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Why is Jiu-Jitsu so difficult?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on May 27, 2026

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is at its core an aerobically challenging activity. During live rolling, hard drilling, and certainly during competition, you will be exerting large amounts of energy as you attempt your moves against a resisting opponent – or at least at a very high pace during drilling.

Why is Jiu Jitsu hard?

Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is difficult because many of the movements will feel unnatural or unfamiliar to your body. Learning a new technique consists of many small details to perform the technique correctly and learning how to move your body to perform that technique.

How difficult is Jiu Jitsu?

Earning the designation of a BJJ black belt is the ultimate goal. Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an extremely difficult task, which requires years of hard work, discipline, and dedication. On average it takes someone anywhere from 10 to 15 years to earn a black belt in BJJ.

Why am I not getting better at Jiu Jitsu?

You're Bored With Training

Most Jiu Jitsu guys are constantly trying new moves because they also feel bored, however this can also be detrimental to learning. Many times BJJ practitioners try far too many new techniques that they never master the basics, this can be horrible for someone who is trying to get better.

Will I ever be good at Jiu Jitsu?

Getting good at Jiu Jitsu is something that can take 6 to 10 years or so to accomplish. This won't necessarily get you a black belt in BJJ, unless you're putting in the work, being consistent, and competing regularly during that time. Still, it should get you a purple or brown belt if you're diligent.

44 related questions found

Does BJJ get easier?

BJJ will start to get easier and start to click after 6-12 months of consistent training with a schedule of around 2-3 training days per week. BJJ will also feel easier when you improve your defenses and escapes; and when you focus on mastering a select few techniques as your 'go to moves'.

Does Jiu Jitsu make you smarter?

Jiu Jitsu creates an environment where you're able to concentrate. Over time, you improve your focus and attention. Eventually, you can take your ability to work with a clear mind off of the mats and into other areas of your life – at home, in relationships, and at work.

Is BJJ 3 times a week enough?

Training three times a week seems to be the sweet spot for a lot of people between avoiding burnout and making rapid progress. You'll be able to spar hard every session. You'll be able to remember what you learned last class, and you'll develop good timing and reflexes.

How can I practice BJJ alone?

You can drill in BJJ alone by focusing on fundamental movements such as hip escapes, bridging, forward and backward rolling over each shoulder, and the Gracie stand up. Doing these alone will build up more strength for the movements and give you an edge when you return to partner sparring.

How much Jiu Jitsu is too much?

So how much is too much? It is generally advised to train at least 2 or 3 times per week if you want to make progress and retain your skills. This is probably a good limit for new students who will need time for their bodies to adjust to working new muscle groups.

Which is the easiest martial art to learn?

Check out the following martial arts disciplines that are easy to learn:

  1. Karate. Karate is a diverse martial arts discipline that may be learned from any of three angles: as a form of self-defense, or as an art. ...
  2. Basic Boxing. New martial arts students might explore basic boxing. ...
  3. Muay Thai. ...
  4. Jiu-Jitsu. ...
  5. Krav Maga.

Is Jiu-Jitsu a combat sport?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ; /dʒuːˈdʒɪtsuː/; Portuguese: [ˈʒiw ˈʒitsu], [ˈʒu ˈʒitsu], jiu-jitsu brasileiro) is a martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting (ne-waza) and submission holds.

What's better Judo or Jiu-Jitsu?

BJJ allows more submission techniques than Judo. This includes leg locks, chokes, varied armlocks, and more. Also, as long as competitors are moving on the ground, the match remains on.

Why do people like BJJ so much?

BJJ is a journey of continuous self-improvement. Possibly the greatest reason why people find themselves continually coming back to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class is that you can simultaneously learn a brilliant martial art while also improving your body and mind.

Are BJJ dummies worth it?

The answer is yes, as the dummies can easily be used for takedowns and throws when a live human opponent is unable during training, especially for techniques involving submission. Other than that, the grappling dummies are designed to help move better on the ground and help enhance and sharpen efficiency.

How many days a week should I do Jiu-Jitsu?

2-3 days per week

If you are a beginner or a “casual” Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, aim for two to three days a week. Training around two days a week is a good starting point when you're just starting Jiu-Jitsu. You get enough time on the mats to learn and work on your technique while not getting burned out or overtrained.

Is boxing better than BJJ?

They stand on the two opposite shores. Comparing the two in a direct battle, BJJ will win simply because it's relatively easy to takedown an unprepared boxer, and ground fighting is jiu-jitsu's specialty. Of course, you can't predict every possible outcome.

Should I lift weights for BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighters lift weights in order to improve their power-to-weight ratio (PWR), performance, and health. BJJ fighters who lift will typically focus on compound exercises (squats, bench, etc.) as these are the best moves to improve PWR. Power-to-weight ratio is so crucial in martial arts.

Does BJJ build muscle?

One of the major focuses of BJJ training as far as strength and conditioning goes, is its direct stimulation of the core muscles and hips. BJJ training develops your core muscles unlike any other martial art. In fact, your core is where the majority of your strength comes from in BJJ.

How many calories do you burn BJJ?

Total: 706 calories in an hour.

If you stick around and do 5 or 6 five-minute rounds, that would shoot up to over 1100 calories. It's no wonder people lose weight doing BJJ.

Is Jiu-Jitsu good for mental health?

You don't have to look very hard to find the "surface level" benefits Jiu-Jitsu can have on your mental health. It can improve your fitness, increase your confidence, help you build a friendship group, test your brain, release endorphins and serotonin, and probably lots of other things that are really hard to spell.

What does BJJ do to your body?

5 Physical Health and Fitness Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

  • Full-Body Fitness. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a full-body workout that improves your functional fitness. ...
  • Improved Endurance. Common endurance activities include things like running, biking, and swimming. ...
  • Increased Strength. ...
  • Increased Flexibility. ...
  • Boosted Energy.

Is BJJ good for your brain?

They found preliminary evidence that the BJJ athletes had a higher resting blood flow to the brain, alongside in-tact cognitive function, when compared to a control group of athletes matched by age, gender, and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Is Jiu-Jitsu good for self defense?

Jiu-Jitsu is perfect for self defense and protection.

Jiu-Jitsu is dedicated to knocking down opponents to the ground to rest and conquer them. This is very effective because it not only protects you from unnecessary blows but also allows you to control your opponent without damaging them.