BJJ is hard. There's no doubt about it. It can be frustrating, demoralizing, and downright discouraging at times. But why is it so hard? And why do people continue to pursue it? In this blog post, we will discuss 10 reasons why Bjj is so hard – and why it's worth the challenge.

Reason #1 ~ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Can Be Complex

BJJ is hard because it's a complex sport. There are so many different techniques to learn, and each one has its own set of variations. It can be difficult to keep track of all the different information, and it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Whether you are a white belt, blue belt, purple belt, brown belt or even a black belt, BJJ is still going to be complex. This martial art is constantly evolving with new techniques being added to the fundamentals. Even higher belts can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the evolution of this martial arts style.

There are systems and strategies to master physical skills that need to be developed. It takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication for one to become proficient in BJJ. However, even after mastering the techniques, there is still the need to continually practice and refine them.

It's even more complex when taking into account different body types. A technique may work perfectly for one person but not as well for another. This is why it's important to understand how your body works and what techniques best suit your body type.

Reason #2 ~ BJJ Tests Your Fitness

Another reason why BJJ is hard is that it requires a lot of physical strength and endurance. The workouts are intense, and you often have to push your body to its limits. This can be tough on your joints and muscles, and it can take a toll on your body over time.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu emphasizes efficiency but when you're a white belt stepping onto the mats for the first time, it can be difficult to execute even the most basic techniques. This is why it's important to condition your body and build up strength before attempting more advanced techniques.

Despite its focus on enabling effortless movements through leverage, resistance is still presented by the opponent or training partner. Thus, a good level of physical fitness is required to maintain the intensity of training and sparring.

This does not mean that you can't begin training if you aren't in shape. Many people have lost lots of weight, improved their cardiovascular health, and increased strength through consistently training BJJ. However, it's important to recognize that your journey will be more challenging if you don't have the right level of physical fitness.

Reason #3 ~ BJJ Is Mentally Challenging

In addition, BJJ is also mentally challenging. It's not just about learning techniques – you also have to be able to think quickly and strategically to be successful. You need to be able to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions in the heat of battle.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu isn't just about being tougher or stronger. There are strategies involved. For example, a smaller person can use leverage and technique to outmaneuver a bigger opponent. While a larger framed individual may use pins, strength, and pressure to control their opponent. It's important to have the mental focus and determination to keep pushing forward and adapting to the ever-changing situation on the mats.

BJJ is a great way to build mental toughness as well. You learn how to stay calm and control yourself during difficult situations, and this can be beneficial in other areas of life. Managing emotions, staying focused, and developing strategies for success are all important skills that can be learned through BJJ.

When a white belt is just starting BJJ, it can be discouraging to consistently encounter difficult scenarios. However, these challenges can be used as a way to build resilience and develop your mental strength.

Reason #4 ~ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu It's a lifelong journey

BJJ is hard because it's a lifelong journey. There are always new techniques to learn, new challenges to face, and new goals to achieve. It never gets easier – you just get better. And that's why people continue to pursue it – for the challenge, the excitement, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering this complex art.

Delayed gratification refers to the idea of working hard now for a reward later. This is an important concept in BJJ because it takes time and dedication to reach higher levels of proficiency. You may not see the results right away, but eventually, you will reap the rewards of your hard work.

Sometimes it can be daunting knowing that it can take a long time before you can become an advanced practitioner. But the journey itself is part of why BJJ is so rewarding. You learn valuable lessons and gain insights into yourself along the way, which makes it all worth it in the end.

Read More: 11 Life Lessons You Can Learn From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Reason #5 ~ There are no shortcuts

There are no shortcuts in BJJ. It takes years of dedication and hard work to get good at this sport. You can't just show up to class once a month and expect to be successful. You have to put in the time and effort if you want to achieve your goals.

Many people feel like the learning curve of jiu jitsu is too difficult and end up giving up because it's too much of a long term commitment. However, just because someone steps off the mats for while (blue belts) it does not mean that they can return to the mats once again!

Sure, you can sign up for private lessons and take seminars to accelerate your learning. But there's no replacement for hard work.

You have to put in the hours on the mats if you want to get better. Visualization and flow help, but you can't avoid the repetitions and the learning process of the techniques themselves.

