground control over an opponent. Many critics of the sport say that BJJ lacks in its ability to teach its practitioners how to properly strike and lacks in teaching takedowns.

While some of the criticism is valid, we believe these claims are mostly hearsay in today’s world. Most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools teach their students’ wrestling techniques and many who take on the sport, to begin with trained wrestling at some point in their life.

Many situations that call for a breakup or break out of a fight end up on the ground and this is where Brazilian Jiu-jitsu really gets to shine vs Judo. 

When you train Brazilain jiu-jitsu you are constantly getting live looks in the form of sparring of someone who is actively resisting you and trying to advance themselves in a position that makes you submit.

While your stand-up game could be lacking a bit if you have never thrown a punch in your life (not many people can attest to this) Brazilian jiu-jitsu has proven to be the most effective martial art.

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Can You Learn Judo and BJJ at the Same Time?

Yes, doing Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu is advantageous in many ways.

Both martial arts are centered around the same thing: grappling and controlling your opponent.

If you are proficient in both takedowns and having your way while on the ground it is hard to not look at yourself as a tough opponent in competition settings. Be warned though, training multiple martial arts does require commitment and possibly a full-time training schedule.

The Benefits of Cross-Training

If your goal is to get into MMA, cross-training is the most important thing you can do.

What martial art you choose to pursue is 100% up to you but our guess is that you will be training BJJ and maybe good enough in Judo. Every fighter at the highest levels knows and is close to being high-level BJJ, it is a must-know martial art for a fighter in the UFC.

Martial arts has already been proven to get you into excellent shape so cross-training only puts you into a smaller category of humans that can do extraordinary things. If you decide to go down this path it is of utmost importance that you take care of your body because it will take a beating from gym to gym.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo are two of the most popular grappling-based martial arts that people will take on in their journey. We believe that having the confidence from training in martial arts is something that many more people are waking up to the idea of. Every day we are seeing more people enter the transformative world of martial arts and love seeing discipline grow to what almost seemed destined.

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The Best Grappling Arts: Jiu-Jitsu and Judo

It is very easy to see that the two best grappling arts are BJJ and Judo. Implementing Judo into your BJJ game will make you much more effective at getting people to the ground and ultimately controlling a match.

Whether you are training for self-defense purposes or just because you enjoy improving yourself in this way, BJJ and Judo are two of the best grappling arts that any beginner could pick up!

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has experienced several modifications since its inception and has birthed new forms of the sport. In more recent years, a new form of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been formed and later coined Combat Jiu Jitsu (CJJ). Combat Jiu-Jitsu uses mixed rules for BJJ and MMA and has grown massively in popularity.

combat jiu jitsu

WHAT IS COMBAT JIU-JITSU?

Combat Jiu-Jitsu is a modified version of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in which open palm strikes are acceptable. This new ruleset creates a hybrid martial art between MMA and BJJ. CJJ uses core techniques from its counterpart in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but with the inclusion of open-palm striking to make it more realistic. In this article, we will go over CJJ’s popularity growth, history, and where it is headed!

The Basics of Combat Jiu-Jitsu

Combat Jiu-Jitsu is just Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with open-palm striking. Just like BJJ, Combat Jiu Jitsu uses submission holds such as chokes and joint locks to force the opponent into tapping out.

History of Combat Jiu-Jitsu

Combat Jiu-Jitsu was created by Eddie Bravo, who also was the man behind 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu. Eddie has been said to have developed Combat Jiu-jitsu because he felt as though that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu was losing its realism in the growth of the sport. Adding open hand strikes to the mix not only created a massively popular sub-version of BJJ but also made BJJ a more true form of self-defense.

Back in 2017, Eddie put CJJ to the test at a jiu-jitsu competition. In the four-person tournament hosted by competitors, the watches ended up being very entertaining and exciting for the crowd. This was the birth of the now-known and popular form of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

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What are the Rules for Combat Jiu-Jitsu?

The rules in CJJ are not as complex as those in BJJ, one of the main differences in the rule set is that Combat Jiu-jitsu is not on a scored point system. The only way to win a Combat jiu-jitsu match is to win by submission to by TKO (technical knock-out). Creating a submission-only style of play calls for more excitement in the sport, in CJJ guard pullers cannot butt-scoot their way to victory!

CJJ matches are single rounds that last 10 minutes. If a round ends without a submission or a TKO, the match will go into overtime where EBI rules will overtake. In CJJ you are only allowed one minute of stand-up grappling before the referee flips a coin and asks you to start on the ground. The winner of the flip gets to choose whether they will start in a top position, butterfly guard, or bottom with double under hooks.

It is important to note that open palm slaps are only permitted if the opponent is on the floor. There is no stand-up striking allowed in Combat Jiu-jitsu. Closed fist punches are prohibited in CJJ and will result in disqualification if done so.

train combat jiu jitsu - jiu jitsu matches - purgatory position

The Purgatory Position in Combat Jiu-Jitsu Rules

The purgatory position in Combat Jiu-jitsu is when one person stands and the other is on the ground. You are allowed to stay in this position for 30 seconds and anytime spent in this position over this time limit will be added to the overtime round.

This rule was added to prevent stalling. Standing in an opponent’s guard is not considered a purgatory position. It is when the two athletes are completely disconnected from one another. Standing strikes are prohibited. CJJ only permits open-hand slaps when one or both competitors are on the floor.

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Overtime Rules in Combat Jiu Jitsu

Overtime rules of Combat Jiu Jitsu are the same as EBI Overtime ruleset

This is the official ruleset from EBI so to familiarize yourself with the way overtime rounds are scored and/or won, be sure to check out this page. 

combat jiu jitsu

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRADITIONAL BJJ AND COMBAT JIU JITSU

The only key differences that can be observed between CJJ and BJJ are striking, overtime rules, and the point system. Other than these three components, Combat Jiu Jitsu is very similar to traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

Combat Jiu-Jitsu has exploded in popularity amongst the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. The sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was already on a meteoric rise in the United States and it is surprising to see a whole new form of the sport blossom within the community. The Combat Jiu-Jitsu World League and the competitive scene around the new form of jiu-jitsu are in their infant stages but the growth should not go unnoticed. Matches can now be watched on replay using the UFC Fight Pass!

Combat Jiu-Jitsu vs BJJ

CJJ combines the best things about BJJ and adds in striking to mix to create a healthy medium. A CJJ match is

If MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu had a baby it would be Combat Jiu-jitsu. We believe this form of BJJ gives the community something to fall back on when naysayers say comments like “BJJ won’t work for self-defense situations”. CJJ is a great way to dispel that rumor and offers a “more realistic” form of the sport that we have grown to love. 

eddie bravo bjj game

WHO FOUNDED COMBAT JIU JITSU

Combat Jiu-Jitsu was established by 10-time World Champion Jiu-Jitsu Athlete Eddie Bravo. When Eddie began developing Combat Jiu-jitsu, he criticized the moves of competitors at higher levels.

Eddie has remained firm in promoting a newly developed hybrid form of jiu-jitsu. It began relatively slowly and has gained a huge following since then. Nowadays it is easy to see elite jiu-jitsu athletes on top stage trying to hit palms to their opponents with an ensuing choke.

FAQs About CJJ or BJJ

Is jiu-jitsu effective in a fight?

