Yoga & Brazilian Jiujitsu
BJJ and Yoga
I think from the outside, some people might think that my interest in these two disciplines must be at odds with each other. But they are an amazing combination.
There’s a commonlyknown link between BJJ, MMA and the UFC. This can give the impression that the sport is really violent and aggressive - which it kinda is, but also it isn't. I don't want to get lost in the details here, but Jiujitsu is not a striking sport. No punching or kicking at all. It’s submission based grappling and mostly done on the floor. So while there is a violent component to it, it’s controlled and believe it or not- it’s friendly. When we train, we care for our training partners. We’re all there to learn, not hurt each other.
So what about yoga? How the hell does that relate to Brazilian Jiujitsu at all? Well it doesn't really. Obviously mobility, range of motion and body awareness cross over between the two and are extremely useful. But fundamentally, these are two separate disciplines with very different intentions.
Whether you like it or not, the underlying intention of yoga is internal. It’s not about doing cool handstands or dropping backwards from standing into a wheel pose… not to disparage any of that. Dynamic and complex postures are a perfectly legitimate and valuable element of the discipline. But it’s hardly the point. The point, at least in how I see it, is to connect with yourself. To monitor your movements and your thoughts without judgement. To observe your own actions (thoughts are also an action) and learn from them. There are obviously a whole bunch of other elements that work their way into this process, but that’s kinda the nuts and bolts of it.
So I guess where I'm going here, is that that intrinsic element of yoga so simply flows over into my BJJ training. Now I’m not saying you can’t have these same internal connections and personal observations from only training in BJJ - because you can. It’s very clear that the elements I mentioned above, often become part of a refined practice in pretty much any discipline. But they are not intrinsic. In yoga, being mindfuland being aware is the point. As a teacher I often speak specifically to this. In BJJ, the point is to submit your opponent and not get submitted. That’s it. But that goal is supported by an ability and openness to notice how you’re going and how you’re feeling honestly. When someone is putting all their weight on you and limiting your movement and ability to breath - it’s really important to negotiate what’s going on in a reasonable way. Do you need to tap out, or can you be ok long enough to try find a way out? Can you breath, keep a clear head and think through an incredibly stressful situation?
So yeah, consciously bringing those fundamental aspects from my yoga practice into my Jiujitsu training has been of great benefit to me personally.
I’m not entirely sure I knew where I was going when I started writing this. This is definitely not an advertisement for Brazilian Jiujitsu - although I would recommend it to anyone who’s willing to try…. But I think where I’ve landed is how valuable a yoga practice can be in support of any physical discipline. Whether it’s martial arts, football or running, the things we highlight in yoga are not only transferable, but more than likely only going to enhance your training and overall experience.
I guess with practice and intention anything can be a “yoga” practice. Hmmm…. The purists might eat me alive for saying it - but that’s my 2 cents on the matter.
