As someone who had previously had other martial arts experience, joining the local BJJ club, it was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I've now been in the club for a few months and while I still feel like I'm getting owned every class, i feel like every class I'm learning more and more. Such a great sport

BJJ is the best meritocracy. There’s no losing or winning, just learning.

I just took my first bjj class on Friday. So difficult, but so rewarding already.

Thanks to you James I am the ibjjf blue belt ultra heavyweight champion 🤷🏿‍♂️🤣 and do 3 hours of instructionals everyday, I will roll every week till the day I die OSS brother

All my life up until I was 19, I was the weak, unathletic kid who didn't really do sports or have active hobbies. Starting MMA at uni and keeping on with BJJ after I left has genuinely changed the person that I am. I am in shape and feel confident with my physique. I am at purple belt now, and I feel like I have value to my community, and people actually ask me for advice and I feel respected. Rolling brings you closer to other people than almost any other activity. The downside is that I now do not shut up about jiu jitsu.

Ex rugby player and powerlifter and started BJJ in my early 40s. It's been life changing. So fun. That sense of camaraderie is second to none, and it's basically like a game of chess with another human. It's visceral and humbling. Ive made some great friends as a result.

As a woman who's always struggled with weight/body image, jiu-jitsu has really helped to shift my attitude towards my body and weight. Pressure/heaviness is now something I appreciate being able to use to my advantage, and something that helps me hold my own against the guys. At the same time, comps have given me incentive to ensure my weight doesn't fluctuate too much so i don't have to change weight class etc Also it's just really, really fun.

It is great that you have become so passionate about Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), James. I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed the martial art and sport so much. I am glad to hear that it has such a positive impact in your life, helping you both physically and mentally. I don't do BJJ, but I do judo. I've been training in judo for 14 years now and it changed my life. I would like to share my story and experiences with you, James, if you're interested. Prior to undertaking judo, I was incredibly inactive and overweight (shortly after turning 21, I weighed 132kg (291 lbs, or 20.7 stone). Not only was I consistently over-consuming calories, but I was eating poor quality foods and drinking a lot of alcohol. One night, at a friend's big birthday party, I got assaulted by two men. After the assault, I felt so humiliated, scared and helpless, I didn't leave my parent's home for a week or so. Eventually, I started to seek out a means to learn self-defence, and I chose judo. I chose judo because it was close to home and inexpensive... at the time, I didn't have a car (let alone a driver's license) and I didn't have income. Arriving to my first session was terrifying. There were heaps of fit people, doing crazy things with their bodies, and I was this really fat guy who was just nervous as all hell. My first training session was, at the time, physically one of the hardest things I had done in my life. At the end of the gruelling, sweaty 90 minutes, I was pale and feeling grossly sick, I went to bed that night without having dinner. I didn't want to go back to judo, but I thought about those two men who hurt me, and I believed if I didn't go back to judo, then they would "win" and I would be "defeated". So, I forced myself to go back. Like BJJ, judo is a competitive, grappling-based combat sport in which athletes compete in weight classes. I noticed at my judo club, people would regularly weigh themselves before and after a session. So, after two weeks of training, I weighed myself out of curiosity, and discovered I was 126kg (277 Ibs / 19.8 stone). I had lost 6kg (13 Ibs / almost 1 stone) in two weeks. Seeing that number felt like a spark had ignited a fire within me, I had never felt so motivated and positive. My direction quickly changed, it was no longer to "learn self-defence", it was to lose weight and become "healthy". Fast forward nine months later, I had lost a total of 36kg (almost 80 Ibs / 5.6 stone). Fast forward 13 or so years later, I received my blackbelt in judo. While I still train in judo, I admit I do not compete as much as I used to, but I am a qualified judo coach who is passionate about health, fitness, and the martial art of judo. I do not believe judo is the "best" martial art, but it is certainly my favourite. Whether it's judo or BJJ, my advice to anyone who is curious about starting a martial art is to just start now. You might be walking into one of the best things of your lives.

