5 Lifelong Lessons Kids Learn From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
As parents, we want our kids to develop self-esteem and a strong sense of self as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and beyond. We are always looking for activities to help them develop in these areas, especially if our children struggle physically, emotionally, or socially. And let’s face it; all kids struggle at times.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, especially the Gracie Barra kids program, provides our kids with enduring tools to navigate the world with more confidence, cooperation, self-discipline, emotion control, and physical fitness. Read on to learn how.
BJJ teaches kids how to build self-confidence
Brazilian jiu-jitsu shows that every child can develop self-confidence no matter their size, gender, talents, or strength level. When a child steps onto the mat and begins training, they soon begin gaining confidence in the same way we do as adults—that is, through continuous improvement.
No matter their starting point, when a child sees improvement in themselves, their confidence grows. They may execute a new technique, earn a new stripe, receive praise from a professor, or escape a near submission. Each small milestone may seem insignificant, but it represents improvement and one step forward in building self-confidence.
As their confidence grows on the mat, kids often become more self-assured in other parts of their lives, most notably academics (check out this study on the link between learning and self-confidence).
John Kavanaugh, coach of MMA superstar Conor McGregor, summed it up by saying, “When you have confidence in the physical side of things, you become more confident in the non-physical.” Learn more about John’s approach and how Gracie Barra focuses on helping kids develop self-confidence here: GB Values Developing Confidence.
BJJ teaches kids how to work with others.
Lots of us parents want our kids to participate in team sports to learn how to work with peers. However, martial arts may get passed over based on the perception that there is no teamwork, communication, or cooperation being taught, only a “me vs. you” approach.
On the contrary, collaboration is ever-present on the mat. Students warm up and drill together, learn new techniques together, and most importantly, work closely with a partner to practice, train, and spar as teammates–not opponents. They are taught to encourage their partner when they are struggling and help them stand up when they fall.
As a result, new bonds are formed on the mat just like on other teams, and those important teamwork skills follow them off the mat as well.
BJJ teaches kids the principles of self-discipline
There is a saying in martial arts that a black belt is just a white belt who never quit.
By continuing to show up and learn, BJJ students will continue to see results, albeit a little at a time. Just like anything in life that is worth working for, jiu-jitsu training can be a long and winding road, but one that is well worth traveling.
The Gracie Barra curriculum is specially designed to help instill self-discipline in its young students while keeping them engaged. This is accomplished with a guided learning program, a rewarding youth belt system, fun class activities, team competition opportunities, and bonds formed with other students and professors. Click here to learn more about what makes the Gracie Barra curriculum different.
BJJ teaches kids how to manage their emotions
We tend to fear the worst situations for our kids—a bigger kid pushing your son in gym class, or a group of girls making fun of your daughter’s outfit. Without proper emotion control, kids tend to resort to unhelpful emotional responses. They may either freeze with fear, flee in embarrassment, or lash out in anger (the classic “fight, flight, or freeze” psychological reflex).
BJJ teaches kids how to emotionally respond to these intense situations in a calmer, more level-headed way. How? By instructing them how to escape holds, chokes, and submissions in a safe and controlled environment, they naturally learn how to stay calm in situations that their brain finds scary or threatening. With repetition, this becomes their natural response.
6th degree black belt John Danaher, who trained under Renzo Gracie, once said, “The deepest benefits of jiu-jitsu come off the mat. It encourages a worldview based upon the idea of rational problem-solving.” No matter how your child responds to a perceived threat—fear, avoidance, anger—jiu-jitsu helps to condition their brain to naturally remain calm and rational.
BJJ teaches kids fun ways to stay fit
There are few more fun ways to get kids in shape than through Brazilian jiu-jitsu. While all youth sports are great for kids, many involve hours of boring practice including running or repetitive drills. These will certainly kickstart your kid’s endurance, but they get boring quickly.
On the jiu-jitsu mat, endurance is built through fun kinesthetic movements and varied exercises that mimic BJJ techniques (helping to build muscle memory), not to mention kids’ favorite part of jiu-jitsu: rolling around on the mat with a partner! Every class is different and offers new ways to build endurance.
Not only that, but athletic benefits also extend to hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making. BJJ can even help kids excel in other sports. Check out this article about how Boston Celtics’ point guard Marcus Smart credits jiu-jitsu with upping his game on the basketball court. It also helped him bond with his coach Joe Mazzulla, another long-time student of jiu-jitsu.
Gracie Barra Jacksonville hosts youth classes for kids of all abilities ages 4 and up. Sign up your child for a trial class today!