CrossFit and Jiu Jitsu

When we talk about physical preparation focusing on Jiu Jitsu improvement there are several divergences. Nowadays, the most common training between Jiu Jitsu athletes is crossFit or some kind of functional training, cross training or anything similar.

The question is? Is CrossFit a good way to get ready for Jiu Jitsu? In my opinion the answer is : Depends!

Exactly, depends on how the athlete will conciliate the physical training and Jiu Jitsu sessions.

Talking about scientific studies, two ways of thinking call our attention. The first one defends that if you spend your energy doing any kind of training, besides BJJ, you will not have enough energy to display a good performance during your Jiu Jitsu session. Basically, they say that your body works like a fuel tank, where your energy would be the gasoline that is restocked everyday when you sleep. In other words, if you spend your “gasoline” with another thing that is not Jiu Jitsu, you will not have gasoline to spend in the Jiu Jitsu training.

In short, if you wanna be in a good shape for Jiu Jitsu, you should spend more hours training Jiu Jitsu than any other thing and the logic works for any sport. If you wanna be good at soccer, you should practice more soccer.

In turn, some coaches defend that you should do some type of exercise, such as cardio, strength training or even preventive therapy, as much as you can, to complete your Jiu Jitsu journey. It would also build your sense of worthiness when fighting. CrossFit in one way or another, includes all those attributes.

For me, the main thing in this debate is to learn how your body responds to the training. Does not matter if you are going to practice CrossFit or any other modality, you should always listen to your body and do whatever you feel is better for your body specifically.

Of course, you should always look for professional advice, but each body is different and whatever works for you will not work for another person due to your individuality. So, listen to your body and try different strategies until you find the best one for you. w

In Ítallo Vilardo (Physical trainer specialized in combat sports) words:

“Study, specify, plan, create your own protocols and give the athlete what he needs, make what is already good even better.”