Starting a new martial arts journey can feel intimidating, but timing it right can make all the difference. While many people wait until January 1st to make a change, fall is actually one of the best times to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Fort Collins. It’s a great season to build consistency, reduce stress, get in shape, and establish a training routine before the holidays.

Here is why fall is a great time to step onto the mats.

Why Is Fall a Great Time to Start BJJ in Fort Collins?

Fall is a great time to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because the seasonal shift naturally encourages us to rebuild daily routines, and fuller mats give you more training partners to practice with.

Over the summer months, it can be challenging to stay consistent in your BJJ training. We all have vacations, outdoor activities, friends to see, and concerts to go to. While all of that is a ton of fun, it can make consistency tough. Once fall arrives, kids are back in school, travel winds down, and getting back into a steady routine becomes much easier for everyone.

If you aren’t consistent in your training, it’s going to be very hard to progress through the ranks and eventually reach your black belt. To really see gains, you need to get in here and train a minimum of two days a week—and ideally 3 to 4 days per week.

Another big reason to start now is that the mats are much fuller. CSU college students are back for the fall semester, and in our Kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, we see a jump in attendance as parents look for great after-school activities. To really get better at BJJ, you need to train with a lot of different people, so having more students on the mat is huge for your overall development as a martial artist.

Lastly, with the days getting shorter, outdoor evening activities like riding your bike become a bit harder. BJJ training in Fort Collins gives you a great indoor alternative to stay active as the season changes.

How Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Help Reduce Holiday Stress?

Has anyone reading this ever felt stressed out around the holidays? I bet many of you answered yes! I know that for me and my family, the holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also bring stress. It’s important to have something in your weekly routine that helps you burn off that stress, and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best ways to do it.

Studies have explored the relationship between BJJ training, mental stress, and emotional well-being. I turned 50 last year, and I’m not competing anymore. For me, one of the main reasons I still love training is the stress relief.

I may have a long day at work, maybe some challenges have come up with my kids, or I know I need to have a conversation at Thanksgiving with a family member I’ve been avoiding. As long as I know I can train BJJ, it’s all going to be good. Getting on the mats, focusing on training, and getting a great workout gives me an outlet for that holiday stress.

Why Choose Jiu-Jitsu Over a Traditional Gym Routine This Fall?

Unlike a traditional gym workout, Jiu-Jitsu combines full-body exercise with genuine social connection, giving you the opportunity to build lasting friendships while getting in shape.

If you go to a regular gym, you know that as soon as fall rolls around, the place starts to get packed. Just like in BJJ, a lot of people fall out of their routines during summer and head back to the gym in autumn.

Now, I enjoy working out in the gym, but it can be difficult to actually meet people and develop good relationships there. A lot of times you have gym-goers who keep to themselves, look in the mirror, and don’t really interact with anyone.

Some of my closest friends and best relationships have come directly from training in BJJ. When you’re on the mat together or competing together, you build strong, genuine bonds. Having good friends is vital for joy and happiness. A research paper I came across explains that fifteen percent of men have no close friendships at all, a fivefold increase since 1990.

That statistic made me sad when I first read it. I’ve been blessed with so many good friends that I couldn’t imagine not having them. The main reason is that I’ve been training BJJ for around 25 years, going through amazing challenges alongside my teammates.

If you’re a man reading this and looking for a workout that offers real community, check out our adult BJJ classes in Fort Collins and build connections a standard gym just can’t match.

How Can BJJ Help You Stay Active as the Days Get Shorter?

When fall rolls around here in Fort Collins, and the sun starts setting earlier, I know how easy it is to head straight home after work, crash on the couch, and let your energy completely tank. Those shorter, chilly days can really drag down your mood and leave you feeling sluggish before the evening even begins.

Having a set schedule to train BJJ gives you a clear purpose and a reason to get out of the house after dark. The minute you step through our doors onto the mats under the bright lights, that dark and gloomy outside feeling completely vanishes. You get to connect with your teammates, laugh, and get a great sweat in.

The physical work gets your heart pumping and gives you a real second wind for the rest of your night. You go from feeling drained at 5:00 PM to feeling energized and sharp by the time you head home.

Instead of just dragging yourself through November and December waiting for warmer weather, training Jiu-Jitsu keeps your momentum high and leaves you feeling accomplished every single day.

How Does Starting BJJ in the Fall Set You Up for a Stronger New Year?

A lot of people set big New Year’s resolutions. They make it through the holidays and feel ready to get in shape, but unfortunately, many resolutions don’t last. People start a new workout routine for a few weeks in January and then drop off.

Momentum is the key here.

If you start training BJJ in the fall, you get a few months under your belt before January 1st rolls around. You’ve already developed good habits and a steady routine, so you’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll while everyone else is just trying to start.

I think a lot about momentum when running a business. When you want to launch a new program, it takes time to get the ball rolling. Fitness works the exact same way.

If you start in the fall, then by January, you can set exciting next-step goals—like competing in your first BJJ tournament! Getting the ball rolling now gives you a much better chance of staying consistent for life.

Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Fort Collins This Fall

Don’t wait until January to prioritize your health, stress relief, and personal growth. Whether you want to get in shape, learn real self-defense, or join a supportive community, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at McMahon Training Center in Fort Collins gives you a place to challenge yourself, build consistency, and keep progressing throughout the fall and beyond.

Sign up for a free class now and experience the benefits of BJJ firsthand!

– Professor Finnie McMahon