Welcome to BJJ Freo: A Philosophy of Mindfulness, Balance, and Safety
At BJJ Freo, we believe that control starts from within—literally, with the breath. Our philosophy of holistic control begins with the diaphragm, the center of our breathing, and extends outward to include mental focus, body awareness, and BJJ movement/control. By mastering control from the inside out, students develop a sense of safety, inclusivity, and enjoyment in their practice.
This holistic control approach is not only key to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but it’s also a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges. Breathwork, mindfulness, balance, movement, and control are interconnected practices that everyone can learn. Through this foundation, BJJ Freo creates a space where all students, regardless of their physical abilities, body types, or experience levels, can thrive.
Control Starts with the Diaphragm
At BJJ Freo, the journey toward control begins with the most fundamental action: breathing. The diaphragm plays a central role in our practice. Learning to control your breath through proper diaphragm engagement is the first step toward mastering not only your physical movements but also your mental and emotional states.
Through simple and consistent breathwork and diaphragm strengthening, students learn to harness the power of their breath to stay calm, centered, and in control. This breath-centered control creates a foundation that is inclusive—because everyone can learn to control their breath. No matter your fitness level or background, this starting point ensures that BJJ is accessible to all.
Mental Focus and Emotional Control
From diaphragm control comes mental focus. By learning to manage your breathing, you naturally develop the ability to stay present and focused. This mental clarity is a critical aspect of holistic control, allowing you to maintain emotional balance even in high-pressure situations, whether on the mats or in life.
At BJJ Freo, mindfulness is woven into every aspect of training. The more mindful you are of your breath, the better you can maintain focus, adapt to challenges, and regulate your emotions. This mental control, achieved through breathwork, enhances your experience of BJJ by keeping you grounded and aware throughout your practice.
Body Awareness and Movement
As mental control is established, it becomes easier to connect with body awareness. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, knowing how your body moves, how it responds to shifts in balance, and how to position yourself effectively is essential.
Building on the foundation of breathwork, students at BJJ Freo learn to tune into their bodies, becoming more aware of how they move and engage with their surroundings. This body awareness not only improves physical coordination and balance but also deepens the connection between mind and body, creating a more integrated practice.
Control Positions and BJJ Movement
At BJJ Freo, our philosophy extends beyond basic movement to include mastery of control positions. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches students how to maintain balance, hold positions, and control an opponent without relying on brute force. By understanding key control positions—like side control, mount, and back control—students can practice balance and stability, both in their bodies and minds.
These positions are practiced not in isolation but through BJJ games. These games make learning fun while reinforcing the importance of control and balance. By breaking down complex movements into simple, playful exercises, students can engage with the principles of control without feeling overwhelmed.
Holistic Control Brings Inclusivity
The beauty of BJJ Freo’s approach is that holistic control—starting from breathwork, extending to mental focus, and continuing to body awareness and control positions—is accessible to everyone. Because the starting point is something as simple as breathing, students of all abilities can begin their journey at their own pace. From there, they can build physical and mental resilience in a way that is tailored to their unique needs.
This inclusive approach means that no matter your body type, fitness level, or neurotype, you can learn to find your own balance and control. Breathwork and control positions make BJJ approachable, while the games-based learning creates an enjoyable, low-pressure environment for exploration and growth.
Holistic Control Brings Safety
At BJJ Freo, we believe that true safety comes from within. By teaching students to control their breath, focus their minds, and connect with their bodies, we create a practice where safety is built into every movement. This internal sense of control helps students stay calm and clear-headed, reducing the risk of injury and creating a supportive environment for everyone.
Our games-based approach to control positions and balance also contributes to this safe atmosphere. By breaking down techniques into playful exercises, students can practice control in a way that feels enjoyable and non-intimidating, while still building the skills needed to maintain safety for themselves and their training partners.
BJJ Freo’s Games: Learning Control with Fun
Learning to control your breath, body, and mind doesn’t have to be a rigid or stressful process. At BJJ Freo, we use games to teach key skills like balance, body awareness, and control positions. These games transform the learning experience, making it fun while ensuring that students develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals.
Each game is designed to help students practice holistic control—from diaphragm breathing to maintaining balance in control positions—while also engaging their minds and bodies in a playful, creative way. The games create an atmosphere where learning is fun, safety is maintained, and progress happens naturally.
Summary: BJJ Freo’s Philosophy of Holistic Control
Breathwork and Diaphragm Control: Control begins from within, starting with simple, consistent breathwork that everyone can practice.
Mental Focus and Emotional Control: Through breath control, students develop mental clarity and emotional resilience, creating a mindful practice both on and off the mats.
Body Awareness and Balance: By connecting breathwork to body awareness, students improve their physical coordination and balance, gaining deeper control over their movements.
Control Positions and BJJ Movement: Mastering control positions and movement through games helps students understand the principles of balance and stability in a fun, engaging way.
Inclusivity and Safety: Holistic control, starting with breathwork, makes BJJ accessible to everyone. This control also creates a safe environment where students can learn, grow, and enjoy the process of mastering themselves and the art of BJJ.
At BJJ Freo, we’re proud to offer an inclusive and safe environment where holistic control—from breathwork to balance—empowers students to thrive. Join us, and discover how mastering control from the inside out can transform not only your BJJ practice but your entire approach to life.
