By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 12/2/24
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity in the last few years. From its deep roots in martial arts from Brazil to its appeal as a safe, effective, and fun form of group fitness. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gyms have been popping up across the USA in the last 5 years due to the impact of the UFC, the rise of self-defense & fitness, celebrity endorsements and more.
The Influence of the UFC
BJJ’s original rise in popularity can be traced back to UFC 1. Royce Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, shocked the world by winning the first UFC tournament in 1993. Despite being smaller than many of his opponents, Gracie used BJJ’s techniques to defeat fighters from various martial arts disciplines, proving the effectiveness of grappling over striking.
Since 2020, the UFC exploded across the globe & brought even more attention to BJJ. Stars like Charles Oliveira, a UFC lightweight champion and BJJ Black belt, have inspired fans to explore the martial arts. Living in Iowa City, a big college town, I have asked many college-age kids “What brought you into the Citadel BJJ Iowa City? A lot of them just got into MMA & wanted to try out a new martial art in Iowa City.
A Safer Alternative to Striking Marital Arts
With increasing awareness of concussion risks and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in striking sports, many people are opting for safer martial arts like BJJ. Unlike boxing or Muay Thai, where head strikes are common, BJJ focuses on submissions and positional control without stirkes.
Scientific studies over the past decade have highlighted the dangers of repeated head trauma. For individuals seeking a martial art as a hobby or new workout, BJJ provides an appealing alternative. It offers a full-body workout without the risk of concussions, making it especially popular among professionals, parents, and kids.
Body & Mind Workout
BJJ isn’t just about learning self-defense; it’s also a challenging and rewarding workout. As BJJ brown belt & coach at Citadel BJJ, It’s the hardest workout I’ve ever done consistently—and the most fun.
Here’s why BJJ is an unparalleled fitness routine:
- Cardio and Strength: Rolling (sparring) improves cardiovascular health while building strength, especially in grip, core, and legs.
- Flexibility: BJJ movements stretch your muscles in ways that increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Mental Detox: Training demands focus, pushing worries aside. For me, after a session, I always feel better, even when I’m tired and have a bad day at work or school.
The physical and mental benefits combine to make BJJ a transformative experience for a lot of people, leaving practitioners feeling accomplished and rejuvenated and sweaty.
Celebrity Endorsements
In recent years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has gained traction among celebrities. High-profile figures like Tom Hardy, Keanu Reeves, Mario Lopez, and Joe Rogan have openly embraced the sport. Their public training sessions and enthusiasm for the martial art have inspired fans worldwide to take up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
For instance, Tom Hardy’s participation in BJJ tournaments drew big attention across social media. Joe Rogan’s advocacy for the sport over the last decade has reached millions through his podcast & UFC commentary gig. I personally was intrigued by JRE podcast to start BJJ back in 2017.
The Rise of Self-Defense
Self-defense has become a priority for many. BJJ is uniquely effective because it allows smaller individuals to neutralize larger opponents through leverage and technique. As someone who is 5’7” and 140 pounds, I can test to the legitimacy of BJJ. It took years of training but I can defeat opponents who outweigh me by 100+ pounds.
Unlike other martial arts that rely on strength or striking power, BJJ focuses on controlling and submitting an attacker without causing serious harm. This effectiveness, combined with its practicality, has made it a top choice for self-defense.
No Age Restriction
Most people after high school & college have trouble sticking a workout schedule or finding a workout they enjoy. Sports in school give you structure & help you learn a physical game that is a great workout bonding experience with other peers. I have rolled with people 70 years old to 13, BJJ is beginner friendly for all ages.
- It’s adaptable to people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels.
- It fosters a supportive community where practitioners help each other grow.
- It builds confidence and resilience, both on and off the mats.
Interested in starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Iowa City?
FAQs
Joe Rogan trains at 10th Planet Austin, though his training has decreased in recent years due to injuries. He earned his no-gi black belt from Eddie Bravo, founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, and his gi black belt from Jean Jacques Machado, a legendary BJJ practitioner.
- White Belt – Beginner.
- Blue Belt – Fundamental skills.
- Purple Belt – Intermediate expertise.
- Brown Belt – Advanced techniques and teaching.
- Black Belt – Mastery and deep understanding.
Citadel BJJ Testimonials
Author Box:
I’m Logan, a brown belt and fundamentals coach at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. As an assistant kids coach with competition experience across the USA, I’ve been grappling since 2017. I focus on building a strong foundation for beginners and fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Read more Citadel BJJ Blogs: https://bjjiniowacity.com/iowa-city-blog/
Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Iowa City
Address: 2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240
319-855-8110
Url: https://www.bjjiniowacity.com
Local Directories:
https://www.manta.com/c/m1wzbxt/citadel-bjj-iowa-city
https://www.yelp.com/biz/citadel-bjj-iowa-city
https://citadel-bjj.webflow.io/
https://dojos.info/CitadelBJJIowaCity/
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/CitadelBJJ
https://www.instagram.com/CitadelBJJ