Will BJJ get you ripped? The quick answer, yes! If you are eating properly and training BJJ on a regular basis you may experience weight loss and a sense of getting a more lean, muscular look. Now, everyone’s goals and bodies are the same to it may not be the same result from person to person. A lot of this depends on both genetics and how well you are eating after you are done working out.
To increase your chances of getting shredded while training BJJ it is advised to add functional weight training, with something like a kettlebell, at least three times a week. BJJ and weights go hand and hand. Depending on your goals and what you are trying to get out of your training methods will determine your level of commitment to both the martial art and the goal of getting ripped.
The Many Benefits of Martial Arts
Training Martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have many benefits that should not go unnoticed. Here is a list of a few of them:
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Physical Fitness
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Flexibility and Mobility
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Self Defense Skills
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Mental Benefits
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Discipline and Respect
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Stress Relief
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Community
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Weight Management
Physical Benefits
You will see many benefits of training come in the form of enhanced levels of cardiovascular endurance and strength or conditioning. BJJ calls for continuous movement and calls for good levels of body control, all of which lead to higher levels of physical fitness.
Mobility & Flexibility
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu incorporates a wide range of movements that will promote better mobility and flexibility. Now this is not something that will magically occur, you will need to work at it and on it by doing some stretching.
Self Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the only martial art that focuses on ground-fighting scenarios (which most fights end up in any way). Because of this, BJJ is deemed the most realistic martial art for real-life self-defense situations.
Mental Benefits, Respect, and Discipline
BJJ is really a game of strategy, it encourages and enhances mental agility and problem-solving skills. I know this way of thinking had a profound impact on the way I look at things around me. Learning an executing new techniques gives you a newfound respect for those who are in higher ranks than you and only pushes you to continue to learn.
Community
BJJ fosters such an amazing community. It is hard to find something else that has this feeling in all honesty. We have a theory as to why this is but we may save that for another post down the road.
Weight Management: Tell me the effects of Jiu-Jitsu on my body
Losing weight is easy when you train Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Muscle mass increases because you are working and using them more than you were before. No matter the body type, you will see results from the training process. Yeah sure, BJJ is not for everyone in the sense that not everyone will make it to the blue belt, but I firmly believe that if you have an able body, BJJ could be a great way for you get into awesome shape.
Technique is the most important aspect of BJJ/grappling performance. But want to increase your chances of landing submissions, finishing takedowns, and maintaining position? This program will have you man handling your opponents making them ready to tap.
Will BJJ Get Me Ripped?
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu will do a number of things for you and getting ripped is definitely one of them if you follow some guidelines. First off, going to one class a week is not going to get you into the shape you are looking for, you need to build a habit of showing up and showing up often. How often? At least 3 times per week to get noticeable results.
By itself, BJJ will not get you ripped, there are a number of factors that play a role in how your body is shaped. Everyone’s body composition is going to be different at the end of the day.
Things like genetics are out of our control so what is it that we can control? Really it is a couple of things. Those are, what we consume and how often we supplement some form of exercise into our routine with either barbells or kettlebells.
Yes, I am telling you that you should be doing both, lifting weights and training to get ripped, sue me. For optimal results, you can supplement with other items that increase testosterone but if you do not wish to go that route, you will get ripped with a good amount of weight training mixed with regular Brazilian jiu-jitsu training.
Ways to Get in Shape
Getting into good physical shape is easier than most people make it out to be. The formula is as follows:
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Eat good foods
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Workout
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Avoid Junk and over-snacking
Relatively simple right? If you are looking to have a body that looks nice you do these three things over a long period of time you are bound to get results. Now, everyone is going to go off and try to sell you some kind of magic pill or secret juice that makes it effortless but we won’t be a part of that crowd.
The recipe is there and it is there for those that want a clear-cut answer.
Can you lose weight with Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes, jiu-jitsu will help you lose weight. If you are consistent with training, supplement properly, and eat well you can end up losing more weight than you imagine. We have seen people lose over 60+lbs from training and sticking with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. BJJ is an incredible tool when used properly, not only for the mind but for the body and spirit.
When you first start training BJJ will will only probably stick with the fundamental classes to learn the ropes. This is fine for a given period of time but these classes will not be where the magic happens. You need to be in the classes with live sparring so you can really push yourself in the moment. To achieve your weight loss goals you will have to sweat a lot to burn calories and the way this is done in BJJ is through those harder classes against a live opponent.
BJJ as Functional Training
Brazilain jiu-jitsu is promotes functional movements that help support your athleticism. One thing that most people love about training the martial art is that it is a different workout than most have experienced.
If you played football as a kid or in high school, the workouts are much like that but with a twist. It is so important to stay athletic, especially as we age. Jiu-jitsu is an excellent way to work on your mental, get and excellent workout, and stay athletic.
Huge Improvements in Strength
Brazilian jiu-jitsu training is just as much a strength workout as it is a conditioning test. BJJ is all about body control and learning how to distribute your weight to take control of another person. No matter how big or small you may be, BJJ will get you stronger if you decide to train consistently.
Nothing happens over night and it will take extra effort to see the gains you may be looking for but the opportunity is there if you go out and make the most of your time on the mats.
Nutrition As a Martial Artist
Eating clean is the way you get the best results. Jiu-Jitsu is already an expensive hobby so we are going to assume that you may be shopping at places that have a bit better options than typical grocery chains.
Having a good protein powder without preservatives, supplementing properly with things like magnesium, boron, and tangat ali, and eating whole foods are going to be your best bet at being your best self on the mats on a consistent basis.
If you eat like crap, you will train like crap.
FUEL YOUR BODY. FOCUS YOUR MIND.
You show up every day, even when it's hard – because you know there's no shortcut. You're on The Path - a personal journey to get smarter, stronger, smarter, healthier – better. Nobody said it would be easy. One thing is certain: you need the right fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Jiu-jitsu get you in shape?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu will get you into excellent shape. You will have an ample amount of cardio and strength to do most things that require either.
Does BJJ give you a good body?
By itself, BJJ may or may not give you the body you are looking for. At the end of the day, eating the right way and getting proper nutrition will help you achieve the majority of the goals you are looking to set. Jiu-Jitsu will help you ton out, lose some weight, and burn lots of calories along the way. Mix that with eating right and you are bound to have an excellent look.
Does BJJ cause cauliflower ears?
If you decide to train BJJ one thing you should be aware of is the likelihood that you might get cauliflower ear. Sometimes when rolling around you will get direct damage to the ears that may lead to soreness or damaged cartridge. When the damaged cartridge hardens, this is known as cauliflower ear. It is easy to prevent it from happening though, simply wear headgear when you feel the tenderness start to arise.
Does BJJ count as a workout?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is an excellent workout. You will sweat a lot while training and burn a lot of calories. Jiu-Jitsu practice is considered both cardio and strength training in our books.
Can I be skinny and do Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes, BJJ does not hold anyone back from training. In most cases, people who are skinny end up getting more toned and muscular from training jiu-jitsu. BJJ is unique in the sense that it is cardio and strength training put into one-hour sessions. At the end of the day whoever has the better technique is going to win at the end whether you are big or skinny is to a huge factor in BJJ.
Can I be big and do Jiu-Jitsu?
Chances are, you won’t “get big” training jiu-jitsu. There is a higher likelihood of you slimming out and getting more cut in when you start to train BJJ if you eat and supplement right along the way. BJJ will get you ripped if you do the right things to get ripped in the first place, that is, lift weights semi-regularly, roll hard, and eat right.