Gaining experience and learning how to apply the techniques in different scenarios is key. Whether it be a leg lock, a choke, or an armbar – you need to practice and refine your technique over time.

Reason #6 ~ It's Humbling

BJJ is hard because it's humbling. No matter how good you get, there's always someone out there who can beat you. You never stop learning, and you never stop improving. There are no guarantees in this sport – every match is a new opportunity to learn and grow.

For some, this can be especially difficult to accept. But it's important to understand that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and no one is better than anyone else. Everyone can learn from each other, and that's why it's important to have a strong community of friendly competitors.

Reason #7 ~ It's Unpredictable

Another reason why BJJ is hard is that it's unpredictable. You never know what's going to happen in a match, and anything can happen at any time. This makes it difficult to plan or predict your opponent's next move.

It's important to stay on your toes and be prepared for anything. You have to be able to think on your feet and react quickly to succeed. Grappling presents multiple options, and the ability to make quick decisions is essential. It builds confidence and will help you stay one step ahead of your opponent.

Those that prefer the disciplined approach can also benefit, however. This is because the options available are often limited by the rules of grappling. It is important to be able to recognize and adapt to these limitations.

Reason #8 ~ You Need To Be Well-Rounded

To be successful in BJJ, you need to be well-rounded. You can't just specialize in one area – you need to have a good understanding of all the different techniques and concepts. This takes time and practice to achieve, and it's not easy to master everything.

It's likely that eventually, practitioners will develop their strengths and weaknesses, but it's important to have a good base of knowledge in all areas. This means that you need to be prepared for any situation, and you need to be able to adapt quickly.

Being well-rounded also means that you can apply the same concepts in different scenarios, which can be helpful when trying to solve complex problems. If someone finds an area of weakness, they may attack it with a combination of techniques.

This is why having an understanding of all aspects of BJJ is so important. For example, if you aren't the best at defending against armlocks, you can practice your escapes by drilling the techniques.

Reason #9 ~ BJJ Places You In Uncomfortable Positions

BJJ is hard because it's challenging. It pushes you beyond your limits and forces you to dig deep into your reserves of strength, stamina, and courage. It's not for the faint of heart – it takes determination, discipline, and drive to succeed in this sport.

Having someone on top of you trying to submit you is uncomfortable and intimidating. You may find yourself in positions that feel awkward or unfamiliar, but this is why it's so important to drill the fundamentals.

With practice, you can become more comfortable in these positions and better prepared for when it counts. Being comfortable in uncomfortable situations builds resilience that will carry over into day-to-day life.

Reason #10 ~ There Is No Final Destination

Lastly, BJJ is hard because there is no final destination. You never reach a point where you can say "I'm done – I've mastered this art." There are always new techniques to learn, new challenges to face, and new goals to achieve. The journey is never-ending, and that's what makes it so exciting.

For many finally achieving that black belt is the goal. But once reached, one might find their goal is to open up their own school. Or perhaps they want to compete at the highest levels. Whatever the goal, there is always something new to strive for in BJJ. It's a sport that keeps you on your toes and makes it worth the hard work.

Why BJJ Is So Hard (And Why It's Worth It)

So why do people continue to pursue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? It's hard – there's no doubt about it. But it's also rewarding, exhilarating, and satisfying. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, BJJ can provide you with a lifetime of challenge and excitement. Are you up for the challenge?

In the end, BJJ is worth the challenge. The physical and mental demands are tough, but they make you stronger – both physically and mentally.

And the sense of community and camaraderie among BJJ practitioners is unmatched. If you're willing to put in the hard work, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will reward you with a lifetime of satisfaction and enjoyment.

The bottom line: BJJ is hard, but it's worth it. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, you can achieve amazing things in this sport. So don't give up – keep pushing yourself harder and harder and you'll be surprised at what you're capable of.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. I'd love to hear from you! Also, if you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family on social media. Thanks for reading!

"BJJ is hard because it's a lifelong journey with no final destination. There are always new techniques to learn and new challenges to face. It never gets easier – you just get better.

And that's why people continue to pursue it – for the challenge, the excitement, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering this complex art.

So don't give up – keep pushing yourself harder and harder, and you'll be surprised at what you're capable of." ~ Submission Shark

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