Let me share with you the moment I started my martial arts journey and had to decide which of boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to pursue. Spoiler: I picked BJJ, but after some thought, I see why newbies may first choose boxing.
Picture this: I walk inside a little martial arts dojo. BJJ mats round the first half; heavy bags and a boxing ring round the second half. Standing there confused, “Do I want to punch someone or choke them out?” I asked.
A coach approaches and asks, “What’s your goal?” That question confused me because I did not have a clear answer. Did I want to be fit? Learn how to defend myself? Look cool? (I won’t lie; appearing cool did matter a little.)
Boxing: The Easy Starter Pack!
The boxing teacher said, “Start with boxing—it’s simple and quick to pick up.” And, truthfully, he wasn’t wrong.
Boxing is extremely beginner-friendly. You learn to jab, cross, and hook quickly. Just striking the bag makes you feel powerful, which boosts your confidence.
Within a few weeks, I understood why boxing is ideal for beginners:
- Simple techniques: It does not overwhelm you with a million moves. A solid jab may take you a long way.
- Excellent workout: Each session is cardio gold. You sweat profusely, and your entire body feels like it has worked hard.
- Quick Wins: You can spar after a few months, even if you aren’t particularly good.
For someone fresh to martial arts, that improvement is satisfying. You get the sense that you’re progressing without becoming bogged down in specifics.
BJJ: A Steeper Hill to Climb!
Then there is BJJ. Oh, that’s a very different beast. I started my first lesson, and I’m not going to lie: it was confusing. There are guards, sweeps, submissions, escapes, and weird moves. What is a shrimp crawl move?
Here’s the thing: BJJ requires patience. At first, you’re simply getting pounded by those who have been at it longer. Because there is so much to learn, it can feel like you’re not making any progress. Boxing does not provide the same level of quick wins.
But as I continued with it, I learned that BJJ creates something deeper. You learn to remain calm under pressure. It’s not only physical; it’s mental.
Why Boxing Wins for Beginners?
Looking back, if someone had asked me, “What’s better for a beginner?” I would probably choose boxing. Here’s why.
It is easy to get started. You can start throwing punches right away without needing to master intricate maneuvers.
You see results faster. With consistent practice, you can improve in a year. That’s quite encouraging when you’re starting.
It prepares you for more. Boxing develops power, endurance, and discipline, which you can use in other martial arts later.
Where Does BJJ Shine?
Now, I am not saying BJJ isn’t worthwhile. It’s an incredible art, but it requires time and dedication.
If you’re willing to put in the time, BJJ can change your life. You learn not just how to fight, but also how to handle problems under pressure.
The Bottom Line
So, what is best for a beginner? If you want to make quick progress and gain confidence, try boxing. If you’re looking for a long-term martial art that is as much about the mind as the body, give BJJ a try.
For me? I ended up sticking with BJJ, but I will always value what boxing taught me about hard effort and perseverance.
How about you? Which was your first martial art? Or, if you’re still undecided, which one do you lean toward? Let us hear it! 👊
