Building Self-Confidence Through Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu has a positive impact on the physical and mental health of men, women, and kids of all ages and fitness levels. One of the mental skills that training jiu-jitsu impacts is self-confidence.

Building confidence through jiu-jitsu is the result of several factors, including:

• Improving your physical health and skills
• Recognizing small successes
• Setting realistic goals
• Practicing failing

Improve Physical Health & Skills

Jiu-jitsu training is a great workout that teaches you how to defend yourself against an attacker of any size or shape. Knowing that you have the skills to defend yourself against a threat can boost your confidence. At the same time, maintaining a high level of fitness can do a lot in giving you confidence in your body.

Recognize Small Successes

Accomplishing goals can provide an increase in your self-confidence. To keep a steady stream of accomplishments, set small goals for yourself. When you achieve something small, take time to acknowledge the work and commitment that went into your success. Over time, these small successes will accumulate and lead to bigger victories.

Set Realistic Goals

A goal should challenge you, but it shouldn’t be so unrealistic that it’s not something you’re likely to achieve at this point in your training. Think about what is attainable for you and set your goals accordingly. Setting your sights too high can lead to feelings of disappointment which can lower your confidence in yourself.

Practice Failing

In jiu-jitsu, you are faced with all sorts of challenges. With each one, you will practice skills and techniques to learn and grow as an athlete. Not all challenges will end with success; you will fail at some point. And then you will fail again. Overcoming these setbacks and figuring out that you can come back from failures can make you more confident in not only your skills but also yourself.