There are countless benefits to training in martial arts, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu is no different. The sport has long been known to relieve stress, foster community, enhance problem-solving skills, develop mental discipline, and promote humility, to name a few. It creates a common ground for people to come together and do something positive. All these factors combined make it the perfect sport for children. Take a look at our top ten reasons to sign your children up for BJJ.
Keeps Kids Busy
As all parents know, kids need to be kept busy, and it takes a lot of brain power and resources to figure out what to fill weekends and after-school hours with. Extracurricular activities are crucial for kids of all ages, and BJJ is a great way to keep kids engaged and learning in a safe and structured atmosphere.
Work As A Team
Brazilian jiu-jitsu teaches kids to work as a team. Whether in class or competition, the common goal is to help each other improve. Classes are structured to facilitate and emphasize teamwork. On the mats, BJJ encourages an ‘iron sharpens iron’ philosophy, teaching kids to help their friends get better for the benefit of the team.
Do It Properly
It’s always hard to get kids to not only do something right but also understand the value of it. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with its emphasis on technique and process, provides an invaluable learning experience for kids. Shortcuts never work in BJJ, which helps kids understand the importance of detail and perseverance. In jiu-jitsu, techniques must be perfected before they work, so for kids to get better, they must master the basics first.
Delayed Gratification
In today’s age of convenience and speed, teaching kids about delayed gratification is becoming increasingly more challenging. Not only do parents want their children to understand this concept, they want them to experience it firsthand. That’s where BJJ comes into place; it takes a lot of time to master the techniques. So when children achieve their first submission, they not only learn about delayed gratification but also experience a sense of accomplishment that brings utmost satisfaction.
Size Doesn’t Matter
For the smaller kids in class, this is a big one. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one of the few martial arts where size doesn’t matter. Once the proper technique is mastered, children can succeed against their peers who are bigger than them. This inclusivity is a huge confidence booster for children of all ages, assuring them that their size or physical abilities won’t hinder their participation or success in BJJ.
Self Defense
Preparing your child for a situation you hope they will never encounter is tough. Although learning to use BJJ for self-defense takes time, it teaches kids how to escape and evade, even when they are smaller than their attacker. The constant drilling on the mats develops an instinctual approach, allowing kids to react in the moment – a crucial skill for self-defense.
No Bully Policy
As a martial art, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has a strict no-bully policy in all its classes. What is more, the wide-reaching BJJ community will always have your back. If you’re a bully at one gym, the other gyms will know it too.
Structure
Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes are taught with a sense of purpose. They are very structured and easy to follow. Learning BJJ is similar to learning how to read. All kids learn differently; some need more attention and some require unconventional support, but the end goal is always the same. BJJ is similar, and having specific goals in place ensures a structured class atmosphere.
Universal Techniques
One of the best things about Brazilian jiu-jitsu is that it’s the same anywhere you go. While teaching methods and class structure may differ, the techniques you learn will always be the same. This is one of the appeals to both competing and the rank system. That means that you can be a blue belt here in Thailand and then compete successfully as a blue belt in Canada.
Great Exercise
This is a must for all parents. Not all extracurricular activities will rank the same in terms of how tired your kid will be, but BJJ will definitely exhaust them. It’s a challenge, both mentally and physically, making it an ideal form of exercise.
Ready to see your child thrive on and off the mats? Sign them up for our Kids BJJ classes at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA! With expert coaches, a supportive community, and a focus on building confidence, discipline, and skills, our classes are the perfect way to set your child on a path to success. Enroll today and watch them grow in strength, resilience, and fun!”