Non Jiu Jitsu Training For Jiu Jitsu

[Will Richison]

I already do kettle bell workouts. Im starting to incorporate swimming and Im going to look into Yoga as well. Thanks everyone for sharing.

[Craig Murray]

[Jason Wu]

If its Martial arts, I've been doing Muay Thai and Boxing before I started JJ, and I've only got about 1.5 months experience in JJ so far. Not sure that it helps but my cardio, reaction time and focus / "ability to see" moves coming is much better than most of the fellow white belts who's not done anything else.

If its outside of martial arts, I do cross training, run alot, as well as stretching for flexibility?

[Gray]

I already do kettle bell workouts. Im starting to incorporate swimming and Im going to look into Yoga as well. Thanks everyone for sharing.

If you have time enough to do all that, you probably aren't spending enough time/energy on the mat for a white belt.

[Will Richison]

Trust me brother if I could roll more I would. I already own a few kettle bells so no extra money needed there, plus I live near the beach (which is where I swim) and yoga I do at home. Im rolling 4 times a week now which is much as I can with my schedule.

[Arman Fathi]

Train jiu jitsu as much as physically possible. The best and most efficient way to get good at jiu jitsu is to attend class, learn techniques, drill, then roll to solidify concepts and expose new holes in your game. Yoga's helpful. Kettle bells I've found recently are useful in developing core and leg strength as well as certain moves, particularly my leg drags. Keep in mind that adding bulk to your frame does not necessarily equate to better jiu jitsu, which is why I'm generally not a fan of power lifting, on top of the considerable risk of injury. Bottom line tho, if you're not already training 5-6 days a week in exchange for other workouts, I'd argue that the time spent in the other workout is better spent on the mats. If you already have a full schedule of training, I'd confidently recommend yoga/kettlebells/maybe some swimming (which I don't do due to ear infections I get from swimming underwater, though it is helpful too) tho I do frequent the sauna and hot tub which both help tremendously with recovery, particularly when I do two or sometimes three-a-days of training

[Tori Applegate]

Never replace your jiu jitsu time with anything else if you are trying really hard to progress. I add in yoga and crossfit where I can. I didn't pick up bulk doing crossfit I actually lost weight even with the Olympic lifts. I just suggest not getting wrapped up in the idea that you have to put as much weight as possible on the bar... Yoga is amazing. I try to go twice a week when I can. The studio I go to, times don't always match up good with my schedule. Honestly I do that for relaxation, but while still getting a full body workout.

[Brandon Mccaghren]

I have been playing guitar for a little over 20 years. I know that seems like it doesn't apply, but I think it does.

I think "mastery" (not that I believe I've mastered guitar, I just can't think of a better word in this context) in one area speeds you towards mastery in any other discipline. Josh Waitzkin wrote an entire book on this concept. It's called "The Art of Learning" and it's fabulous. I consider it essential reading, right up there with The Book of 5 Rings.

I've also been studying a bit of Tai Chi lately. That sounds crazy, I know. But I'm kinda into it.

[NameLikeNoOther]

If you are lucky enough to have gym where you can train 5-7 days a week and its fits your schedule, then of course more mat time will make you better at jiu-jitsu. The reality for a lot of people is that they are lucky if there is a gym available that can offer 3-4 training sessions per week and they most likely can only make it to 2 of those sessions given their schedules. This leaves a lot of other opportunities to train and if you are going to train at least have it have some benefits for your jiu-jitsu.

I also agree with Brandon on the concept that learning multiple skills or crafts benefits the overall learning curve.

[TaylorWolf]

Never replace your jiu jitsu time with anything else if you are trying really hard to progress.

I gotta agree with this. I train all aspects of MMA but not to get better at Jiu Jitsu specifically.

I do have to say though I think starting MMA with Capoeira gave me a nice base for Jiu Jitsu. Its not as strenuous as breakdancing but I'm sure builds your body up in a similar way. Shout out to Capoeira its a lot of fun especially with music out in the sunshine.

As for mental studies I am convinced the best thing you can do to maintain brain health is to learn multiple languages. That shit activates sections deep in your brain, you can almost feel it working like a muscle when processing a foreign language.