Yes, jiu-jitsu is effective in a fight. Is it going to save you from every situation? Probably not.

A true martial art will give you every opportunity to prepare you for that situation and BJJ will do just that.

Is jiu-jitsu a combat sport?

Yes, jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts are considered combat sports. Combat Sports is a general term that encompasses most martial arts ranging from Muay Thai to Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Mixed Martial arts is a term used to describe the type of fighting that takes place in the UFC and is not a true martial art. Athletes combine martial arts and that’s where the term MMA (mixed martial arts) comes from.

Where can I watch combat Jiu-Jitsu?

UFC Fight pass is the best place to watch Combat Jiu-Jitsu Matches.

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Final Thoughts

The best way to understand CJJ is by looking through a no-gi lens. CJJ is no gi competitions with only open palm strikes. Closed-fist striking techniques are prohibited in CJJ.

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world right now! More and more people are waking up to the idea of stepping onto the mats and taking responsibility for health in new ways. In Jiu-Jitsu, there are two styles of play: No-Gi and Gi. In this article, we are looking at the types and comparing them to one another!

Gi vs NoGi

Types of Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu: Gi vs NoGi

When taking on the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it is important to note that there are two main styles of play that you will need to get accustomed to, this is No-Gi and Gi BJJ. The main difference that people notice is the attire that you were in each style of play. When training in Gi Jiu-Jitsu you are competing against someone else in a uniform known as a Gi or more commonly referred to as a kimono.

In the Sport of No-Gi BJJ, athletes wear a Dri-Fit shirt known as a rash guard along with training shorts similar to the shorts that MMA Fighters wear. Many enjoy No-Gi grappling due to the breathable attire that they are able to wear.

The differences between the two styles of play run deeper than just the attire you find yourself wearing. Things that work in Gi Jiu-jitsu may not work in No-Gi and vice versa. Many people lean toward a preference for style as they get more into the sport but for the most part, it is ideally important to be competent in both.

Most schools in the United States these days offer both styles of play as classes throughout the week. It is very uncommon to find a school that trains strictly Gi, but the same cannot be said about its counterpart. There is an affiliation known around the world as 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu founded by Eddie Bravo. They specialize in No-Gi BJJ and specifically train in the fast-paced martial art.

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If you are looking to invest some money into your BJJ attire in order to feel comfortable and look great on the mats, look no further than the list below.

Gi vs NoGi

Differences Between No-Gi vs Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Key Difference: Ways to attack

One of the big differences between Gi and No-Gi BJJ is the setups for attacking an opponent. Because the Kimono is easy to grab, establish grips, and adds more friction to the encounters, you have it is much easier to grip opponents and control movements when compared to No-Gi. 

Certain guards like the spider guard are very popular when training in Gi BJJ. At the highest levels, this guard position is used to control your opponent’s posture and gives an athlete the ability to make quick movements and slick attacks. Just from a 30-minute training session in No-Gi, you will realize the spider guard is not nearly as effective because it is much easier to slip out of positions like this when you are wearing a shirt and some shorts

Many things that work in Gi-BJJ will not translate well into No-Gi. On the contrary, many techniques found in No-Gi BJJ do translate over very well when in the Kimono. In our opinion, training No-Gi makes you a better offensive player in the traditional sport of Jiu-Jitsu. When you know how to be creative and get into favorable positions without the friction of a gi, it just makes it that much easier to establish dominance with it.

Key Difference: Rulesets

Numerous rules differ in Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. It is important to you understand what style is being played and what ruleset is going to be enforced throughout the matches of a competition. One common technique that is banned in IBJJF Gi Tournaments is the heel hook. In the ADCC ruleset (No-Gi style of play) the heel hook is one of the most common submissions that you could get.

Make sure you read and understand the rules at play before you decide to compete. Your coach should be aware of the differences between Gi and No-Gi BJJ as well!

Key Difference: play styles 

As stated previously, in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are two main play styles that athletes incorporate into their game. The first style is called playing guard.  This is where you are on your back manipulating your opponent’s movements and working for submissions. 

On the contrary, there is what’s known as playing the top game. This style incorporates takedowns and guard passing in order to submit your opponent from a dominant position. When you try out for Gi classes, you’ll notice the majority of athletes are playing guard. Due to the grips of the kimono, the majority of Gi Jiu-Jitsu players typically play guard. It is easier to manipulate your opponent’s body with strong grips.

 On the other hand, the majority of No-Gi grapplers enjoy playing on top,  Due to the difficulties of getting grips in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu,  dominating from the top is a lot easier.
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What’s the difference between No-Gi and MMA?

No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is one of many Japanese martial arts that focus on incapacitating your opponent through joint locks and chokes rather than strikes. Some of these submissions include heel hooks, arm bars, chokes, etc.

 Mixed Martial Arts incorporates grappling from sports such as No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Judo along with striking styles from Kickboxing and Muay Thai. An MMA fighter must master both striking and grappling in order to be effective in the octagon. No-Gi practitioners focus solely on grappling and submissions.

Gi vs NoGi

Similarities Between No-Gi and Gi

At the end of the day, the two styles of play are still Jiu-Jitsu. Although they are not the same in the way you approach problems that arise, for the most part, the styles of play have many things in common.

Should I Specialize?

This is a pretty personal question that one would need to come to answer for themselves. We believe that you should not pigeonhole yourself by specializing in one style over the other. To be a well-rounded Jiu-Jitsu athlete you need to be training both Gi and No-Gi. There is nothing wrong with having a preference of which you like to train most but you should not ignore one style of play over another.

Our goal is to be the best athlete that we can be, in order to do this we have to train in combat sports and be proficient in many different situations. We highly suggest that anyone who is serious about getting good at Jiu-Jitsu and wants to claim the ranks adopt all of the techniques from each sport and train both No-Gi and Gi BJJ. As we stated earlier, most gyms these days offer both styles of training throughout the week, how often you show up and train is dependent on your goals and ability to commit to the sport.

It’s crucial to understand that both of these play styles will be important for your growth in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Getting to a high level in this sport will take years of training in both styles and mastering techniques that are suitable for their styles of play. When you embrace learning from both styles, you will find that many techniques are similar by nature or can be translated completely.

 

No-Gi Vs. Gi: Which works better in a street fight

There is no doubt that BJJ training will enhance your ability to defend yourself. But which style is more beneficial when you find yourself in a real fight? Take a look at a Gi competition online, what do you see? As stated previously, those who train Gi BJJ typically utilize the guard in competition. This style may be beneficial in tournaments, but it is not nearly as good of an idea in a real fight. Staying off your back in a dangerous scenario is very important.  Playing guard outside of the dojo is a great way to get your head bounced off the concrete.

 

Due to the play style taught in the sport, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is a way better style to utilize on the streets. Being able to take someone down, control them, and even put them to sleep without needing grips, is a very beneficial tool to have while street fighting. 

Along with that, not many people on the streets are going to be wearing a heavy cotton jacket depending on where you live. If someone who is wearing only a T-shirt and shorts starts to try and fight you, you need to be able to defend yourself without grabbing clothing. No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is much more beneficial in a fight due to the lack of needing Gi grips in order to execute techniques.

