Benefits
Above pictures: Jennifer Dworakowski
A few benefits of jiu jitsu are how it helps you be present, stay grounded, and exposes you to the realities of violence (in a safe and structured and effective way).
When you are focusing on your body and the movement and the person in front of you nothing else in the world matters. You are practicing presence and mindfulness and are free of distractions and drama and nonsense. In a time where our attention is being drawn in 100 directions at once, developing the ability to stay in the here and now, to mind only what matters, to Feel and go deep, is powerful. And combining that inner-power with the physical and vital skills you are learning creates perhaps the closest thing we have to a superpower.
Jiu jitsu helps you prioritize what should and should not get a rise out of you, what deserves your time and energy. A driver cuts you off, a drunk guy wants to fight, a crazy person is acting crazy...disengage, deescalate, move on. What use is getting mad at or engaging with something who will be out of your life in a few seconds? None. And, a few minutes ago you were in a virtual fight for your life (on the mat), and there is no need to end up in an actual fight for your life. Above the uselessness, having you or those with you getting injured, maimed, paralyzed, hospitalized, arrested, sued, killed...over something foolish or unimportant or preventable? No thank you.
The world has people who harm other people. Violence occurs regardless of how one feels about it. You can reduce the likelihood of your experiencing violence and mitigate the damage from violence by training yourself in at least the basics of it. Among other beneficial pursuits, training jiu jitsu is a great way of fostering presence and forging confidence and competence.