…Brazilian Jiu Jitsu increases our problem-solving ability.
From Master Rickson Gracie:
“Jiu-jitsu puts you completely in the moment where you must have complete focus on finding a solution to the problem. This trains the mind to build that focus, to increase your awareness, your capacity to solve problems.”
From Master John Danaher:
“The deepest benefits of Jiu Jitsu come off the mat. It encourages a world-view based upon the idea of rational problem solving. Jiu Jitsu is all about solving problems that are rapidly changing under stress, and that gives you an ability to identify the crux of the problem in front of you, even in a stressful situation and adapt your body and tactics to overcome that problem and to continue overcoming it as the problem itself changes. It encourages you to use a very rational trial and error method, basically the same method that science uses to overcome these problems. So it gives you this sort of problem solving mindset, which I think applies throughout life itself.” (From Open Mat Radio interview)
Modern psychologists say that improved problem solving skills demonstrates an increase in our “Fluid” Intelligence. Fluid intelligence refers to our ability to learn, to reason, to recognize patterns, and get to the bottom of things.
The implication of Master’s Rickson Gracie and John Danaher’s statements then is that Jiu Jitsu literally raises our intelligence.
What do you think? Can Jiu Jitsu make us smarter?
Once, when I was training with Phil Nurse, and he told me that, basically, there were a limited amount of things one had to know to be successful at Muay Thai. After six months of training, either your skill level or your natural athletic ability would take over and determine your fate. (I’m condensing his message for effect and could certainly be misinterpreting, but that was my take away.)
I’m not sure if jiu-jitsu makes you smarter, but you are required to BECOME smarter to achieve any level of proficiency. When I first began studying with Renzo and Matt Serra and all those fellas, being verbal and not particularly good at math, it took me a long time to figure out the patterns of movement in a sequence of jiujitsu moves. Eventually, with repetition, I got it (although JD might not agree after our last private lesson), but the challenge is always there. And having done pretty much every type of martial art in my life, I can tell you that doing BJJ has forced me to expand my limited brain capacity to its max.
Thanks for your valuable comment Amici! LOTS of great history there!
I can say I understand his view point on Muay Thai only needing a certain number a skills to “master” but there is just as much of a chess match standing as there is on the ground. Take for example feints or fakes. When a fighter uses a fake his opponent has to react as if that will be a real strike every time. This both gives the fighter an idea of how his opponent will react but also will create opportunities if his opponent does not react because at any given time a diversion or fake attack can become a real one so you must always act as if the attack will land. This is the exact same principle used in siege warfare against a fortified strong hold. When attacking a Castle/Fort wall not every attack will be the one used to breach. Some will be probes to judge reaction, others may be nucsance to keep your opponent(s) uncomfortable, some may just be diversions for the real attack. However the defending force must react as if every attack is the real one because at any time it can be. That is only one example of the mental aspect of stand up regardless of style. Throwing a Jab-Cross-Rear Kick combo with the kick being the only landed shot means that your jab must be thrown with force to make them defend it and judge your own range. your cross even if weak must be fast enough and serious enough to make them keep their hands up from the jab to cover and their eyes up to hide the rear kick that comes right behind it. So while you may be able to “master” a system or style in a short time you can always better technique and the mind game is always there regardless of standing or on the ground
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