Running and Jiu Jitsu

It's a much different type of cardio. But there is more to life than running. If you enjoy it, what's a few seconds a mile off your race pace?

SouthernFriedRealist wrote:

It's a much different type of cardio. But there is more to life than running. If you enjoy it, what's a few seconds a mile off your race pace?

Agreed.

Jiu Jitsu would be an interesting addition to the start of crowded cross country races. Have your team's wrestlers strategically take down various opponents.

Its a different type of cardio.

Until I fairly freak injury where I had to stop doing jiu jitsu for a couple of years, I was doing both for about 15 years consistently. I loved it but it can also be brutal on your body once you get into your late 20s and 30s. Injuries I would pick up from running, I could still train jiu jitsu but occasionally would tweak a rib or something in jiu jitsu which would throw off my running gait and then cause an injury. It's pretty tough to do both at a high level but worth doing 100%

A sparring injury at the age of 33 ruined my hobby jogger career. My left calf and peroneal never healed properly. 30 years later I can barely run long or regularly.

I loved doing martial arts and wish I started when I was younger but I regret aggressive sparring.

Assume you mean BJJ, theres many styles of jiu jitsu. Its good and will increase for your flexibility. I stick to yoga though, less chance of injury and a better group of people. BJJ classes are usually filled with Cops and people who want to fight so be careful rolling with the novices, they always go too hard and end up hurting their partner.

I ran track in college and then later on took up BJJ. I would still hop into the local 5k/10, but noticed if I wanted to shoot for a time in a half or full I needed to cut back on the mat time to focus on running.

It is a good change up from doing the same old running routes and definitely a different type of challenge. Many have said it is a different type of cardio, which is true. However, it can be a nice supplement in terms of anaerobic strength/physical muscular strength.

All in all, I am 43, ran track at an all conference/national qualifier level (participated in the sport for 10 years) and ran pseudo competitively for another 5-6 years post college. I am currently working on attaining a purple belt in BJJ after 8 years of training. I am ok on the mat, but this is the most challenging physical endeavor I have taken on.

If you choose to do it make sure: 1) you find the right gym (some are more recreational or competition based) 2) get good partners that are not out there to "prove themselves" 3) have fun and be willing to be humbled. It can be very emasculating to come across a 130 lb. female that will hand your ass to you.

Hope this will help you make your decision!

LeBronFAM wrote:

Assume you mean BJJ, theres many styles of jiu jitsu. Its good and will increase for your flexibility. I stick to yoga though, less chance of injury and a better group of people. BJJ classes are usually filled with Cops and people who want to fight so be careful rolling with the novices, they always go too hard and end up hurting their partner.

Yep, I posted my experience right before you. I should have taken up tail chi but the king fu style I ended up taking looked so exciting that I took that instead.

Sometimes taking up a new physical discipline is a good way to reignite the old running flames if they’ve faded. After college I was on and off for about 10 years, running for a few weeks at a time then stopping. I could never get over the fact that even if I stayed consistent I’d never match my old PRs. Then took up BJJ at 32. Getting excited about fitness and training in general got me hitting the trails again, if for nothing else than to stop being winded on the mats. Point is, having another discipline doesn’t always detract from running, but can actually enhance it. Assuming you’re not an elite, obviously.