Addiction can be hard to combat but that’s not to say that there are ways to fight against it.

The art of combat releases several chemicals in the brain that help combat addiction. This is usually seen in any type of workout, however, combat sports such as Brazilian Ju-Jitsu better known as BJJ, judo, Muay Thai, wrestling, etc. provide more than just a simple workout.

In each of these martial arts, they offer a ranking system, something to strive toward. In judo, judokas (students of judo) begin with their white belt and make it towards their black.

During competition and practice, the brain releases oxytocin, beta-endorphin, noradrenaline, adrenaline, cortisol, BDNF, serotonin, and endorphins,

These chemicals correlate together and produce an overall feeling of reward, pleasure, trust, and mood enhancement.

Typically, people who experience withdrawal deal with depression as a symptom, a feeling of defeat.

With the release of endorphins and other chemicals the brain naturally releases it helps combat those feelings of depression.

Not to mention, the belt ranking system consistently provides an achievable goal for students. Even though it can take a lifetime to achieve a black belt, achieving a first few ranks can be done within 5 years.

When coming into the gym to train for one’s style of choice, the only rule is that one is here to train and that’s it. One is a part of the community if they participate.

One’s past does not matter and everyone there is there to help one to progress forward. The goal is to progress further, develop a better style to be the best possible student one can be.

The competition will share their secrets because they want the challenge.

Addiction, like these arts, is a challenge and with that challenge comes achievement and reward. Each day is a practice and every practice is a step towards the next rank.