Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) for Parkinsons

[Limpmaster]

Hi all. Just wanted to share my experience with BJJ. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago at 38 years of age. By the time I was finally diagnosed, I could barely walk at all, was having trouble driving and was about as miserable as can be. I learned pretty quickly that a combination of medication and exercise seemed to be the ticket to a better life. I learned about BJJ through a friend and decided to give it a shot. I've been training 2-3 times per week for the past 2 months and I am doing phenomenal compared to when I started training. My walking is much improved, driving is no problem, and I just feel so much stronger physically and mentally.

Stories of Parkies taking up Rock Steady Boxing to help manage symptoms abound, but I've not come across similar stories about BJJ.

[hanifag]

what is it

[Limpmaster in reply to hanifag]

It is a Martial Art that focuses on ground fighting:

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bra...

[hercules957]

I am sure it helps. Any exercise that requires coordination, memory, agility, speed will help. I do karate and I am aware that it is beneficial in managing my symptoms.

[Loopadoopa]

I too have yopd and train bjj. It has a profound effect on my motor (& now that I think of it also non-motor) symptoms. I'm in the best physical and mental shape that I've been in my life. Happy to hear someone else is having success with it too.

[Goldenboy1984]

I began training 3 years ago (Jiu-Jitsu 5 years after being diagnosed). It's one of the best things I could have done. However, I find that it's much more challenging memorizing techniques and my mobility is more difficult due to rigidity & tightness that comes with PD. As a result it requires more stretching, which is always a good thing the older we get; PD or not.