Ever heard of Ginastica Natural? This method, developed by Brazilian, Alvaro Romano, is a workout which influenced in large part by many of the same ground movements we see in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts.
This style has been gaining popular over the years. I remember seeing Ginastica movements for the first time in BJJ Master Rickson Gracie’s fight documentary Choke. In that film, Rickson can be seen performing a ginastica workout on a beach in Rio. At the time I had no idea what he was doing but now, I can see that this workout helps tremendously with BJJ. It allows muscles to memorize some the would-be rigorous movements we see as practicians of BJJ and grappling on a daily basis.
Ginastica Natural is all about keeping your body in constant motion by combining many different movements incorporated from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This can be considered a strength exercise because of the resistence one’s own body provides. It also incorporates flexibility and breathing techniques to help with cardiovascular conditioning as well.
Certainly a very unique and innovative way to keep your body & mind in tune with your techniques.
Watch the Andre Galvao video below for an example of Ginastica Natural being incorporated into a BJJ Workout. Galvao also gives a good explanation for why he does this and how it helps as well.
