12 Reasons why Martial Arts are better for kids than team sports ~ By Ricardo Almeida

(I grew up in Brazil playing soccer every single day. We played soccer at school, when we came home, at the beach and on the weekends we played some more. I love soccer and follow it diligently to this day so this article is not a soccer bashing but rather a highlight of Martial Arts benefits over School Sports. Furthermore, if your child is already showing athletic predisposition, Martial Arts training will help bring out those gifts in a balanced and powerful way.)

I didn’t start practicing Jiu Jitsu until I was 15 years old which by world class standards in any sport is way too late. I did however, have the unique opportunity to study in a world-class Academy (Gracie Barra) under a world renowned Instructor (Carlos Gracie Jr).

Among the ranks at Gracie Barra I was nowhere near the top level of talent we had on the mats, but the fact the I was surrounded by some of the all-time Jiu Jitsu greats made all the difference in the world Growing up with Jiu Jitsu has given me goals, sense of purpose and the drive and discipline to go after those goals. I believe there is no program out there that encompasses physical education and character development like Martial Arts does.

Below are a few reasons to consider Martial Arts for your Child or Adolescent over or in addition to Team Sports:

1. Self-Defense

This is the number one reason why most people decide to study  martial arts, and pretty much any style is a great way to learn how to defend yourself. Martial arts teach you the techniques to defend yourself, but also the way to think about defending yourself – anticipate and avoid potential dangers. Training also helps  build up the reflexes you need if you’re ever in a dangerous situation, and give you the confidence to stand up for yourself and fight back if needed – which brings us to our next topic…

2. Self-Confidence

As children become more proficient in their selected style of martial arts, their confidence gets a big-boost. They become more self-assured and confident. Their Professor’s (Teacher’s or Sensei’s depending on Martial Art style) encouragement goes a long way to help them achieve this goal, but the confidence level will extend far beyond the Academy (Martial Arts Studio).

3. Belts and Ranking

Belts and rankings are a public recognition among peers for the student’s effort and progress. Martial Arts ranking system helps teach children to set goals and achieve them, to persevere and prioritize.

4. Discipline

Martial Arts training is a physical expression of ‘practice makes perfect’.  In a class a student may execute a single movement  or series of related movements, hundreds of times. This teaches the student that the progress that always happens during small improvements in technique and stamina, flexibility or power – will come through endless repetition.

Even during randori ( or sparring)   – where the student shows how creatively he or she can apply their well-honed skills – there are still rules and protocols to be followed.  All of this teaches children to respect one another, their opponents and colleagues, and how to play games fair and square – lessons that follow them in their non-Martial Arts lives. It also teaches them to commit, to go to practice even when they don’t feel like it.

5.  Individual Achievement: No one sits on the Bench

Jr Program Class

Many kids have the chance to experience the benefits of Martial Arts early on, however a big number of children abandon their martial arts training when reaching the teen years in order to participate in school sports.

Although there are many lessons to be learned from team and individual varsity sports, the ‘make the team’ model often favors the more physically developed players while alienating the late bloomers.

Coaches have access to a endless supply of players that renews itself each year, the big and strong get picked and get to  play while the less physically developed watch from the bench, this leads to a even greater disparity in skill development as the season goes by.

At the Renzo Gracie NH Academy, our mats are packed while the benches are empty, all kids get equal ‘playing time’. Naturally some kids develop their skills and physical abilities earlier than others but we personally find that many kids who start out with underdeveloped athletic attributes such as strength, speed and size, end up blooming onto some of the finest technicians we have in all of our programs.

If  your child is an athletic wonder who is able to stay ahead of the game with his natural talents, athletics may very well bring out the best in him or her. But if want your child’s full potential to be nurtured through years of disciplined and diligent training look for a martial art school who offers a serious program taught by world-class accredited instructor.

6. Gender Equality

I am sure that while many parents would consider martial arts for their sons, not nearly as many would consider it for their daughters. However the martial arts are one of the few sports where both boys and girls can play together.

