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 people, and although they were legally in the lowest class of society, others looked up to or were envious of them.

The Rise of Modern-Day Gladiators

Nowadays, martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are incredibly popular, especially with the rapid growth of MMA and the UFC over the last 10 years. After training for a long time, BJJ athletes start to look and act like those gladiators of old. They have strong bodies, sharp minds, and a spirit that just won’t quit.

I recently attended a BJJ belt promotion with the Easton team in Denver, where eight students were promoted to black belt. Seeing them on the mat, they looked like chiseled gladiators.

Now that it’s the New Year, who wouldn’t want to be revered like the gladiators were? Who wouldn’t want that level of confidence, discipline, and skill?

Of course, no one reading this actually wants to fight in the Colosseum and risk death, but everyone wants the benefits that come from training in BJJ.

Why So Many People Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the New Year

At the start of the year, many people are looking for new ways to get in shape and improve their lives. More and more, people are choosing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes over traditional sports, and for good reason.

Below is why, in my opinion, BJJ is the best choice you can make.

Why BJJ Beats Traditional Sports

When you train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, your entire life improves. You walk with your head high. Your body gets healthier on the inside and stronger on the outside.

While you can get fit doing other sports, training at a BJJ gym offers things a regular gym or seasonal sport simply can’t.

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training

• Self-Defense Skills
  You gain real-world skills to protect yourself and your family.

• Unshakable Confidence
  You learn how to stay calm under pressure and trust yourself.

• Mental Resilience
  BJJ teaches you to push through adversity — a skill that applies to every area of life.

• Year-Round Growth
  Unlike seasonal sports, BJJ offers continuous progress for both kids and adults all year long.

More Than Just a Hobby

I’m not trying to bash traditional sports; they all have value. But I’ve been part of the BJJ world for 25 years, and I can honestly say it has completely changed my life for the better.

I just turned 50 years old last month, and I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on why I continue to train.

Training for Family, Safety, and Strength

For me, it comes down to being there for my wife and two kids. We live in a time of significant unrest, and I want to be ready for anything.

If we’re out to dinner and someone tries to mess with us or rob us, I want to know I can handle myself. As a father, I want to know I’m doing everything I can to protect my family.

Golf and frisbee are fun, but they don’t provide that kind of strength or preparedness. A golfer probably isn’t going to be able to defend their family in a dark alley, although I’m sure there are some tough golfers out there.

Confidence That Carries Into Every Area of Life

Another major reason I continue training in BJJ is the confidence it gives me.

That confidence carries into my business decisions, personal challenges, and difficult moments in life. When life throws big obstacles our way, and it always does, BJJ helps me see those moments as learning opportunities, just like losing a match in a tournament.

In my experience, the confidence gained from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond what you get from more traditional sports.

Start Your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Journey Today

It’s a New Year, and so many of us are setting goals. Why not set a goal to develop unshakable confidence, mental toughness, and real self-defense skills?

We live in a time filled with tension and uncertainty. Training in BJJ helps prepare you to weather any storm, both physically and mentally.

If you haven’t watched the original Gladiator (or the new one), give it a watch, get fired up, and if you’re not currently training with us, come try one of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.

Happy New Year

– Professor Finnie