 

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the fastest-growing martial art form in the world right now. It is very likely that you or someone you know trains in the sport. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on leveraging an opponent’s body weight against themselves. It is very common for BJJ martial artists to be trained in two different styles, no-gi jiu-jitsu, and gi jiu-jitsu. These two styles of play result in two completely different ways of handling or attacking opponents. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the two styles of play that are common in jiu-jitsu today.

 Jiu Jitsu

Nogi vs Gi Jiu-Jitsu

There are two ways to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You can train or compete in either No-Gi or Gi-style jiu-jitsu. The Gi is a kimono uniform that most BJJ practitioners wear when they are competing. The style of no-gi jiu-jitsu has increasingly grown in popularity and is slowly taking over the attention of the BJJ community over the traditional way of competing in the Gi.

Everyone for the most part has a preference for the style they train and it is up to you to discover what yours is. There are some key differences between the two styles and both have their respective pros and cons.

No Gi Jiu Jitsu

Clothing

One of the biggest differences between training no-gi or gi style jiu-jitsu is the clothing you are wearing. When training in the gi you are wearing a kimono known as a gi, because of this there are many more styles of play that can be introduced.

From lapel chokes to guards the style of play just due to the clothing is drastically different. Usually, the gi you wear creates a ton of friction so it is much easier to lock in positions that are hard to slip right out of when compared to no-gi jiu-jitsu.

No-gi is what it is, it is jiiu-jitsu without the kimono. In this style of play you are usually wearing a rash guard shirt, some combat shorts without pockets, and maybe some spats for style points. Some people do no-gi without the rash guard but that is more of a preference thing.

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Techniques

Another key difference between the two styles of play is the techniques that can be utilized in them. When we started to take no-gi more seriously we started to notice a lot of things that go well in the gi are much harder to execute without it. 

It is not news that jiu-jitsu is a sweaty sport. Because of this fact slipping in and out of positions is much easier to accomplish when doing no-gi vs gi. Try locking in a heel hook when your entire rash guard is wet from sweat and your arm is drenched… it is nearly impossible in the moment.

When establishing grips in no-gi you are more likely to utilize the collar tie versus “getting grips”. Arm drags, takedowns and strong wrestling give you a significant edge when training no-gi jiu-jitsu.

Rules

When you compete in tournaments, the rule sets for gi vs no-gi style of play is completely different. You should take the time to educate yourself on the specific ruleset of the tournament you plan on competing in because ADCC rules are much different than IBJJF Gi rules.

For example, heel hooks are a move that is banned from IBJJF Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournaments, but many no-gi BJJ events such as ADCC welcome the heel hook as a viable technique to use. The majority of the submissions that Gordon Ryan has these days are the heel hook!

No Gi Jiu Jitsu

Attacks and Defense

Offensive moves in the gi rely on grabbing onto the fabric of the gi. A gi helps fighters gain control of their opponent, set up takedowns, and put themselves in an advantageous position.

A position that is very commonly used in the gi would be the spider guard. The spider guard is an open guard that allows you to lock your opponent’s arms by using your legs and arms. Guards used in Gi BJJ, like the spider guard, really only work on people that concentrate on using the Gi. It would be extremely difficult to pull this guard position off without grips to establish a dominant position.

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Pros and Cons of Gi BJJ

Pros

  • Learning BJJ the way it was originally formed
  • Helps develop strong defensive capabilities
  • Some sweeps are exclusive to the Gi because of the grips that can be established
  • Some submissions are exclusive to training in the Gi – many chokes 

Cons

  • Not very applicable in a self-defense situation
  • Friction caused by the Gi could be used to compensate for bad or sloppy technique

Pros and Cons of No-Gi BJJ

Pros

  • More applicable to real-world situations
  • More applicable to MMA Training
  • Getting good at no-gi will make to a better Offensive player
  • Makes you more creative with submissions

Cons

  • Very few gyms exclusively train no-gi
  • Easy to slip in or out of a submission

Training Both Gi & No-Gi

Training in both no-gi and gi-style BJJ is important to build a well-rounded style of play. To rank up in BJJ you will need to show proficiency in a number of techniques and positions and training both styles of play will get you introduced to them more quickly.

Most schools across the United States these days offer both styles throughout the week. There has been a huge surge in the no-gi style of play because of ADCC, schools like 10th Planet, and top-tier athletes almost exclusively training in this style of play!

Whichever style you decide to learn and lean into, make sure to focus on being well-rounded. It is very common for people to lean more towards a specific style of play but mastering BJJ will take focus on developing in both Gi and No-Gi BJJ.

 Jiu Jitsu

Which is More Effective for Self-Defense?

There are many opinions surrounding the legitimacy of BJJ as a form of self-defense in a street situation. 99% of the time, in these self-defense situations people will not be wearing a kimono and will more than likely have thinner clothing and for this reason, we would say that no-gi is probably a better choice strictly for self-defense.

Eddie Bravo, the founder of 10th Planet jiu-jitsu, believes that no-gi is more effective but others like ChewJitsu, a prominent Youber in the BJJ community, argue that a gi is essentially compromised of pants and a jacket, making the outfit more authentic.

It s crucial to understand that both of these play styles will be important for your growth in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Getting to a high level in this sport will take years of training in both styles and mastering techniques that are suitable for their styles of play. When you embrace learning from both styles of play you will find that many techniques are similar by nature or can be translated completely.

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art that is taking over right now. The sport’s popularity is growing rapidly and new tournament circuits are popping up left and right. When training BJJ you will realize that there are two styles of play; a style that is done in a kimono known as a gi and a style that is done in rash guards and shorts, known as the no-gi style. In this article, we talk briefly about the two styles, some differences that arise, and whether or not you should be training in one of the other.

No Gi Jiu Jitsu

No Gi BJJ

No-gi Brazilain jiu-jitsu is one of two styles of play that can be found in the martial art. No-gi is a style that is normally completed in just a rash guard and some MMA or board shorts. Sometimes athletes that compete in this style of play do so without a rash guard on.

No-gi has grown in popularity because of popular Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments like ADCC. ADCC put no-gi on the forefront of everyone’s mind because it is essentially the Superbowl in the sport of jiu-jitsu. No-gi has grown so much that the traditional BJJ Federation known as IBJJF recently started holding No-Gi tournaments.

mental benefits of jiu jitsu

Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Traditionally, Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes have always competed with a kimono known as a gi. Training in the gi opens up many more move sets to be played and is deemed the traditional way to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

Techniques

There are many differences between the two styles of play. One of the bigger ones is the techniques that one can play and get into. The Gi truly does open more opportunities to get stronger grips on a person and set different types of guards or chokes up. Due to the friction of the Gi, it can be harder to slip in and out of bad (or even good) positions when training or competing. 

No-Gi has become more popular over the past few years because of athletes like Gordon Ryan who almost exclusively compete in no-gi tournaments. ADCC is one of the largest tournaments in the community and it is only done without the Gi. 

Training no-gi will make you a better offensive player because you have to be a little more creative with your setups or attacks because of how easy it can be to slip out of positions due to sweat. Techniques like arm drags, heel hooks, various wrestling takedowns are good things to work on that will improve your no-gi game. We post regularly on our Instagram all kinds of techniques and over that can be accomplished in both styles of play so be sure to follow us there!