I am 3 months into my Jiu-Jitsu journey. I attend training at a Gracie Barra in Arizona. Everything stated in this vid is 100% spot on. I will only add that learning Jiu-Jitsu is like learning a new language. The range of motion our bodies are used to from regular life is completely different from what we are asked to do in Jiu-Jitsu. Your brain has to remember where all of your limbs are and track your opponents limbs all at the same time. Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art it is a journey of self discovery.

I trained kyokushin karate for almost 20 years, full contact, no pads. I didn't pick up any serious injuries, just bruises and cut my eye open once. I trained bjj for four and a half years and had so many injuries: separated both shoulers (grade 1 & 2), tore my ribcage apart, dislocated my jaw, tore meniscus, broke my ankle. I was the smallest and oldest guy in my gym so more prone to being injured i guess and just unlucky. It's not the techniques that cause injuries, it's people throwing their bodyweight around in a wreckless manor ‐ mong energy. I hated having to stop as its a great martial art, but it almost stopped me surfing (the rib/sternum injury). At 51 i had to call it a day.

Have practiced japanese karate, kick boxing and boxing and other striking martial arts/Combat sport for 33 years wanted to learn a completely different martial art when I turned 50. After 3 months practicing, I can tell it probably is changing my whole life perspectives. I just love it

I read one of your books about 6 months ago and was inspired than to try out bjj for the first time and I’ve been training ever since. I can’t thank you enough for your passion of the sport really helped to push me to start the best thing I’ve ever done, thank you.

One the biggest things 5 years on jiu jitsu has taught me is to be more mindful to not underestimate anyone. Now I started to reach a point where I can face my ego and not rely on excuses. Only last week, I was shattered and recovering from shingles. I went to train anyway and felt weak and low energy. Coach says we will have extra long rounds for one hour straight. A few dominant rolls against some blues and then roll after roll with high level guys. Getting caught and can’t stop it. Then coach pairs me with a massive white belt and I had nothing left, but had to face it. Caught him quickly and then after that It took me every bit of grit to not actually tap from pressure (something I don’t do). I physically felt like I could pass out from my lungs not being able to take air in. The round ends and you are faced with the reality that you just can’t underestimate anyone! In the early days of training I would have been clutching for the excuse that I am not on form or I was battered from before.

Jiu jitsu has changed my life as well. I have never been an aggressive person, fighting has never been something I have ever done or wanted to be involved with, but like you said, it isn't about that. It's so much more than that. I think it hit all our basic human needs, physical touch, a hierarchical system, comradarie, a clan, physical exercise, problem solving. It's opened up my mindset to challenge myself in other avenues in life, ive overcome anxieties to go to travel to different gyms on my own where I don't know anyone, to try new things that may have seemed overwhelming before. It extends beyond the mats. Everyone should do it. The only con is that you will become obsessed.

I started a few weeks ago and can attest that it's a great idea for everyone. Go in expecting to be well out your depth and be respectful to everyone there. If you are respectful, people will go out of their way to help you. It's the best atmosphere I've been a part of!

Started a year ago and it’s one of the best things Iv ever done! The difference it’s made to my mental health and overall life I cannot describe!! I was struggling so much before I started jujitsu with anxiety and depression on and off and jujitsu has literally changed me! Love these types of videos James 🙌👏👏

I've been doing bjj and mma for 2 years, and karate for 14 years. I can say that I've fallen out of love with mma and karate from time to time, but I always look forward to each session of bjj. For me, I love the calmness of being on the mats mixed with the adrenaline of trying to dominate positions or submit my partners. I've also found the community is really supportive, I've been ragdolled and subbed 10+ times by guys who still shake my hand and will have a conversation with me after. The mutual respect is a really big part of the community.

Love the breakdown of BJJ in this video. I've been going since November of last year. My journey has taken me on definite highs and lows, my confidence has been broken down and built back up again. I've gained resilience I didn't think I had. Best decision I've ever made was walking on the mat.

That talk about losing and not being defeated really hit at the right time of my life. Thanks James for this video. And yes, I train jiu jitsu. Everything you said is spot on. At least for now, I'm only starting.

