MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES AT RAY STEVENS ACADEMY

Ray Stevens, British Olympian says, “Most people associate Martial Arts with increased physical fitness, strength and confidence. However less recognised, but no less important, is it’s potential to boost cognitive functionality too. Exercising from the inside, out is exactly what is offered at the Martial Arts Classes at Ray Stevens Academy.

Martial arts are a form of Attention State Training (AST), which is when you get into a specific state of mind that allows stronger focus. The human brain is much like a muscle – it gets stronger with exercise. Simply put, everything we know and learn about is determined by the number of connections between neurons in the brain. It’s estimated our brain contains 100’s of billions of these tiny cells, and the more you learn new things or challenge your brain, the more the cells grow stronger.

MARTIAL ARTS CAN IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN POWER

So, if your wanting to improve your memory, focus, problem solving, spatial & reasoning skills, mental clarity, and speed of thought, think about taking up a martial art such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!

WHY BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based martial art with deep roots in Japan, and later modified in Brazil. This niche martial art became popular after the first-ever UFC event in 1993 – where Royce Gracie, from the iconic Gracie family who founded and developed BJJ widely taught today, was titled the first UFC champion. Achieved through defeating four opponents, each 20 or more kilograms heavier than himself, Royce’s achievements were ground-breaking.

• Suitable for everyone – guys & girls, kids & adults, all sizes, weights, and abilities are welcomed.

• Unlike other sports which only use specific parts of your body, BJJ uses every part of your body together. This creates a powerful connection between the mind and body, often referred to as muscle memory- a process involving “consolidating a specific motor task into memory through repetition.” Over time a long-term memory is created, and these processes become automatic and don’t rely on conscious thought.

• You’ll notice when you train BJJ you think less about other things going on in life. This is partly is because BJJ training takes a high degree of focus and concentration, therefore it’s fantastic for stress busting as it allows you to detach from everyday thoughts.

• Jiu-Jitsu is amazing for so many reasons, but one of its greatest draws is the opportunity for creativity. There are endless ways to lock, choke, sweep and take people down, and you get to develop, play and have fun with the ones that work best for you. Not only are you getting a great all body workout, but you are also developing strength and self-defence skills.

• BJJ learning is a constant evolution. Belt rankings and gradings help keep some people motivated and enjoy seeing their progression acknowledged and rewarded, whilst others are simply happy to recognise/see their knowledge and stature develop. Feelings of accomplishment will occur as you realise you are progressing mentally & physically.