It is important to note that the ruleset between the two styles is different and before entering any competition you should understand what can and can’t be done. Different techniques and moves are prohibited in Gi tournaments that can be done in no-gi tournaments. Consult with your coach to understand the rules at play before signing up for your next competition.

no gi

Training Both 

We believe that it is better to not pigeonhole yourself into one style of play when training jiu-jitsu. The goal here is to be a well-rounded player that can accomplish many things on the mat. The only way to accomplish this really is to learn both styles of play and build a game that is suitable for both.

Competing is the gateway to becoming the best player you can be. Putting your skills to the test against someone you don’t normally train with is the best way to find holes in your game and go back to the drawing board afterward. Try competing in both styles of play so that you can accomplish the overall goal of just getting better at Jiu-jitsu.

You should be training both Gi and no-gi. Do not get too fixated on training one over the other. Today, most gyms offer classes that teach both styles of play. The games that you play are really different but once you get a hang of it you realize that it is just jiu-jitsu. Many things you will do in one style will carry over to the next one and you will surely be able to build a well-rounded set of attacks or carry a solid defense. 

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If you are into the sport of jiu-jitsu we can make some positive assumptions about who you are as a person. You are probably someone who has a bold character, loves to learn, and is willing to make sacrifices for your future. If this fits you, you know that BJJ seminars will be an important part of your journey to becoming a black belt. In this article, we break down what a BJJ seminar is and how you can get access to hundreds of high-level athletes in a matter of minutes!

Best Mouthguard for BJJ - tap out meaning

What is a BJJ Seminar?

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar is essentially a class that is taught by another black belt from another gym! These black belt instructors can be world champions or long-time practitioners that are willing to travel around the world to share their knowledge!

If you are serious about getting the most out of your Brazilian jiu-jitsu training seminars are a great investment. Typically a seminar is about an hour or two long and a great way to connect with people in the community. BJJ seminars typically have a great turnout at our gym and get about 40-plus people to sign up and spend an evening learning from someone new.

One of the best aspects of jiu-jitsu is the community that is in place. Everyone is willing to learn from others, participate in challenging workouts, and invest in their own skillset. 

We believe that attending these seminars is a great way to support black belts that continue to give back to this community after reaching the highest point of the sport! Not all seminars are hosted by Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts, sometimes when there are up-and-comers who are eager to spread their knowledge to others!

bjj seminar

How to Make the Most of a BJJ Seminar

The best way to make the most out of your experience with a BJJ seminar is to record everything, write down notes in between important points, and stay focused! Go introduce yourself to the person that is putting on the seminar, the people putting on these seminars love meeting people and getting to know your story!

Personally, we are visual learners. Recording seminars allow us to go back on points that we may have missed or just flat-out forgot. It can be overwhelming trying to cram everything in our heads having videos on our phone is super helpful to go back on!

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BJJ Seminars From Home

BJJ seminars are great to attend in person, but it is not every day that you have a super high-level black belt come into your gym. Technology today allows us to get instant access to almost anyone with a touch of a couple of buttons from the comfort of our own homes. Why not bring the seminars where we spend the majority of our time?

That is why Jiu-Jitsu X was created! Jiu-jitsu X is an online Brazilian Jiu-jitsu educational company whose mission is to help empower people to level up their game! With this, we can now get access to some of the brightest athletes in our sport for a very affordable price!

Are you a competitor looking to level yourself up? If so, check out Jiu-JitsuX. It is the best bang for your buck and has hundreds of videos from top athletes all around the world!

BJJ seminar

Should I Invest in Doing a Seminar?

This is a pretty personal question and before I answer it you have to ask yourself what your goal is. 

Personally, our goal is to be the best BJJ athlete that we can be. With this in mind, we understand that sacrifices and investments of our time/money are going to be needed! If you are looking to be better at this sport we 100% believe that investing in seminars or online instructionals is something you should do!

If your goal is to not get better or your not really committed to the sport of jiu-jitsu, we personally do not see the point in making the investment unless you just want to support your favorite athlete! 

Making the most of your experience at a BJJ seminar is necessary to pull all those nuggets of knowledge from the resident black belt that took the time to teach you! Not every day will you get the opportunity to meet and learn from these individuals, so you have to do your best to absorb all the information you can. Staying focused can be challenging that’s why we suggest taking videos, notes, or even investing in online instructionals to help retain the information!

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Tapping out is very common in the combat sports world. We are firm believers that you should be tapping out early and often when the stakes are low but maybe consider differently if you put yourself in high-stakes situations like competitions. Tapping out is a way to voluntarily end a match because your opponent got you into a position where they were threatening real injury or you experienced massive discomfort. 

Training Jiu-Jitsu or MMA 

Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA are the fastest-growing sports in the world right now. With the popularity of the UFC going exponential over the past couple of years, more people are venturing into the sport for themselves.

The explosion in popularity of BJJ in the United States is hard to go unnoticed. Everyone seems to know someone who trains the sport regularly and won’t shut up about its benefits! Those on the fence about doing the training themselves may find themselves doing a bit of research to know what they will get into. A key component to most combat-based martial arts is the meaning behind tapping out.

When you train or watch combat sports you may see someone tap their opponent a number of times and then the referee steps in to call the match, this is an indication of a tap out happening. Tapping out is very common and should be used regularly when the stakes are not high, by that we mean when you are just casually training.

When you are competing there is a bit of a different mindset that we like to adopt when it comes to tapping out but for the most part, you should always be tapping out early to prevent injury.

When you start training, chances are you don’t want to stop. The biggest thing that will stop people from reaching their goals or potential in their respective sports is an injury that could stem from either riding a submission too long or not taking recovery seriously. Here we will focus on the idea of not tapping out fast enough.

You should tap out when you find yourself in a dangerous situation, especially in a low-stakes situation like training. Having an injury that puts you out for weeks is not worth it. In a competitive situation with stakes, you should consider the risk and do your best to fight off a submission.

There is no shame in tapping out, it does not make you weak. It allows you to have longevity in a sport that you love. If you are training with a good partner, the chances you get hurt are low but accidents always happen. Better to be safe than sorry.

Tapping out is easy. 

You can pat the person you are going live with twice or verbally yell the word “tap” to end the match. It’s important to know that you can use these two methods interchangeably because there will be times your hands may be tangled or a time when you can mutter a word (a choke is getting locked in).

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Am I Weak For Tapping Out?

The quick answer to this question is no.

In all honesty, the people that end up lasting in the sport long term are those that tap out early and often when they are training. Most injuries will occur in training. You risk serious injury when you do not expect a choke or submission to come in and try to push through. 

This is just not worth it in the long run especially when there is nothing on the line.

jiu jitsu world league - tap out meaning

Competing in Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments

We are big believers that people should compete when they train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is the best way to put your skills to the test and push yourself to new heights against people in your age range and with similar skill levels.

The only time you should be hesitant to tap out is when you are competing; even this can be a gray area conversation. 

Tapping Out Early and Often 

Our coach’s philosophy for longevity in the sport of jiu-jitsu is to tap early and to tap often. It is the easiest way to prevent injury or set yourself back on training. Other grappling-based Martial Arts like MMA are in a league of their own when talking about tapping out.