Thank You James! I've been contemplating switching from bodybuilding, which I've been doing for 5 years, to BJJ as I've come to realise that I lack the skills to defend myself effectively. After watching your video, I'm convinced that BJJ is exactly what I need to improve my self-defense abilities. It solidified my decision to pursue BJJ.

Cracking video! Started BJJ in January, and it is phenomenal. Such a great sport, full of brilliant people, and a great community. It's rather addictive.

Your video was exactly what I needed to get back to my gym. Thanks for the push and motivation, greetings from 🇧🇷

Started ju-jitsu 8 months ago because of you and Diren. Now I’m hooked!

3 months of training 5 days a week, loving this, wish I started earlier. Big refresher after being out of sports for 8 years and only working out in the weight room since. Only white belt at my gym’s competition team.

Perfectly said James. I played rugby for years, had shoulder surgery, had knee surgery and in the end had to hang up my boots. I put off trying BJJ for about a year as I thought it would ruin what I had left of my body... I was wrong, and I'm so glad I stepped on to the mats. Almost 10 months in now, just did my first comp at white belt, I didn't do great but, but I don't mind, the people who beat me deserved it. This sport becomes apart of your life, there's a reason everyone is talking about it.

I started BJJ in March 2022, doing 1-3 sessions per week. I found that problems I faced in my life appeared to be smaller. This I believe is due to the fact that problem solving in BJJ is done in the present. You cannot operate in the past or future when defending attacks or running attack sequences. So aside from the physical benefits, BJJ has had an incredible ability to help me work problems in other areas of life more calmly and effectively than I could before starting.

I'm a much better PT for your books, talks, content and academy, but after years and years it took a bad break up for me to finally take your advice and I started BJJ 2 months ago, and it's the best thing I've ever done, I just got my first stripe last week, I was so proud and still feel like a complete novice, yet I'm so excited to keep learning and improving. It's pulled me out of a very dark hole and I'm so grateful for your public encouragement of the sport. Plus they're the best workouts of my life. I wish I started sooner!

You got me started this year, mate. There's nothing like putting my old body through training ha ha. Nothing but respect that comes with this sport. I love that my daughter and I can enjoy this together. Thanks James OSS 🥋

Don't start it if you can't afford to get injured (time, money). You WILL get injured if you commit to BJJ long term. Severe injuries are rare and uncommon but small scale ones are common place. I love BJJ but I also love my health. It is important for anyone starting to fully understand the risks involved in a combat sport before starting it. If you do start, you need to train at a good gym with a good culture, be selective with your training partners and vary the intensity of your training to suit your risk appetite/goals. If you're a smaller person (weight and height), BJJ will suck for you as virtually everyone else is going to be bigger and stronger than you. This will be your experience for months until you gather the necessary skills to survive. BJJ may be the most rewarding thing you'll ever do and I love it. However, there are plenty of other non combat sports out there that can substitute well for BJJ in terms of the social and health benefits. My suggestion is to try out a free trial class and decide for yourself if it interests you enough to commit to it and the risks.

James, sincerely thank you for this video. I have been kickboxing for nearly 2 years now and as much as I've thoroughly enjoyed it, having a black eye or being concussed almost weekly has been quite impacting on my professional life as a junior doctor. I have done a few classes of BJJ and it was an absolute blast. I've been toying between kickboxing and undertaking BJJ more seriously and your video has highlighted why BJJ truly is the better martial art to pursue in the long run.

Great content James… I’m in my late 40s and only started Bjj a year and a half ago.. it was a way for me to release my energy/ego and learn a new skill. I Totally love Bjj, and won’t trade it for anything else… I train x3 times a week regularly without fail and do an open mat sparring sessions every Sunday. The guys/girls I train with are my 2nd family and it’s brought another route to new friends. As an ex rugby player, I thought I’d be able to handle myself, so how wrong was I…😂. It’s given me a different mindset to who I am and I’m more chilled out now than before I started this journey. Working on my blue belt and seeing I get on with that at our grading in June. Thank you and all the best..👍👊🏾

Thanks James, I have wanted to do this for a while and have made many excuses (too much cardio (bulking), too busy, and don't want to pay for two gym memberships). Watching this video has made me book my first class, nice!

