For many parents, the idea of their child participating in a martial art or combat sport, like Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), seems a foreign idea. What parent would want their child to learn to fight? Well, I would argue a responsible one!
As it turns out, training in the martial arts generally doesn’t lead to aggressive or violent behavior, in fact it tends to do quite the opposite. Children who practice martial arts like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, generally develop persuasive social skills, perform better in school, and fight far less often; and then do so only in defense of themselves or another. These effects particularly develop in children who have been labeled ‘at-risk children’ and those children who have special needs.
Training BJJ, or any martial art, is one of the most effective countermeasures to bullying, on both sides of the issue. The more observable point is that a child who is trained in jiu-jitsu makes a very bad target for a bully. The grappling art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is particularly good because the focus of training is on ways to neutralize and control an attacker without throwing any punches or kicks.
Did you know however that training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu can stop kids from engaging in bullying? It’s true; a child who trains in jiu-jitsu is less likely to become a bully themselves. They take on a deep understanding of patience, focus, respect, and humility when taking part in an activity like jiu-jitsu, that involves being thrown, pinned, and defeated on a regular basis.
Children learn through the adversity of training to open up their heart and soul to their training partners, coaches and themselves. The rituals of training accrue around a child, creating something stable in an often times unstable world. They at first become more accepting of discipline from an outside source and eventually that discipline becomes self-imposed. This self discipline refines it into something within the child leads to a lifetime of balance and clear thought. The secret is that by focusing aggression and energy in a constructive way a child martial artist is able to leave their stress on the mats and approach life with a clear mind and bright attitude.
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About The Author:
Jeff Reese, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron; he teaches at Gracie NEPA in Scranton, PA.