Tapping out is not a sign of weakness but should be used when you are training or run the real risk of getting hurt. Tapping out in a competitive match when something is actually on the line is an in-the-moment decision that gets made and can leave you with a painful feeling of inadequacy or embarrassment. Everyone that trains in combat sports has or will be submitted. The quicker you can come to terms with this the longer you will be able to train!

Preventing Injury

Getting injured is the worst and finding ways to prevent them at all costs will exponentially help with the growth of your game. The less time you spend time injured the more time you can spend training and perfecting your craft. 

Preventing injury is a combination of these things:

  • Tapping out when you need to
  • Good Rest
  • Proper Nutrition and eating a clean healthy diet
  • Supplementation – CBD for pains, Fish oil for joints, Protein for faster recovery

What are the stakes?

Understanding what is at stake when you tap out is important. When you tap out you are saying that your opponent has got you in an uncomfortable spot and you want to give up the match.

If there are big things at stake, the tap-out may need to be a last resort. Some people train with the idea that they will not tap out no matter what. You run the serious risk of injury when you do not submit to anything that could put your body in harm’s way.

When competing, it is understandable to push the limits of your body and try to get out of bad spots if possible. If escape is out of the question, humble yourself and take the loss.

tap out meaning - let ego go

Let the Ego Go

In our opinion, there is no shame in getting tapped out. Those that are against someone tapping out may be putting their athletes or themselves at risk of serious long-term injury. Although we believe that you should push through adversity in matches and do your best to get out of the chokes of threatening positions, we also believe that long-term health is the most important part of combat sports.

Let the ego go in these situations. The ego is a good thing to have for fighters but also can cloud your vision of what is important at the moment. Protecting yourself and your body along the way is one of the most important aspects of training jiu-jitsu or any other combat-based martial art like MMA.

Tapping out is the best way to prevent long-term injuries from creeping into your life. The last thing you want is to run the risk of a tear or fracture just because we were hard-headed in the moment. Move on to the next round, learn the lessons that were presented in that match, and grow. 

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If you are training frequently in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community you will hear the word “OSS” thrown around from time to time. When you hear it you may scarce your head and ask yourself, “what does that even mean?” In this article, we break down the meaning of “OSS” and in what situations you could say it for yourself! 

respect on the mats

OSS Meaning: What Does “OSS” Mean?

When looking at the meaning of “OSS” its important to understand the context in which it is being used, the word can range from a term to celebrate victory to answering a question and acknowledging an opponent’s skill.

OSS is a generic word widely used in the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community. The word is derived from Japanese martial arts and is a particularly enthusiastic way to say “yes” or acknowledge something or someone. It is very similar to the U.S. Marines when they say “OOH-RAH”.

The second definition of the term “OSS”, also known as “ossu”, is a shortened version of the word Oshi Shinobu, which conveys the idea of “persevering when pushed”. In other words, never giving up, having determination, being gritty, and being able to withstand the most grueling sets of training.

Simply put, “OSS” means to never give up. In the BJJ community, we push each other very hard to become the best versions of ourselves. Many people that adopt this character quality will say OSS and either bow before their opponent or their instructor.

There are many ways of using this versatile word; there is no singular true meaning or definition. 

Origin of the word

Research suggests that the word was first used in Asian culture less than a century ago by the Imperial Japanese Navy during the times of World War II.

Military personnel in an officer’s academy would use this word as a showing of respect to their fellow soldiers and superiors who were fighting in World War II. Some even used it as a “Good Morning”!

Learning a second language can be very beneficial especially when it involves your sports origin! If you want to learn more about Japanese culture and vocabulary, click here!

 

How do you pronounce the word “OSS”?

There are two different ways to pronounce the word “OSS”. Depending on who you talk to and where they are from they may pronounce it as (OH-SS). The other abbreviation that is commonly accepted is “Osu” (OH-SUE).

Why Do People Say OSS?

People say “OSS” for a number of reasons when rolling on the mats. OSS takes on various different meanings but it is mainly a positive word to way.

At the end of an American or Japanese martial arts class, everyone is usually shaking hands saying “OSS” or right before their sparring sessions they do a quick fist bump and say “OSS” to show that they are ready for the match and to lay down a baseline level of respect for their opponent.

In many sources, “OSS” is defined as a manifestation of Ki energy, or a different kind of strength, indicating that someone is ready to fight! Many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners use this word as a sign of respect.

Is Saying “OSS” Offensive?

Absolutely not!

As we stated in the previous paragraphs, “OSS” is a word that is widely used as a sign of respect and honor for those with that you are about to roll!

The Respect on The Mats

The respect found for another person in the world of martial arts goes beyond words and it can only be explained when you do this firsthand. Jiu-Jitsu is a sport that builds the mental, physical, and inner strength of the individuals that embrace it.

Carrying on without giving up is a hard thing to do but those that stick around and climb the ranks in the sport will experience something that cannot be found anywhere else. 

Determination, building strong spirits, respect, and discipline are what people in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community embrace. They choose to live their life in a way that embodies these core principles. Here at the Grapplers Graveyard, we firmly believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, and eventually, more people will start to see the benefits this sport has on those that join the community.

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You never want to be in a situation where someone is yelling at you that you’re about to “catch these hands”. If you do find yourself in this predicament you should at least be prepared in some way, shape, or form.

catch these hands

Catch These Hands

The term “catching these hands” is a common term in today’s world. Basically, it means to fight or initiate an ass-whooping on someone else. It is essentially a verbal assault you use before you and another person are about to throw down and things get physical. 

While we never advise you to go out and seek these types of encounters, being able to “throw hands” is a very important skill that every man and every woman needs to possess. It is no secret that as the years have gone on, the world has grown increasingly more violent. The number of crimes and physical attacks we are seeing today is something any responsible human being should not just throw under the rug. But where do you start?

You cannot (and should not) go running around fighting random people to learn how to protect yourself. We believe that there are three aspects to defending yourself and that every person should be well-equipped to perform these tasks. Those three components are striking, grappling, and basic firearm use.

catch these hands - self defense triangle

Mental Benefits of Training Self-Defense 

Many people do not understand that learning how to protect yourself has a huge impact on your mental health. Walking around feeling anxious about your surrounding is not a way you should live your life. Constantly having to look over your should in fear will drive you insane and creates an environment of distrust.

When you learn how to fight you become much more aware of your surroundings. Since we started taking jiu-jitsu classes our social awareness has skyrocketed. We used to be the individual that was always walking around anxious of the environment we were in. After constantly being scared of the world and what was being thrown in our faces by the news, we decided to take action into our own hands and take up the self-defense trio!

When you learn how to grapple, throw punches, and the basics of shooting you have a better idea of what danger is like. Constantly training with someone trying to attack you is a great way to harden your fight-or-flight muscles and become ready if you were forced to throw hands with a stranger!

Handling the stress and pressure of a situation like this is something no one is ever prepared for but I would rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war!

Striking

Learning how to throw proper punches must be at your mind’s front. One of the biggest rebuttal points of training jiu-jitsu is that you do not have a great way to take people to the ground (which is arguable at best) and that most people who train jiu-jitsu cannot throw a proper punch (which is another debatable point).

To avoid this criticism, take on some boxing classes. When you are training jiu-jitsu takedowns are an essential part of the game, that’s why most gyms these days offer some wrestling curriculum throughout the week. Really, the only thing you have to go out of your way to learn is the striking aspect.