I started Jiu Jitsu a month ago, and mannnnn you hit the nail directly on the head. You shot a perfect bullseye. I swam for 9 years of my life and considered one of the best workouts you could do until I started Jiu jitsu, and to add onto everything you just said. I dont know any other sport were you can go from the mindset of “im gonna murder this dude” to then shaking hands and being good buds after

This actually has pushed me over the edge to finally give it a go , going along to a intro no gi session next weekend - thanks for the push

I believe this is by far your most important video I’ve watched. Thanks for everything, James! Keep up the great work Oss!

I’m starting on Monday. Just got out of the gym because I wanted to ask how it all goes and the energies were amazing and I felt so welcome. I said I don’t know a single thing, he said doesn’t matter, just come. I’m so pumped. I’m happy I passed by, I’ve been toying with the idea and searching on google but today I actually went in the gym and it really changed me from wanting to starting.

Love BJJ, don’t love the injuries. Knees currently blown out by a spazzy white belt jumping guard. It’s the best sport, and addictive, but the injuries are jarring

Been training BJJ for four years. Nail on the head with being in a relaxed state after a hard day of work. Also the respect and humility component is spot on

Great intro into the mindset needed as a beginner. My apprenticed mate. I too played rugby for 20 years and went to my first class last night. Humility, discipline, and community are what make both sports special.

Well said, shared this with a few friends that dont train as yet, you've explained it way better than I ever could 🥋🙏

I've been weight training since 2006, competed in bodybuilding & injured my back in 2017. Got fat & depressed. Started Muay Thai in 2019-2021 but tight hips and continually aggravating my back injury stopped that quick. Started BJJ in 2021 and my body is back to better than I've ever been. I'm more flexible, mobile and fit than I've ever been in my life. Got my blue belt in September last year & the obsession has grown from there. Highly reccomend you turn up to your local club & do their trial. You'll be quickly surprised just how helpless you are as a 6' tall, 125kg man at the hands of a 60kg female purple belt. That humbling has taught me more about myself, than all the personal development, books and meditation I've done. BJJ is a life changer.

I’ve been doing BJJ for just over five years and it’s by far the best decision I have ever made. For me the best thing about it is the amazing community of people. Also the fact that even though I am 90kg I can spar with people half of my size and have just as much fun, something I don’t think happens in other martial arts.

I started BJJ just over a year ago. Since then I lost 16kg, 8" off my waist, and just by going out there and rolling with others have massively helped my mental health. Been a great stress drainer after work. It sounds cheesy but it really helped turn my life around both physically and mentally. It's great watching yourself and everyone around you improve. Of course I am regretful that I didn't start sooner, it's definitely a weird feeling when your first ever comp is at Master 1 and not Adult 😅, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm loving it now and can say I feel healthier at 30 than I ever was in my 20s. I really can't thank the coaches and everyone else at my club enough.

Started 6 months ago and absolutely love it too!!! Life and game changer!

Jiu jitsu is the best thing that's ever happened to me. As an introvert I'm more comfortable with people, I love the personal development, the exercise, the self defense I learn as a woman, most of all the community. Highly recommend to everyone especially women to give it a try!

I've been training for just over a year. I've lost 37 pounds, greatly increased my cardio and endurance, learning to deal with stressful situations, and just plain have fun.

Couldn't agree with this more, that first lesson was the most humbling experience I've ever had, hooked instantly

You know what, I’ve heard you talk about it a lot and this video has indeed pushed me over the edge as you put it. I’m gonna start next month and let’s see what happens!

This is 100% correct. Although I will say that as amazing as this hobby is. It requires a lot of dedication in terms of time. You really need to be doing three lessons a week to see improvement. Two lessons a week minimum to simply maintain your ability. It’s very difficult to do if you have young children and a full time job.

