Self-defense Jiu-Jitsu is for Everyone - Including YOU!

Written by Tori Garten, Assistant Instructor, Bartman MMA and Self-Defense

The last time you read a scary story of an assault in the news, did you let it wash over you, and wonder what the world is coming to? Did you consider for a moment what you would do in that situation, and that maybe, just maybe you should take one of those self-defense classes? Did you then turn the page, or click a new link and put the thought out of your mind?

What is keeping you from making a small commitment to improving your own personal defense? What is holding you back?

Isn't it time to make your personal safety and security a top priority?

No one else can do it for you.

If you can plan to watch a TV show or sporting event every week, or stop at the coffee shop every morning or afternoon, then you can commit to learning some mental, verbal, and physical self-defense techniques. It is just another habit you can adopt like any other but with real life benefits.

Is there something else holding you back? Perhaps you are wondering if you can do it physically. Maybe you wonder “What if I’m not coordinated or strong enough?”

You might think you need to be tough, or athletic, or young, or coordinated, or strong to learn a martial art for self-defense. Or maybe you think “Bad things won’t happen to me! I’m not hanging out in dark alleys”. These attributes, characteristics or thought processes may or may not be a part of who you are, but in the end they do not truly matter when it comes to learning Relson Gracie Jiu-jitsu based self-defense.

Self-defense Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.

EVERYONE. Did you hear me yet?

When learning Relson Gracie Jiu-jitsu, the self-defense focused side of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you will learn piece by piece how to move your body, to use the framework of your body, to use your hips, legs, feet, arms and head as a system together to gain advantages over your opponent or assailant. You’ll learn how to stay present in a bad situation and to control frustration and fear.

You can be short, tall, skinny, overweight, 5 years old or 70 years old and you can learn this self-defense focused martial art. You can be a runner, soccer player, video game player or someone who doesn't exercise regularly. The only “skill” required for you to start is to make a plan to come in to learn. 

If you still think you can’t do it, check out this video of Kyle Maynard, who was born with arms that end at the elbows and legs near the knees who trains Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-pUxK-Yywc

Your past experiences shouldn't stop you.

We have trained women with previous assaults in their past, assisting them to regain their body and mind as partners in their personal self-defense. Men, women and kids who have been bullied have gained much from learning the physical, verbal and mental aspects of self-defense, to be able to establish boundaries and improve their sense and trust in themselves.

Your age, fitness level or occupation shouldn't stop you.

We have trained women and men over the age of 60 to defend themselves. We’ve trained the non-athlete and the athlete, the computer programmer, the doctor, the college student and the landscaper.

One of the interesting aspects of jiu-jitsu based self-defense is that you can’t tell by looking at someone if they know jiu-jitsu. More than once someone has said to me “You don’t look like you train jiu-jitsu or mixed martial arts”. I say “that’s right” - because there isn't one look or one body type.

Many students find that what they learn about themselves through training translates to other areas of their life, including work, school and relationships. I’ll cover some of these aspects in a future blog post.

I hope you’ll make a plan to commit to your own personal self-defense.

I hope to meet you so we can discuss in person the benefits of a Relson Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu self-defense training program. It will enhance your quality of life and sense of safety and well-being while improving fitness and gaining a lifetime skill.