Fire Arms Training

The unfortunate truth of the world is that most people will never fight fair, today, it does not seem like people have any kind of morals when it comes to these situations. Get some time under your belt at a local range and learn to practice responsible firearm training!

Avoid Conflict at All Costs 

Avoiding conflict is a must. The world is rapidly experiencing a ton of change and it is leaving a lot of people in bad places. It is unwise to pick fights with people.

We always believe in being good to those around us. Don’t pick fights, don’t bully, be kind, and be generous to those that may be struggling right now.

krav maga choosing a martial art

The Power of Self-Defense Training

Self-defense training is going to be a big component in people’s personal lives in the coming years. We predict that as people continue to carry about their mental and physical health they will stumble across martial arts as the fun, new, and exciting way to become more physically and mentally fit!

We see a world where the majority of people are training in some kind of martial art, preferably the two we mentioned earlier; some kind of striking and jiu-jitsu!

We believe you should mix the two to be more well-rounded. This is what we plan on doing as we get more mat time under our belt. Right now, we train jiu-jitsu about 6 days a week and have extensive firearm practice so once we hit our purple belt or maybe in the later stages of our blue belt, we will pick up some striking at an MMA or boxing gym!

Choosing the best martial art to pick up is a pretty personal question but we believe the best ones to train are either boxing/kickboxing or jiu-jitsu. The only issue with boxing is that you will get hit in the face and getting live sparring matches can be on the dangerous side.

Training jiu-jitsu has been a game-changer for us personally. We get live matches every night when we attained the advanced classes. 

Throwing hands with random people is something 95% of people will never experience but in the odd case, you find yourself in these situations you should be prepared. The best way to prepare yourself for these types of situations is to actively seek the discomfort of training the way we outlined in this article. At the Grapplers Graveyard, we firmly believe that the world would be a better place is people took on grappling sports and striking practice. More respect to your neighbor would be given when people realize another person is trained!

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Thousands of people have discovered the life-changing benefits of jiu-jitsu and have gone on to lead incredible lives. At the same time, for all the known benefits of jiu-jitsu and the transformational life effects, the reality is, people will still quit no different than they would quit their diet, quit their workout routine, quit school, quit their relationships, or anything else that yields personal improvement. In this article, we will discuss some of the transformative benefits of jiu-jitsu.

Top 8 Benefits of Jiu Jitsu

  • Learn Self Defense
  • Learn how to handle stress in a new way
  • Getting outside your comfort zone
  • Weight loss 
  • Community
  • Have a new relationship with your ego
  • Build Discipline in Your Life
  • Become a stronger minded person
create bonds

 

1) Learning Self Defense

Jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art that focuses on submissions and ground-based techniques. One of the main reasons people join jiu-jitsu gyms is for the self-defense aspect that is ingrained into them. There have been many instances where everyday people use the skills they have learned inside the four walls of a jiu-jitsu gym to protect themselves from an aggressor.

Although you can never fully prepare for a situation like this, having experience doing jiu-jitsu is always going to be a benefit over not having the experience! When you learn self-defense a byproduct of that is an increase in self-confidence. It is a good feeling to know that you can at least de-escalate a situation no matter the circumstance you may find yourself in. 

2) Handling Stress and Problem Solving

The nature of jiu-jitsu is violent and stressful.

When you are training you are going against someone who is actively trying to impose their will on you. This is a stressful encounter that does take some time to get used to but the rewards of staying consistent with it reap massive rewards.

After training jiu-jitsu for a couple of months and regularly showing up, you will be an excellent on-the-fly problem solver and learn practical ways to manage the stress that may come up in your life. If you can learn to stay calm while someone is trying to choke you you can learn how to stay calm in 95% of situations in the outside world! 

The best part about training jiu-jitsu is the fact that a lot of these lessons you don’t pick up unless you embrace the sport fully. When you do so it can completely transform how you view the world!

extraordinary life - max effort - benefits of jiu jitsu

3) Getting Uncomfortable

Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations or getting out of your comfort zone entirely has many benefits. When you decide to get comfortable with the uncomfortable things in life that used to scare you no longer have a grip over your mind. The power that this will give you as a human being in this world is immense and should not be underestimated!

4) Physical Benefits – Weight Loss and Getting Ripped Fast

Jiu-jitsu is a great way to get your body moving and lose that stubborn body fat. Many people start doing jiu-jitsu for a handle of reasons but usually top of that list of reasons is the physical benefits.

We started doing jiu-jitsu because lifting weights is just boring. It is very easy to slack off and just go through the motions. When you are training in a sport that requires you to use your entire body at all times and think through problems on the fly, it is very difficult to not take each moment seriously. We burn thousands of calories while training in one-hour sessions in our gym’s intermediate/advanced classes. 

create bonds

5) Create Great Bonds

We have several reasons why we chose to train jiu-jitsu but one thing that truly kept us around is the people we met and have been able to bond with over the past several years. The community of jiu-jitsu practitioners continues to grow each year as more people realize how powerful the sport is for your mental and physical well-being. When you run into strangers that also train jiu-jitsu it is like you meet a long-lost friend. You immediately understand what the person in front of you has gone through and that you two have common ground in loving this sport!

6) Managing Ego

Jiu-Jitsu is a sport that will introduce you to one thing everyone on the planet has, an ego. Managing ego is a tough thing to do and not many people go out of their way to be humbled. When you participate in the sport, you will be humbled and if you plan on sticking around for the long term you will need to cultivate a good relationship or understanding with your ego.

Time and time again the ego gets in the way of our greatest blessings. You may run into that issue from time to time but because you have learned the necessary skills to manage those outbursts, you’ll feel much more prepared for a situation when the ego could get in the way of a blessing.

7) Create Discipline in Your Life

One thing that we have benefited most from jiu-jitsu is creating a structured way of doing things in our life. We have built our life around our training and it makes life much easier when we know what exactly needs to get done and when we have time to accomplish it.

The more disciplined you are free you become.

It is an odd dichotomy that the world has in place but holds very true through our experience. When you decide to stay disciplined and not let excuses get in the way of your workouts or training sessions this same mentality will spill over to your everyday life. The way you do one thing is the way you do all things!

8) Build a Strong State of Mind

It takes a real special person to stick with the sport of jiu-jitsu.

You have to commit to yourself, commit to your school, and continue to show up putting your body on the line in order to improve. These are powerful choices that slowly morph you into an individual that can get things done. No one is perfect and no one wants you to be perfect. Everything is a journey and when you put one foot in front of the other beautiful things happen.

Other benefits

Increase Confidence

Increasing your confidence is a formula. When you pick up skills and become competent at something it is impossible to not have confidence in that thing. Because Jiu-Jitsu is a skill-based sport it will actively force you to get competent at something fast. 

Knowing that you can fight and protect yourself in a dangerous situation if it were to ever arise, is a confidence booster in itself. No matter what anyone says about “jiu-jitsu not working” we are here to tell you they are wrong and it gets proven over and over again. 

Handling Stress, Pressure, and Decision Making

Jiu-jitsu is a sport that teaches you how to handle stress, handle pressure, and make decisions while in those situations. Brazilian jiu-jitsu has been deemed as the sport of “human chess” it does not get that name by accident.

