IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS
Mind Mats started as a simple conversation between two martial artists, who found they had something rather distinct in common. At some point in their life, they’d both turned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to help combat mental difficulties. They also felt that regularly stepping on the tatami helped elevate their mood and balance life’s stresses - in a strangely therapeutic way. Surely they weren’t the only ones? So, they just had to find out. One of them put together a short survey and sent it out onto the popular Brazilian Jiu Jitsu forum - The UK BJJ Underground. 371 BJJ practitioners replied and 96% said that time on the mats has a positive effect on their mental health. Not only that, but 98% also said BJJ played a part in improving their overall wellbeing. They thought that was just great, and with their hunch confirmed, set about making a plan to spread the word. Not just in the martial arts community, but worldwide too. “Mens sana in corpore sano” – A healthy mind in a healthy body. Let’s start a movement – let’s get more minds onto the mats. #MindMats Each number represents an individual from the survey.
6
Bjj gives P U R P OS E AND S T R U C T U RE in my life
7 BJJ specifically helped me when I was suffering with terrible anxiety and depression.
I literally came off all medication due to bjj.
I have suffered with anxiety and depression, finding BJJ has a massive positive effect on my general mood and helps me regulate my emotions.
17
30 26 It keeps you active, promotes community and gives you a sense of
achievement.
Man. no idea where to start. I’ve been training martial arts most of my life; actually, I have no conscious memory of me at a time when I was not training martial arts; I found BJJ nearly 15 years ago; and I can honestly say; it’s been a bumpy road. 15 years is a long time. In that time, you will go through break-ups, lose jobs, have tough jobs that make you unhappy, endure the pain of losing a loved one to cancer or a car accident or a heart attack - whatever it is. I can honestly say... for 2 hours per day every day I enter this realm of an alternative reality in which no matter how much shit (excuse my language) you are going through in life, there is no way that when you are being choked unconscious your brain can think of anything else than trying to breathe. That possibility of disconnecting from the outside world has been the most therapeutic and greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life.
35 I have long suffered with depression and anxiety, symptoms of my bipolar. The community and support aspect of BJJ has helped me untold amounts, not only this but the challenge that BJJ presents is highly beneficial to overall mental wellbeing. Jiu Jitsu gave me the opportunity to take myself away from negative people and put me in an environment where everyone is always trying to be positive and help each other succeed and that will continue on into everyday day life and I can 100% it has had a huge impact on my life and my mental health.
37
48 43 It helped me get over post-natal depression, a break up, single-mum-dom and devastating heartbreak: BJJ and my teammates was the only thing that helped put a smile back on my face, helped turn my brain off for a couple of hours. It’s true as they say: it’s hard to think of any problems you think are impossible to overcome and life is unbearable, when someone is trying to break your limbs and choke you out!!! You survive a really hard roll and it gives you a bit of strength for the next day.
It helps me manage my ADHD, in many ways, I find it more effective than medication. With the gym, I can find it difficult to motivate myself to go, especially when my mood is low. But with BJJ, I feel a greater sense of commitment to attend as a result of the people there. People notice when you’re there and not, it’s a very caring and accepting community. When I’m rolling, I can’t think of anything else other than the immediate situation I’m in. I find this really relaxing, and helps me break out of negative thought cycles. Combined with the positive benefits of endorphins from exercise, it helps me in general to stay in balance. Consequently, the more stressful life is, the more I train - it keeps everything in check.
89 Jiu Jitsu saved me...
59 It reduces my anxiety and makes me focus on the moment. All the worries from everyday life disappear when I’m on the mats.
I had depression and severe anxiety before starting training bjj I initially didn’t want to go but after months of my friend asking me I made the decision to go for one class. Two years later I’m still training and not on medication anymore and it all stems down to bjj. When you’re on the mats it doesn’t matter what is right and wrong in your head you don’t have to think about all the stuff that usually puts you into a spiral all that matters are the movements and positions. For me it has been my life line and I’ve made friends there that I class as my family. Safe to say Jiu Jitsu saved me.
110 It gives me so much: Puts me out of my comfort zone I.e. when competing. Gives me life lessons, how to manage my emotions, how learn and improve, how to interact with people Provides me with a release from work and other stresses. Gives me something to aim for whether it is taking the back more or taking gold in my next comp. Gives me a sense of belonging and a place with like minded individuals. I never played football as a child and also felt like an outcast because it seemed like it was the only way to make friends.
120 The single point of focus. The inability to worry about other things the mental and physical challenge and the never-ending nature of the sport is what makes me feel so good physically and mentally. I have a drive to eat well and train hard so I can improve. I am punished for not eating well or consistently training mad. It is clear to me when I have let it slip. It is a great feedback system. The sense of community and trust that BJJ brings is awesome. It brings something we lack in today’s society. Sorry for the long rant. I quite like bjj,
it has changed my life.
Before I began training I found it extremely difficult to talk to people and was generally anxious to talk to anyone that I didn’t know. BJJ has somehow made me feel normal now and I have no issues saying hi to a stranger or asking a question in a lecture (student). BJJ overall has helped my physical, and mental wellbeing.
152
179
I’ve suffered long term from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Since taking up Jiu Jitsu my outlook on life has significantly improved, I am able to cope better in difficult situations and just be a better, healthier person all round, both mentally & physically.
BJJ has helped me massively! I find I don’t lose my temper as much these days, it helped me lose weight, my confidence has grown, my ability to stay calm and solve problems has improved and I’ve met some friends for life! Competing has given me confidence also, putting myself outside my comfort zone and taking on new challenges. It’s all round making me a better human.
209
Ossssss
185
A few months before I started bjj I was diagnosed with a mental health issue called DPD it had caused huge issues in my life and my family’s lives, bjj has changed me in such a way, I am positive, confident, and humble. Without bjj I would not have overcome my illness and be where I am today.
216 BJJ allows me to have a greater sense of belonging and to
overcome fears frustrations.
and
It teaches us through seeing, trying, failing and achieving, which provides the necessary mental strength to not give up and keep on trying. It also provides a
strong support system through your training partners, who become a sort of extended family.
BJJ has had a massive impact on my mental health. It has helped me battle anxiety and depression. I put this down to the need for 100% mental focus (almost like meditation), this allows my mind to subconsciously manage the issues I’m going through without distraction. I am hoping to launch a charity in the UK which works with the medical profession to support people suffering with mental health by introducing them to BJJ.
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MIND MATS
Trying a new sport doesn’t have to be a scary experience especially when it’s as beneficial as Martial Arts. Simply type ‘find my closest martial arts gym’ into your search engine and your already one step closer to changing your life. If you feel like you’d like to talk to someone in confidence, these people are here to help: Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call the free UK helpline: 116 123 or visit the website at: https://www.samaritans.org/ The Mind Infoline can help you to find out what services are available in your area. You can call them on 0300 123 3393 email info@mind. org.uk or text 86463. They are open 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday. https://www.mind.org.uk/