Iv been training BJJ for 6 months. Nothing else like it turned my life around. I smoked, I was drinking, stressed with the pressure of life and family. Started BJJ and it’s like therapy 3 times a week. Met some really cool people. The whole team want everyone to be the best they can be. Now Iv stopped smoking not drinking and enjoying my time with my family. Sounds cliche and it probably is but there’s a lot of people at my gym that will tell the same story about themselves. Osu

This is so on point. I finished my first session five days ago and am only just starting to not ache and feel exhausted, but Jiu Jitsu is all I’ve thought about since! Go and join a club. It’ll change your life very quickly for the better!

Hello. I just finished watching the video and I love how well you describe jiu jitsu. I just recently got my blue belt last month and noticed that this martial art has become the biggest vent for me. It is always made me feel better about myself after leaving everything on the mats. I got started traing around a year or 2 after my son(15) started (he is currently a yellow belt and quite talented at it.)

The experience of feeling helpless and discouraged by someone who seemingly has an advantage over you can be quite profound. I can recall a specific instance in my journey with jiu jitsu when a purple belt, who happened to be a girl half my size, tapped me out repeatedly. This humbling encounter served as a significant blow to my ego. However, rather than allowing it to demoralize me, I chose to use it as a catalyst for growth. I began focusing on improving my grappling skills, and as a result, I have progressed to the level of a purple belt myself.

Started BJJ 8 months ago, I absolutely love it. I've never experienced a day where I went to train and regret training, It always improves my mood.

This is amazing James! It's like you were telling my story. Starting BJJ has been life changing, honestly. I've met the best people. OSS!

Great Vid!! I am 61 and just started BJJ it has been 6 weeks. I started, because I wanted a challenge and it is!! I get humbled everyday by young adults, but I still go. I was jazzed when I passed someone guard for the first time a couple of weeks ago!! LOL!! Plus learning self defense, survival skills is essential. Love all the points you made, and I played rugby when I was young, I cannot play that at 61, but I can roll at 61! Thank you

I did Judo as a kid before moving to rugby in my late teens for 25yrs, retired and started CrossFit… went to my first BJJ class 8weeks ago and although I’m 14st, pretty fit/strong it’s so humbling being folded up by someone half your size

We owe it to the tradition of Judo and Kano to also share how wonderful Judo is, but overall this is of course a lovely message here James. I’ve recently started both

What a fantastic video 👏🏾👏🏾 cheers mate, I’ve been boxing and your right it can very damaging and I’ve been thinking about jujitsu So thank you mate have a great day 👍🏾

I plan on joining a local jiu jitsu club (my son goes at the moment) and have been talking to the owner over the last couple of weeks. This video was really good for me and I look forward to getting involved.

I'm loving jjitsu but tore a bunch of rotator cuff muscles and haven't been able to train for months, so sad

Just started BJJ this week and had my second session last night and what a great experience it is, I feel this is something I will stick at for a very long time 😊

Thanks for this video James. I’ve been toying with the idea previously. This has convinced me

Getting older and I’ve been considering doing this for a while. Thank you for your insights. Appreciate you

I joined a no-gi class on March 1st this year and last week after my 6th week I finally tapped someone 50lbs heavier than me! Next round someone smaller than me tapped me very quickly and checked my ego! Can't wait to get to class today to roll! My wife is sick of me talking about it haha!

I just received my black belt in BJJ I can honestly say that it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

💯 brotha! Full agreement with you… it’s a stress relief physically, mentally and spiritually. One of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. I’m a purple belt as well, and humbled everyday. Continue enjoying the journey. -from Mia, FL Oss 🤙🏾

That statement about the difference between losing and defeat 🙌🙌🙌🙌! Keep on keeping on!!💪🤙

Played rugby for 20 years. No desire to be that close to another large man ever again in my life.

A lot of BJJ fighters have chronic pain in almost every ligament imaginable... I started last november, and every practice I go to, it hurts somewhere new... I don't think I roll very hard, or with my ego, and I definitely tap fast if someone has me in a submission. But I basically can't spar 2 days in a row, because I want to take time to recover, whether that by my upper back, lower back, hips, knees, wrists, ribs, you name it. I do think the injuries you obtain in BJJ are less severe than the head injuries you might obtain in boxing, but I felt as if this video was not an honest representation of the injuries people might experience when they begin BJJ. BJJ hurts.

i've been watching you here and there over a few months and i didnt even know you trained bjj.. thats awesome! i've been training for about 2 years and you've said the same thing i say to people who are interested in training. i also travel a bit for work and i've been lucky enough to train at a few different gyms and rarely do they ever make me pay for a drop in. i've made friends all over the world who i keep in touch with just because i have rolled with them a few times.. I always catch up with them whenever im in their city. such an amazing sport. changed my life!