Handling stress and pressure is something that we have to do on a daily basis. Our everyday job can be stressful at times and jiu-jitsu has helped us learn to make solid decisions while under this type of pressure. Without learning these lessons on the mats we would have a hard time handling everything we do without be overwhelmed.

Embracing A New Lifestyle

The jiu-jitsu lifestyle is one that is full of pleasant surprises! From meeting new people, embracing new beginnings, and shifting the way you wat you will completely morph yourself into the best version of yourself.

you vs you - benefits of jiu jitsu

Training jiu-jitsu has a ton of perks. Being able to defend yourself, being well-equipped for stressful situations, learning to love being uncomfortable, getting into excellent shape, and being able to make friends along the way are just a few to be named.

Jiu-Jitsu is very good at weeding out people with bad habits so cultivating strong principles from the start is something that everyone should immediately pick up when deciding to train! The Grapplers Graveyard is a website that is dedicated to helping martial artists not only level up their jiu-jitsu but also level up their life. The sport’s transformative nature is a message we want to instill in people worldwide!

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Everything in life is a competition. To stand out in the world you have to rise to the occasion and put yourself out there. Putting yourself out there to fail is a big deal because it proves to others and yourself that you are serious about what you are looking to accomplish. Jiu-Jitsu has been a sport that has done this exact thing for us and there is no better way to put yourself out there than to participate in tournaments. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the competitive BJJ organization, Jiu-Jitsu World League!

jiu jitsu world league

WHAT IS THE JIU-JITSU WORLD LEAGUE?

Jiu Jitsu World League is a competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization that ranks fights through a series of tournaments using innovative technology, data, and events services. Jiu Jitsu World League has hosted massive tournaments all around the United States at this point and is planning to continue this trend going into 2023.

Using their software they are able to rank academies and competitors all across the United States and match them up with top talent in an arena suited for combat. 

Pricing For Events

Competitors:

It is important to note that if you are a competitor, prices increase as you get closer to the event. They seem to start out at $89 and then build their way up as you get closer to the competition date.

Spectators/Guests:

Adults (18): $20

Teens (13-17): $10

Kids (4-12): $5

jiu jitsu world league

What Type of Brackets Does JJWL Use?

Jiu Jitsu World League’s Tournaments are all double elimination for brackets 4 or above, so if you lose before the finals you can compete again for 3rd place.

So if you lose, the best you can do is 3rd place. To win first place or second place you have to win. We like this tournament style a lot. Most tournaments we have competed in till this point has been single elimination and it is never a good feeling when you put months of training in just to lose in the first or second match you have and be done.

For Gi Competitions

If you are competing in adults Gi tournament, you can wear a rash guard under your gi! You are not limited to just wearing blue, black, or white Gi’s when you compete. You can compete in any gi that is a solid color!

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JIU-JITSU’S POPULARITY BOOM 

Jiu-jitsu has been exploding in popularity the past few years. We started not too long ago but it is very easy to notice when you start seeing massive competitive leagues form like JJWL or AZBJJL

We believe the popularity of jiu-jitsu has exploded due to a number things. 

Back in 2020 when we were all locked down, some of the only sports we were able to watch on TV was the UFC. I liked watching UFC fights before 2020 but I became absolutely obsessed with the fighters in 2020, the thrill and excitement of adults going at it were unmatched compared to any other sport. But how does this relate to BJJ?

Not very many people want to volunteer to get their face punched in at a UFC gym so what is a great alternative that the majority of people can do? Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-jitsu is truly the everyday person’s sport. It is a martial art that anyone can do and one that anyone can sign up for! This is why we think it is exploding in popularity! Mix in the fact that adults are opting their kids out of sports that could cause CTE down the road and you have a recipe for explosive growth as an industry!

WHY YOU SHOULD COMPETE IN JIU-JITSU TOURNAMENTS

Jiu Jitsu is a competitive sport by nature. Each night you go into your training you are directly competing with those that show up in that class, but the importance of testing your skills in a live scenario is extremely important for the improvement of your game.

We can kind of fall into a trap when we do not compete, we can feel as though we are getting better when compared to those around us, but the real test is how we do against those that we do not get ample opportunities to beat.

Competing in tournaments is fun.

There is nothing like the adrenaline rush of walking onto the mats right before you go in front of a crowd of people. JJWL’s is double elimination is great for fighters because it gives adults and children an opportunity to still compete for something even if their first or second match does not go as they planned.

Fighters should consult with your coach before signing up for a tournament. They will give you the green light on whether you are ready or not to jump into the competitor lifestyle. 

There is a huge difference in speed when competing. The likelihood that you gas yourself out is pretty high if you are not mentally prepared for what you are signing up for. I know going into 2023, we are really looking forward to the competition circuit in our state. 

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU WEIGHT CLASSES

GI

additional information : IBJJF

NO GI

source : IBJJF

When Are Weigh-Ins?

Weigh-ins happen up to an hour before your first scheduled match.

What Happens if I Miss Weight?

You will be disqualified if you miss the cut. JJWL gives you till the Sunday before the event to change your class if you think you will not make the cut.

JIU JITSU WORLD LEAGUE APP

JJWL has an app on the app store where you can view all your personal stats, check dates, and even sign up for events! 

Jiu-jitsu World League is an exciting innovation added to the industry. We are truly witnessing sport blossom with other competition events like ADCC, IBJJF Worlds, and now JJWL exploding in popularity. We cannot wait to see how the industry evolves over time and look to be at the forefront of all the news, the latest products, and exciting new changes!

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So you made it out of the beginner stage huh? Well, congratulations, the fun is just beginning! The next stage (and longest stage) you will find yourself in is the blue belt. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a journey that is more than worth it for a number of reasons. More people each day are waking up to the fact that Brazilian jiu-jitsu can, and will, change the life of the practitioner that takes the lessons learned on the mats and applies them across their life. Let’s take a deeper look into the first belt that BJJ practitioners receive after showcasing a higher skill level.

 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the blue belt represents that you have mastered the basics and proven to yourself and your instructor you have been extremely effective in many positions and show competence with several techniques. In this stage, just like all the others, new challenges and struggles will be introduced and it is your job to not only be aware of them but make it through the other side. How deep is your resolve? Let’s go deep into the jiu-jitsu blue belt and talk briefly about the blue belt blues.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU BLUE BELT

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt is the first huge accomplishment that you will receive on your journey through Jiu-Jitsu. Typically this belt takes about two years for someone to achieve. By no means is this an easy thing to accomplish. Time, dedication, and consistent effort are needed to get here.

Just like in the white belt stage, blue belts will receive stripes on their way to the next belt color which is purple. As the belts get darker the expectations of what you are capable of rising with it. Blue belts should actively compete and test their skills against people outside their training grounds, this is an excellent way to progress faster and showcase to those around you that you are ready for the next level.

belt rankings in jiu jitsu - bjj blue belt

It is common to get to this stage and feel a sense of imposter syndrome. Sometimes we feel as though we are “not ready” for that next belt and this is normal. Rest assured that your coach sees something in you if they move you up the ranks, no instructor in the BJJ community gives out belts to people who they do not think are worthy of it. 

