Hey folks. This is the Roll Report, the only grappling newsletter that isn’t just a bunch of links. Today we talk about why we grapple and maybe give you some things to say to that aunt that is always asking how your karate is going.

Why we train jiu-jitsu

Even the staunchest proponents of jiu-jitsu admit that it's peculiar. One cannot help but question the motivation behind engaging in this weird activity. For example, after watching her grandson participate in a class, my mother-in-law commented: "I don't understand why'd you want your face by someone's butt."

Fair enough. My face has been near countless butts throughout my time on the mats. Admittedly, being touched and invading personal space are not my cup of tea either. However, despite its strangeness, jiu-jitsu has an inexplicable allure that keeps enthusiasts like us coming back for more.

Here are several reasons why we choose to train jiu-jitsu:

Improves physical fitness: Jiu-Jitsu is a physically demanding sport requiring strength, endurance, and flexibility. Except for smoking meth, I've never engaged in an activity that made me feel like my heart would explode. Practicing Jiu-Jitsu can help you build cardiovascular endurance, increase muscular strength, and improve your flexibility. Jiu-Jitsu can be a great way to stay in shape and improve overall physical fitness. While I was a blue belt, I wore a heart rate monitor while training, and during an hour-and-a-half class, I'd burn between 800-1000 calories. Now that I'm a black belt, I should wear that heart rate monitor again to see where I land. The main benefit of being a black belt is learning to be lazy during rolls. There's no way I'm burning that many calories.

Builds confidence… or not: Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent way to build confidence and self-esteem. As you progress through your training, you'll develop a deeper understanding of the sport and your abilities, which can also help you feel more confident in other areas of your life. Or, on the flip side, you leave class feeling vulnerable and small. There's nothing more demoralizing than getting tapped by a lower belt. Nobody wants to admit that, but everyone thinks it. I've left class before and sat in my idling car, trying to figure out where my life went wrong. You can have one roll where you're the king of the world, followed by one where you're left gasping for breath and exclaiming: "Is that submission even legal?!"

Teaches self-defense: While theoretically true, the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu techniques in self-defense situations can be debated. I often wonder how practical it would be to implement my guard-playing tactics in a street fight. Can you imagine politely requesting your opponent to cooperate as you butt-scoot on the ground? It seems like a reasonable thing to ask, right?

Promotes stress relief: Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent stress-relieving activity that positively impacts mental health. Physical exertion helps reduce stress and anxiety, while the focus required to execute techniques allows practitioners to clear their minds and be present at the moment. This holds true, except when the stress stems from finding an excuse to avoid rolling with someone without appearing too obvious. Faking an injury or conveniently timing your departure during street sweeping are popular tactics.

Fosters a sense of community: Jiu-Jitsu fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. Training partners and instructors become close friends, forming a support system beyond the gym. I have forged some of my closest friendships through jiu-jitsu. However, it is worth noting that there are specific training partners whom I have never shared my phone number with (you know who you are). Consistently resorting to unsportsmanlike behavior earns you the title of "dick" in both jiu-jitsu and life.

As in life, jiu-jitsu can either build you up or send you spiraling downward, sometimes simultaneously during the same roll. I've committed countless hours working at something I'm not good at, but its inexplicable allure keeps me coming back for more.

What else is happening?

• We learned last weekend that you don’t fight Mackenzie Dern after a divorce

• Tainan’s documentary on FloGrappling dropped

• No major grappling events this week with IBJJF worlds around the corner

• No UFC this weekend, but keep an eye out for submission master Charles Oliveira and fan favorite Beneil Dariush on June 10th

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