Posts
How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Helps Kids Build Healthy Back-to-School Routines
Transitioning from the relaxed days of summer back into the structured school year can be challenging for both children and parents. Returning to early alarm clocks, daily homework, and classroom expectations requires a mindset shift that doesn’t happen overnight. Enrolling your child in kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes can help establish healthy back-to-school routines, build emotional resilience,…
The Mental Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training
When most people think about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, they immediately think about fitness, self-defense, or competition. While those physical benefits are incredible, I’ve found that the mental benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu become even more valuable over time. BJJ challenges both the body and the mind. For kids, teens, and adults, consistent training can provide a…
How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Helps You Get Fit Without Getting Bored
Over the years, so many people have come to us wanting to get in shape. A lot of them tell us the exact same thing: they ended up quitting their regular gym because they were just too bored of the treadmill and the weights. The truth is simple: if you aren’t having fun with your…
BJJ vs. Muay Thai: How to Pick the Best Path for Your Training Journey
If you’ve been looking into martial arts training, you may find yourself comparing two popular options: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vs. Muay Thai. Both provide an incredible workout. Both teach practical martial arts skills. Both can build confidence and give you a community of people to train with. But the actual experience of training BJJ and Muay…
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vs. CrossFit: Which is a Better Fit for You?
Around 24 years ago, when I first started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu down in Boulder, Colorado, CrossFit was just emerging on the fitness scene. At that time, it was an exciting new workout style with features like the “workout of the day.” Many people training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA use CrossFit to complement their…
The Benefits of Training BJJ as a Couple
Most people picture Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a solo pursuit. You walk in, work hard, and earn your stripes on your own. These are all true, but something different happens when couples step onto the mat together. The gym feels a little warmer, the learning curve feels a little less steep, and suddenly this challenging martial…
How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training Builds Confidence On and Off the Mat
When I first got into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, I had already spent years pushing myself through extreme sports. One thing became very clear early on: confidence plays a huge role, not just in sports, but in life. Before starting BJJ, I grew up snowboarding in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My friends and I loved pushing…
Top Reasons to Choose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Over Traditional Sports
Ever since the beginning of time, humans have been interested in combat. One of my favorite movies is Gladiator with Russell Crowe, I’ve probably watched it over 10 times. Even today, the Colosseum stands as a monument to the enduring admiration for strength and skill. Back then, gladiators were revered. They were strong and powerful…
Family-Friendly Fitness This Winter: Why Parents Should Try BJJ Too
Why We Built a Family-Friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy I remember it like it was yesterday. It was 20 years ago, and my wife and I were sitting on the bed thinking about the new martial arts academy we wanted to open in Fort Collins. We were talking about what type of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy…
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is a Safer, Smarter Choice Than Football for Your Child
Choosing the Right Activity for Your Child Picking the right activity for your child can feel overwhelming. At McMahon Training Center, we know parents want something fun and physical, but also safe and confidence-building. If you’ve ever searched “martial arts for kids near me” or wondered whether self-defense for kids is worth it, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu…