Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or simply, Jiu-Jitsu is a form of martial art primarily focusing on grappling and ground fighting.
It is useful for a number of things, from self defense to training for MMA fighters. But how about Jiu-Jitsu in the workplace?
A big tech company at Silicon Valley is probably the last place you would imagine this fighting technique being taught. Yet, big names like Google, GovSmart, Genentech etc. are some of the technology giants which have incorporated BJJ in their wellness program. So how exactly are employees being benefited by learning how to tackle and break balance of their opponent?
Milton Bastos who teaches Jiu-Jitsu at Google has a great reason for the surge in popularity of BJJ at workplace- it not only help hard working employees take their mind off work but also greatly relieve their stress. For women, especially, this offers an excellent way to learn self-defense. Moreover, with regular praises on a good move and the opportunity to take out mental tension through physical activity, this is the ideal workout for all such employees.
Genentech is another Silicon Valley biggie which has adapted this unique method to encourage its employees to become more active. Their no-gi Jiu-Jitsu classes are led by black belt instructor Michael Hillebrand. The EBI veteran says his classes are a great way to unwind after sitting on your desk. It is also a great activity for relieving stress, so that people can be more productive at the workplace. You build confidence, meet new colleagues, and learn a powerful new skill.
GovSmart, an IT company, has been teaching Jiu-Jitsu to its employees since the last 9 years. The credit goes to its co-founder Brent Lillard who is a brown belt himself. According to Brent, he owes much of the immense success of his company to BJJ. He claims that Jiu-Jitsu not only hones the ability of his employees to make quick decisions but also help them clear their head and do their work efficiently. With the never-ending problems of daily life and the pressure of performing within such ever-expanding companies, the employees benefit a lot from this martial art. From helping in losing weight to saving healthcare costs, teaching BJJ to employees is the ultimate strategy that has been devised by these companies.
Depression and many mental illnesses are common names associated with those working in multi-national companies. Staying sane in a life where your workplace practically becomes your home is extremely difficult. This has led to many IT companies to incorporate activities like Jiu-Jitsu into the life of their employees to promote not only physical but also mental fitness. This Silicon Valley trend sure is to stay here for a long time.
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