Any physical activity that involves movement, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), which is a grappling martial art, needs cardiovascular fitness. In a recent Talk-Jitsu Podcast (which you can watch below the article) hosted by Joey Boretski, Uke Mike, and Jordan Preisinger from Jordan Teaches Jiu-Jitsu highlighted the value of cardio in BJJ and how it impacts the performance of both professional athletes and weekend warriors.
If you are a professional athlete, they advise that you should exercise outside of BJJ practice. BJJ is a great workout, but it might not be enough to maintain the level of cardio needed for the top level of competition. It is crucial to keep in mind that BJJ instruction is skill-based and frequently emphasizes the technical components of the sport. Contrarily, cardio exercises outside of BJJ might assist you in gaining the stamina required to perform at your peak.
On the other side, if you practice jiu-jitsu as a pastime, that is all you need to do. Being more efficient in BJJ like not clinching grips when you don’t have to or even breathing calmly in BJJ will make you last longer. Hobbyists often train BJJ for fun and fitness and may not be as dedicated or intense as professional athletes. But BJJ still provides a fantastic cardiovascular workout that can support amateurs in maintaining their health and fitness while participating in the sport.
The video makes the argument that elite runners who try BJJ might have trouble with their cardio since they are ineffective at the type of exercise that BJJ uses. Cardio in BJJ is more than just cycling or running. It entails grappling, shifting positions, and controlling your opponent with your full body. Elite athletes in other sports may have great cardio, but they could not have the specialized cardio needed for BJJ.
Training in BJJ is necessary to create cardio tailored to the sport. Exercises like rolling, sparring, and drilling are excellent ways to increase your cardio while also honing your BJJ skills. BJJ will teach you how to control your breathing, move more effectively, and conserve energy, all of which will help you keep your heart rate up during a bout.
In conclusion, regardless of your level of ability, cardio is an essential part of BJJ. In order to retain your endurance if you are an elite athlete, you should combine your BJJ training with aerobic exercises from other sports. If you practice BJJ as a pastime, it can be a great way to be fit and have fun at the same time. Keep in mind that BJJ requires specialized cardio, which may be acquired through practice and training.
