Over the years Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and the positive impact it has on on mental health and specific issues has been researched and discussed. We all know that training BJJ or any martial art has been proven to have direct links to an increase in self-esteem, self-confidence, and fighting depression.
Through this analysis, they have also found that successful competitive BJJ players are characterized by “very low neurotic and psychotic behavior as well as a tendency to be very extraverted.”
For a competitor to achieve success, they must overcome an enormous amount of anxiety (hence rating low on the neuroticism scale). Competing and training BJJ is just as much a mental exercise as a physical one.
Over the years there has also been a tremendous amount of awareness and study on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its both long and short term effects. Now that we know BJJ is a great outlet for anxiety, it only makes sense that it be used as a tool to treat PTSD.
At least 15 percent of U.S. military servicemen and women suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Intense psychotherapy and medication are the traditional therapies, but US Army veteran Jacob King turned to Jiu Jitsu for relief and it is working.
King’s headaches and sleepless nights are all but gone.
King said, “I feel good. I haven’t felt this way since before the military, before Afghanistan, before everything. I feel okay!” King goes on to say, “This is what’s holding me together right now.”
King hopes that more veterans will follow his lead and we couldn’t agree more. If any veterans are reading this now, there is a link below. Click that, shoot us your info and we’ll be happy to help. Professor Mikal is not only a blackbelt, but he is also a veteran.
**If you are in the Austin/Round Rock/Pflugerville area and are interested in trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for yourself or your children, CLICK HERE and sign up for 30 days for FREE Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in the Austin, TX area.**
Original Story via www.ksat.com
Andy Gonzalez is a coach at Aces Jiu Jitsu Club. He has earned his BJJ Brown Belt under 2nd Degree Black Belt, Professor Mikal Abdullah. Follow Andy on Twitter at @GoGoGonzilla
Andy lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Amanda and their 3 beautiful children. Andy is also the father of a Marine who is honorably serving in the United States Marine Corps.