Unlocking Potential Through a Growth Mindset

One of the often unspoken benefits of Jiujitsu is realising that we are capable of much more than what we think. Throw your mind back to your first ever jiujitsu session and you saw the resident mat wizard hitting some variation of some spinny thing and you thought "I'll never be able for that". A few months down the line not only are you in a position to hit these moves, you're helping newer students. Seeing this shift in yourself is the first taste of realizing you’re capable of more than your realize.

The Growth Mindset: How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Builds Resilience and Self-Belief

In her book Mindset, psychologist Carol Dweck explains that decades of research reveal a key insight into success and achievement. According to Dweck, the main difference between people who succeed and those who don’t lies in whether they have a “fixed mindset” or a “growth mindset.”

Dweck’s studies show that people with a growth mindset, who believe they can improve with effort, thrive in challenges. Those with a fixed mindset, on the other hand, may feel discouraged or defeated by setbacks. This concept applies strongly to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where the journey is about learning, improvement, and resilience.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Encourages a Growth Mindset from Day One

One of the many things that makes Jiu-Jitsu such a powerful form of training is that it breeds a growth mindset from day one. It quickly forces us to stop caring how we look, because we are all incompetent at the beginning (Trust me I've videos to prove it). Each class shows us how rapidly we can grow and adapt, reinforcing our ability to become more skilled and confident over time.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s impossible to hold onto a fixed mindset. Every time we step onto the mats, we face situations where we must tap out, which teaches us to accept and learn from setbacks. Those who struggle with the idea of “losing” often quit early, while those who stick with it understand that each tap is a chance to learn and improve, not a defeat.

“We see that if we put time, effort and attention in, we will get results.”

The unseen benefits of Jiu-jitsu

For those who train in BJJ for a extended period, the benefits go far beyond physical fitness or self-defense skills. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers lessons that shape how we approach challenges, respond to adversity, and view our potential. Training Jiujitsu forces you to adapt a growth mindset by making you do the hard work and learn by making mistakes.

Whether you’re curious about Jiu-Jitsu’s benefits for resilience, discipline, or personal growth, starting with a free trial is a great way to experience T45 Jiujitsu’s approach firsthand.