Melissa: Mental health is a big reason for me. Jiu jitsu has been one of the best things that has helped my anxiety. Being in a constant state of anxiety meant I was producing high levels of adrenaline and cortisol. Doing BJJ, my body has learnt to naturally lower those levels and ultimately lower my stress levels. Not only that, I find that during rolls you do a lot of problem solving with your mind and body, this is also great for mental health; our brains are designed to solve problems and when you actively do that on a regular basis with BJJ I find it’s much easier to then solve problems in every day life. But the best thing for me and what I tell every female, it’s empowering!.

Ash: Fitness and wellbeing would be my answer. In my short time training BJJ, my fitness has doubled, weight loss and general health has improved markedly.

Michael: I’ve encouraged plenty of mates to start bjj over the past 7 years for a multitude of reasons. Health and fitness reasons are high up on the list. But deep down, my biggest reason for urging my friends to try bjj is to find out exactly who they are in a panic situation. Because in bjj, the panic sets in early. You can walk into a school thinking you can handle yourself but the reality is… you probably can’t. And the first time someone with even a small amount of knowledge gets you on the ground and applies 3 stripe white belt pressure… the panic is REAL. “What the f… do I do” and “How the f.. do I get out of here” screams through your head while you try not to submit to your internal panic.

Only one martial art can give you that with little to no injury and that’s bjj.

This is the worst advertisement to try bjj but God damn it’s true.

Jacques: I agree with Michael, it’s my reason as well. Getting used to being in and dealing with that panic state does wonders for mental health. I’ve found that normal everyday issues aren’t nearly as intense or daunting as knowing that I’m more than likely going to be dealing with not being able to escape someone’s mount or side control.

Liesel: I started to get my mobility back. After 6 months of chemo/sitting on my ass. I had gained weight and become so uncoordinated, like I didn’t know where my limbs were in space. I wanted to get confidence back in my bodies ability to do things.

Also for strengths, fitness, mobility, mental health and to maybe have 1 extra year before the boys can actually beat me in a wrestle. 🤣

Gracie: I train BJJ because I like to beat people up, it’s great confidence being a woman and being capable to submit and choke out a man 2x your size. great sense of community everyone is very openly kind and friendly BJJ also provides you with such amazing anger and force control.

Cam: You learn a skill that you will never perfect becos every encounter is different and your team mates are constantly progressing. It exposes you physically, mentally and emotionally which gives you the opportunity to grow as a person and athlete at the same time. You meet all different types of ppl cos bjj seems to attract anyone and everyone. And it’s fun to say oos.