I’d like to consider myself a disciplined person.
But when it comes to working out, or going to the gym…..I’m prolly like a 5/10 regarding intensity.
Unless I have somebody pushing me, I’ll do just enough to finish whatever workout my “Strong Lifts” app suggests.
But when I train Jiu-Jitsu….its the opposite effect. I always do more than I planned for.
“Okay I’m gonna go light today.”
5 minutes later….Im scrambling in a dog fight like a scene from a John Wick movie.
“I’m only gonna do 3 matches today.”
Next thing I know I’m locking up the gym at 9:30 recounting my 7 rounds.
3 WAYS JIU-JITSU USES PEER PRESSURE…IN THE BEST WAY.
1. The Workout Comes To You
Unlike working out Planet Fitness, you need a partner to train Jiu-Jitsu.
(Yes I know they sell grappling dummies, but I always feel like Tum-Tum from the 3 Ninjas using those….It’s just not the same feedback).
So the rest of the room will be LOOKING for you. You would literally have to “Opt out” of a match, to not continue the workout.
I know of gyms, where if you sit out rounds you’re not allowed to continue that night because you brought down the performance of the room. 😳
2. The “Resistance” Is Live
I’ve been weight training for over 15 years.
Never once has the barbell/dumbbell tried to do anything but go straight back down to the ground.
(Gravity is weird like that).
I’ve also been training BJJ for 15 years…..and I’ve never had the same match twice. 😳
I will get a different reaction and level of intensity every single time I roll.
That’s what keeps training fresh and exciting, while also improving your skill set.
3. In BJJ…..It’s Not All About You
I don’t know about you, but when I go to the gym it feels like I’m there for ME and everyone else is just a distraction/side quest from my objective.
You know the types:
• The IG influencer who has the 4 stage light setup zooming in on her straight leg deadlift.
• The “Peck Deck Potato” who has chosen that machine as his permanent lounge for the evening to sit and scroll.
• The “Fly On A Wall” who hasn’t used equipment in 20 minutes but is simply observing the room as if he’s gather data on gym culture.
• And of course…..”Gym Guy”. (Nuff said)
This is not the case at your BJJ gym.
Everyone there needs everyone else to improve.
They may be prepping for a tournament, wanting to work on a specific guard, or simply need somebody their own size and weight.
So to decline a match is not only hurting your goals, it’s pretty selfish thing to do unless you’re very deep into rounds.
THE TAKEAWAY
For most of the population they will burn more calories, feel more accomplished, and have more fun in a Jiu-Jitsu class than a traditional “Big Box Gym”.
Provided you approach it with the mindset that you are there to contribute to “The Team” and not avoid them like Mr “Peck Deck Potato”
See You On The Mats
Written By David Fox
