Is Your Fitness Holding You Back in Jiu Jitsu?

What sort of fitness training should I do for Jiu Jitsu?

We field this question a lot, so let’s start with one of the misconceptions about it.

You don’t need to get fit to start Jiu Jitsu

In fact, we think this is one of the biggest things that holds people back from ever starting Jiu Jitsu. They think they have to get in shape before starting. Don’t do that, instead, use Jiu Jitsu to get fit. That’s what our Basics Class is all about.

Okay, now that we have that in order, let’s take a look at what fitness you need for Jiu Jitsu. And like every smartarse, I’m going to start by asking you a question-

What is your biggest limiting factor?

You see a lot of people look at conditioning and fitness as a one-size fits all approach. I need to get fit and strong and mobile and lose bodyfat. But maybe you need to focus on one thing more than the other.

For example, if you’re a fit and strong person who has good gym experience, but your limiting factor is that you have the mobility of a rock, then it’s not a strength and conditioning programme you need to improve your Jiu Jitsu fitness, it’s a stretching and mobility routine.

Or, if you’re cardiovascularly fit and able to run or cycle for a long time, then you’ll benefit more from resistance training than from cardio work.

So ask a coach, what’s holding me back the most. It might not be your fitness at all. Instead, you might need to adjust something in your routine or diet to help you.

But actually…

Most of the time, it’s your technique that’s holding you back. Spending more time figuring Jiu Jitsu out rather than lifting weights is often the limiting factor. Sorry to keep beating that drum, but it’s true!

See you on the mat!

Barry