Thank you so much for your book. This isn’t life coach . Help me out in hard time and made help train harder in bjj

4:30 a Bas Rutten neck crank!

I feel like either I'm just shite or i just don't enjoy it as much as striking and people kind of make me think that i should enjoy it more when i just don't. Not sure if it's me or it's just not for me really? It's fun to sub people but i get annoyed with jiu jitsu guys a lot of the time. About 30% of them seem quite nobby and unhelpful and i just wish there was striking involved so they would stop being so bloody cocky, fuckin teddy bear rolling about the floor. Hits and jits is way more fun imo

Thank you for making this video 🙏🏼

Thanks for sharing. I'm 40 years old. Just started the journey this year.

using russell brand to promote bjj aged well 😭

Considering the risk of injury and of getting infections (herpes, molluscum contagiosum, ringworm), you really don't need to start jiu-jitsu.

Been doing mma and bjj for around 6-7 months, it’s great and I fell in love with it from the start. Really wanna go all the way with this.

Last bit about the 5 years cracked me up .. sick video !!

Best martial art I've ever done! I enjoyed thai boxing and kick boxing. Definitely agree the injury risk is low and it is better on the body! Starting to see more women join the sport too! Thanks for sharing this James!

I just bought my gi and belt so I can start training next week! 😊 Your words make me even more exited about the journey! Thank you!

Hey James, I always watch your videos to do with lifting, I was already a fan, now I know you train Jiu-Jitsu, I am a bigger fan. Great to share the sane passion. Very well explained by the way. Oss.

started 2/3 months ago, managed to cop a rib injury when rolling so now i’m out 😢 absolutely obsessed with the sport and can’t wait to get back!

I've been doing bjj for 2years and before this i done almost 15years of weight training, same routine week in, week out. Since starting bjj everything has changed. I do more cardio than ever, im entering running races, weight training is more on the crossfit style, today ive just played my first 11 side football match, this all goes back to bjj for the fitness aspect, confidence, even my eating is tracked purely down to wanting to compete in the near future . My family see a difference in my attude when ive been to a class. Bjj massively changed my life

Absolutely loved this video, very inspiring.

Very motivating, think this is the nudge i need to give it a try. Answered all the questions i had keeping me from trying a sesh. Nice one mate 🫡

Been doing it for a year and a half. Everything he says here is spot on.

the last two mins of the video were very well said, thanks for the video, oss

Bjj Brown belt here (hoping to get black soon). Love how much bjj changes the lives of perplexing who try it. Everyone that try’s and sticks too it seems to find a reason to get active, get stronger, eat better etc. The comradary is amazing. It’s my physical and mental, and social health thing all in one.

Thanks, been contemplating fleetingly trying it out, and this has motivated me to do so. Will look for my local gym

Definitely appreciate your video, information and sense of humor brother. I am a white belt with one stripe and I can definitely say that so far it’s been a very enjoyable experience.

Really liked this. Good video, thanks for making it.

Starting bjj was best decision i ever made. I even started weight lifting which i could not imagine before. Thanks for this dude.

Fell in love with it a few years back. Bluebelt for years but you learn to just love the process

Excellent analysis, thanks for sharing

I love the way you talk, the way you explain something new, your voice. great content. The first youtuber that made me follow upon your first video.

Epic video mate. Thank you

Thanks James. I’ve been wanting to start for so long now, I’m going to do a trial class next week

Nice one James. As a fellow “Hartpury Hero” I could agree more. Nothing checked my ego and humility than being submitted by someone half your weight. Nothing teaches you more about mind and body. Physical chess. Definitely giving the motivation to get back on the mats.