Ju-jitsu for fat people...

[Sky]

I am an overweight 5' 2" 15 year old, and I was wondering if ju-jitsu will work for me. I want to use martial arts as a means of getting in shape and staying that way, and was wondering what ju-jitsu consists of besides just grappling and throws. Also, would this help me with getting fit, or should I go with something else?

[Gumbi]

Im going to assume you're talking about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so lets give it a whirl.

 

Quite frankly, there are LITERALLY THOUSANDS of techniques in Jiu Jitsu. Every single body type his its advantages and disadvantages. For example, a short person often has short limbs, so its easier for you to defend against joint locks and such. Its more difficult, however, to utilize a position such as the guard (long legs helps).

 

A typical BJJ class (lets say 1 hour long) will have you drill techniques for 30-40 minutes with about 20 minutes of active training at the end. You're using every muscle in your body and you're trying to defeat your opponent, who's also trying to do the same to you. I think you'd be surprised how much it can build your endurance.

[Sky]

No, I mean Traditional Japanese Ju-jitsu. I found a really good dojo to train at for an hour every saturday, and it looks like it will be a good place. I will post back here if I change my mind or decide to go for it.

[Legion]

my kung fu is really hard work .. that would get u in shape

[ramymensa]

Every MA style is good for getting in shape if you train good and hard. At 15 years old, I guess being overweight is not such a problem (socially it is, but you're growing). So train. You'll gain strenght, good condition, lose some weight and grow nicely.

 

If the dojo you know is OK, I say go for it. You'll feel excellent and your age is PERFECT for any sort of training

[Legion]

idd if u try your hardest u'll benefit .. ppl in my classes dont always try .. after every lesson i ache all over whereas they say 'im fine'

 

just do your best and push your slef (but not too far;))

[Fat Donkey]

I was a little fat kid too. Hence my moniker? I got picked on and beat up so much during the first week of high school I started karate and have been addicted to MA's ever since. It's the best way to lose weight because you are having fun. After a while u don't even think or care about the weight, all u think about is getting better. Jiu Jitsu is great, any MA is great once u a)are having fun b)have a good teacher c)make friends at your dojo. Good Luck

[Chirath]

My friend who I sparred with is fat and also took Karate to lose weight. However after every single lesson he orders 4 Hot Wings, a portion of chips and a pepsi. I tell him that the work we do has just been a waste of time if he's gonna eat all that fat. But he just says "Im Hungry". So if you want a tip mate. Don't get into the pattern of having a oily takeaway after lessons

[DLopez]

No, I mean Traditional Japanese Ju-jitsu. I found a really good dojo to train at for an hour every saturday, and it looks like it will be a good place. I will post back here if I change my mind or decide to go for it.

 

Even as young as you are at 15, it will take more than just one hour a week to change your body's metabolism to start losing weight.

 

If class is only once a week, you'll have to excercise on your own... like every day would be good to do something aerobic.

 

You need to put your mind to it and understand that it won't happen quickly, and you'll be tempted to give it all up when the training and the hunger pangs start hurting bad.

 

You can do it though, but lifestyle changes aren't easy.

[Sky]

Yeah, I have been going to the local gym and stuff a few times a week, and also doing some workouts here at home... it's been hard cutting back on all the sugar and fried foods, but I have been working out and feeling a lot better in the past few weeks. Thanks for all the advice though, and I am going to be going to check out the dojo this weekend.