Jiu Jitsu – a martial art combat sport that involves highly technical movements and ground fighting. I had my very first experience last week at Checkmat Wimbledon with Carl Fisher, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and Checkmat instructor.
I was a bit apprehensive training in something I knew so little about, but I was immediately welcomed with a fist pump and reassured that I will learn how to defend myself the right way, using the proper techniques.
We began with some warm up exercises – forward and backward rolls (something I hadn’t done since I was a kid), technical get ups, which consisted of squat and burpee type movements, and back break falls to help the newbies like me learn how to fall and correctly brace yourself.
Then things started to get technical. We partnered up and began learning single movements – arm drags and seat belt position and then put them together to create a more fluid movement. Arm drags to single leg followed by arm drag to single leg take down. Every movement was very precise and controlled leaving little room for error, which is something I didn’t expect to see in such a physical sport.
Once I became more comfortable with the individual movements we moved on to specific training, which results in a winner. We combined the movements, offensive and defensive, and each tried to reach the defeating positions. I was really put to the test here in using all my strength in positions I was not accustomed to being in. But once the movements became more natural I was able to better use my body to reach the winning position, some of the time.
By the end my mind and body was beat. We all respectfully bowed, congratulated each other, and of course parted with a fist pump.
By our health and fitness blogger, Kathleen Gianturco
Follow: @FitWimbledon
