If you find yourself feeling jittery during social interactions, you may have social anxiety. This can make simple tasks like starting a conversation at a party feel extremely daunting.
You are not alone in experiencing these feelings. Social anxiety impacts around 7 to 13 percent of individuals globally, with young adults being the most susceptible at 17 percent. The good news is there is a way to tackle your social anxiety while also getting in great shape and learning self-defense. It’s known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
Overcoming Social Anxiety With BJJ Training
Learning BJJ goes beyond just learning fighting techniques. It introduces you to a new lifestyle and welcomes you into a supportive community that will encourage you as you strive to achieve your goals.
Some of the ways practicing BJJ can help you overcome social anxiety include:
1) It’s The Ultimate Icebreaker
BJJ is a fantastic icebreaker due to the physical contact and brief interactions during rolling. By the end of class, you’ll have gotten to know your training partner, fostering friendships along the way!
Envision walking into a gym full of strangers, feeling anxious about leaving immediately. Instead, you are met with warm smiles and a group of welcoming individuals excited to expand their community.
BJJ training involves a significant amount of physical contact from the very beginning. This creates a forced familiarity that acts as a great icebreaker, particularly for those who struggle with social anxiety. It’s challenging to feel shy when your training partners are supportive, allowing you to learn and grow together. You will gradually open up to your training partners, forming strong bonds with them. In no time, your training partners will start feeling like family.
2) Builds Your Confidence One Tap At A Time
As you progress in BJJ, mastering techniques and movements will naturally boost your self-confidence!
Low self-esteem can contribute to social anxiety by causing a lack of confidence. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can significantly boost your confidence by teaching you new techniques in each class that you gradually master over time.
Getting your first submission or successfully executing a move on the mat can make you feel like a champion. This newfound confidence will not only benefit you during training but also in other social interactions outside the gym.
3) You Become A Member Of The Community
Beyond the classes, you’re not just learning moves; you’re building lasting friendships and becoming part of a tight-knit BJJ community!
One of the most rewarding aspects of BJJ training is the sense of community you become a part of. Everyone at the dojo is there to help you learn and grow. The camaraderie in BJJ dojos can ease your fear of being judged and provide you with a supportive second family.
4) You Learn How To Be Patient And Humble
Through countless rolling sessions, you’ll learn to be patient with yourself, realizing that it’s not always about the tap—it’s about the growth.
BJJ is a humbling experience for beginners, as you may find yourself tapping out frequently. However, this environment teaches you to view every session as an opportunity to improve rather than focusing on wins or losses.
Your BJJ training will change your perspective on social interactions by encouraging you to see them as chances to grow and learn. This shift can reduce anxiety about social situations and help you approach them with a more positive mindset.
5) Teaches You How To Be Mindful
BJJ enhances your awareness and focus by teaching you to execute techniques mindfully and stay attentive to your training partner.
BJJ training demands your presence, requiring you to focus on techniques and your training partners’ movements. This mindfulness can provide a break from anxiety-induced overthinking and help you feel more at peace when outside the gym.
6) Improves Your Physical And Mental Health
BJJ classes offer a full-body workout that not only relieves pent-up frustration and stress but also boosts your physical and mental health.
Studies show that exercise is beneficial for mental health. The physical activity in BJJ training releases endorphins in the brain, reducing stress and enhancing mood.
BJJ offers a complete workout that engages various muscles in your body and can help you burn calories effectively. Many individuals who practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu report being in the best shape of their lives within a few months of starting training.
Seeing improvements in your physical health can boost your confidence and alleviate social anxiety. Regular exercise has been shown to be an effective way to reduce anxiety levels.
7) You Gain Practical Self-Defense Skills
BJJ equips you with the self-defense skills necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones.
In addition to improving your confidence and physical health, learning BJJ provides you with essential self-defense skills. Knowing you can defend yourself effectively can give you a sense of empowerment and security.
A Fun Distraction From Social Anxiety
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is not just about combat skills; it’s about boosting your confidence, embracing your inner strength, and becoming part of a supportive community. BJJ teaches you to focus on the present moment, embrace setbacks, and enhance your overall well-being.
If you’re ready to break free from social anxiety, consider trying out one of Evolve’s complimentary classes to train with elite instructors.
Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!
If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:
Evolve MMA (Far East Square)26 China StreetFar East Square #01-01Singapore 049568Phone: (65) 6536 4525
Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)181 Orchard Road#06-01 Orchard CentralSingapore 238896Phone: (65) 6536 4556
Evolve MMA (KINEX)11 Tanjong Katong Road#02-52 KINEXSingapore 437157Phone: (65) 6288 2293
Evolve MMA (Star Vista)1 Vista Exchange Green#02-26A The Star VistaSingapore 138617Phone: (65) 6539 9590