If this is the way you are feeling, keep pushing, and be sure to not fall into the blue belt blues!

What Are the Blue Belt Blues?

Due to the nature of the sport of jiu-jitsu and the fact that it is so hard to rank up, most people will make it their biggest goal to accomplish getting a blue belt. What happens when people achieve a huge goal that they set out to achieve? Well, sometimes they slip into a slump or even go a complete 180 and lose interest entirely. This is what the blue belt blues are.

In your journey through the sport, you will have many ups and downs and for a good number of people, their first real test is at the blue belt stage. The “blues” is a term that signifies feeling uninterested, down, and to a degree depressed about something. It usually occurs when something that we have been focusing on actually materializes. After we accomplish a big goal and the grind is “over”, no matter how great it was, we often are left with a feeling of emptiness.

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Due to the nature of the sport of jiu-jitsu and the fact that it is so hard to rank up, most people will make it their biggest goal to accomplish getting a blue belt. What happens when people achieve a huge goal that they set out to achieve? Well, sometimes they slip into a slump or even go a complete 180 and lose interest entirely. This is what the blue belt blues are.

In your journey through the sport, you will have many ups and downs and for a good number of people, their first real test is at the blue belt stage. The “blues” is a term that signifies feeling uninterested, down, and to a degree depressed about something. It usually occurs when something that we have been focusing on actually materializes. After we accomplish a big goal and the grind is “over”, no matter how great it was, we often are left with a feeling of emptiness.

When you apply the term “blues” to jiu-jitsu it is easy to guess what is going on. The blue belt blues is not something to be dreading and most people will experience it. The blue belt stage is the most important stage you will go through in your journey through jiu-jitsu and also happens to be the longest.

Most people will find themselves at this stage for at least a year and a half up to three years.

adult belt system - blue belt

How to Prevent Blue Belt Blues

Now that you understand what the blues are, let’s talk a little bit about how to prevent them from happening. The real answer on how to get through this stage is to honestly just muscle through it. BJJ is not going to get any easier and these moments where you do not feel like going forward are really where your character is going to be forged. 

Do not take things so seriously. Why put pressure on yourself to get to the next stage faster? What is the reason you are feeling the way you are about jiu-jitsu? A couple of years down the road you will look back at this moment and realize that it was a great blessing to have gone through something that challenged your resolve. You will make it through the other side a better player and a better person.

Continue to have fun on the mats and always lean back on your why. In those moments in life where you start to question why you are doing something, going back on your why and the original reasons you started is a great way to get over the hump and make it through any kind of rough patch.

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blue belt - blue belt

It is recorded that only about 10% of white belts will make it to the blue belt level before quitting. Those that stick it out to this stage and continue to train BJJ will showcase a well-rounded skillset and have put ample amount of mat time on their backs.

Getting to the Next Level: Blue Belt

The second adult rank and your first big promotion while training Brazilian jiu-jitsu will be the Blue Belt level. The blue belt is a representation of an intermediate adult ranking, you are clearly better than a beginner but not quite at the level of expertise as a purple belt level practitioner, brown belt, or a black belt.

A blue belt promotion is a big deal. you have showcased to those around you that you have what it takes to move up the ranks in this BJJ journey. Your dedicated training, technical knowledge, and fundamental understanding is what move you to this stage. You should be proud of yourself for accomplishing this goal.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Blue Belt In BJJ?

Typically it take about two years of consistent training to get your blue belt. It is not common for a promotion to happen under 12 months but it can happen if someone has a good amount of wrestling experience. It is common for someone to get a promotion in between that 12 – 24 month timeframe after consistent amounts of training.

blue belts - blue belt jiu jitsu

Trials and Tribulations

The learning curve from the blue belt to the purple belt is much steeper than the previous stage. At the blue belt you already know basic techniques, sweeps, how to impose your will, and much more now the learning has to be taken into your own hands and you have to go deep to take your game to the next level. Sometimes your school may not have the curriculum to get you to that point so it is on you to seek out that knowledge and gain the expertise necessary to advance.

This belt can be very frustrating because you can experience many plateaus along the way. Getting to the next stage will not be easy and along the way, you will have many days where you feel like you are not getting any better or in some cases getting worse. You will have to push through these moments. Maybe your teammates are getting much better or maybe you had an off day, either way, trails will come but you must see them through. You are chasing after a belt (purple) that shows the first signs of expertise, this is no easy feat. The skills needed to get to the next level are much deeper than you may think.

What Should I Focus On As a Blue Belt?

  • Find 1 or 2 Positions to develop a high level of offensive strength
  • Do not neglect your defense. Defend and escapes from various positions
  • Get good wrestling
  • Learn all basic submissions and build systems to chain them together
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brazilain jiu jitsu blue belt

Why Do People Quit at Blue Belt?

People quit for all types of reasons. To pinpoint one exactly would be impossible. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not an easy martial art to rank up in but if you have been reading along you knew this from the beginning. Nothing worthwhile in life is easy anyways… if you continue to go after easy things, why are you even training Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the first place? You should have picked up pickleball if you wanted easy.

Getting to a blue belt is a lot of people’s goals when they start out in jiu-jitsu. They may not have aspirations to climb all the way to being a black belt and that is totally fine. The jump from blue belt to purple belt is such a large one and many people do not want to continue that climb into the next rank.

The fact of the matter is if you are a blue belt you could probably beat up 90% of people if you found yourself in a bad situation and needed to use BJJ for self-defense.

Is Blue Belt Hard to Get In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

The blue belt is not hard to get in Brazilian jiu-jitsu if you stay consistently training and get a good amount of mat time in. Do not be that guy (or girl) that is cocky the entire way to your blue belt, it is not a cake walk and the biggest factor in the decision to promote you is typically the time you’ve spent actually working on your craft.

Moving from white belt to blue belt you have showcased that you can hang with very experienced practitioners, you have well-rounded skills, strong defensive positioning, and are generally considered qualified to instruct lower-ranked students.

level

Graduation Guidelines For the Blue Belt Level

  • Know how to get out of inferior positions
  • Strong defensive game (emphasize escapes)
  • Dedicated to your training and bettering yourself
  • Basic offensive moves are mastered
  • Training for 12 – 24 months

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BJJ Belt System: Getting to Purple Belt

Getting to the purple belt might be the most challenging aspect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The longest stage that someone will be in most cases is going to be the blue belt level. It is common for people to be here for 2 – 4 years depending on how often someone trains.

To be a purple belt-level practitioner you must remain consistent with your training, work on refining your technical knowledge and perfect almost all fundamental techniques. On your way to the purple belt, even more, people will be weeded out. The funnel keeps getting smaller and it is said that only 10% of blue belt-level practitioners will make it to this stage.

Purple belts are considered high-level practitioners alongside their peers of brown belts and black belts. BJJ practitioners will look up to you in the gym as you start to move through the ranks, it is important to set good examples for those around you as your progress into being a more experienced practitioner.

BJJ is going to be a long and wild ride. You should feel accomplished that you made it to a stage that only 10% of white belts make it to. Being where you are and being fully present in the moments, whether they are good or bad will be a game changer. Quitting should not be an option for you, you did not come this far only to come this far. The blue belt is the most important stage of your jiu-jitsu journey and I can guarantee you that you will make it through this!

Happy Rolling!

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