At RENZO GRACIE NH Academy, we have a large amount of girls in our KIDS Program, and in many classes they outnumber the boys. The girls are among the most technically proficient students we have and often dominate many of the local, regional and national competitions they enter.

Martial Artist also gives brothers and sisters an opportunity to practice together and learn from one another as well (not to mention the convenience of having all of your kids in one place at a time).

7. Weight Control

Childhood obesity is a global epidemic and rising trends in overweight and obesity are apparent in both developed and developing countries (CDC stats).

The typical  martial arts class will often be comprised of warm-up calisthenics, teaching and practicing of moves and possibly some sparring, as well as some active games. The warm up and practice comprise the bulk of the time, and for that time your child will be constantly on the go – stretching, crunches, takedowns, grappling, punches and kicks. The workout each child gets will not only assist in the natural development of his or her muscles but also help them build stronger Cardio-Vascular systems. Even in the most active of team sports such as Basketball or Soccer, children don’t get that much of a workout simply because they generally don’t play the whole game and even if they do, there are still breaks in the action.

8. You can do it with them

Most martial arts schools offer classes for both adults and children. While classes do not run  simultaneously, they are usually one right after the other. This means that you can watch your children workout, and then they can watch you.

If you have the proper space for it, you can practice with each other at home, and learn from one another. This will give you a special activity to use as a bonding tool with your kids. You can also become physically fit together.

At RENZO GRACIE NH Academy we have many families that come to class together and either take class simultaneously or watch each others sessions.

Avoid schools that have children and adults in the same class.

9. The Never-Ending Season

The Future

Many team sports, especially those primarily played outdoors, or in specific weather (think Soccer, Baseball and even wrestling) are seasonal. In Martial Arts we have classes year round. This consistency and availability also helps build upon discipline, and allows children to progress at a much quicker pace in the Martial Arts than in Team Sports.

…and 3 more reasons that they should specifically learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Since I am, after all, a Jiu Jitsu Instructor, I would absolutely reinforce  and recommend Jiu Jitsu above all other Martial Arts:

 10. Jiu Jitsu isn’t about brute force, it is about control

Grandmasters Carlos Gracie Sr and Helio Gracie, reinforced that Jiu Jitsu should be practiced with the mindset that your opponent will be bigger and stronger than you. That technique  and mental toughness should be pursued above all physical attributes.

11. Athletic Development

Jiu Jitsu’s main goal is technical prowess and preseverance but the training itself is a whole body workout – Grips, Feet, Hips and Head all need to move in fluid and exact timed motions to properly execute a throw or a fight ending submission. Many world class professional athletes such as  NFL players take up Martial Arts in order to improve their game skills.

12. Jiu Jitsu is Global

Jiu Jitsu has experienced a World Wide growth in the past 10 years unlike any other Martial Art. You can find a Jiu Jitsu school in any corner of the of any continent.

If a Karate practitioner travels to another city he or she might have a hard time finding a school to work out in that has the exact same style and philosophy as their home dojo.

In Jiu Jitsu, a student may travel to any school and they will still be practicing the same hip throw, arm lock or choke that are taught at his Academy. In fact I encourage all my students whose jobs involve traveling to always bring a Gi and visit other schools. Even when my students go away on vacation they tell me stories of training from the other side of the country to the other side of the world.

I Hope this article got you interested in investigating the Martial Arts for your child. If you need help finding a school or need a recommendation please contact me at

[email protected]

Training at a World Class Academy such as Gracie Barra under the tutelage of Master Carlos Gracie Jr  has ‘opened the doors’ for me to move to the United States and study under the legendary Renzo Gracie, start my own school and live the life I always dreamed of – teaching and studying Jiu Jitsu full time.

Is your child ready for back to school?

Bully proof, confidence, Focus discipline and energetic?

At Renzo Gracie NH we live by our values, family, teamwork, loyalty and integrity.

We believe these basic values hold true for any family and this is the basis of our kid program under the careful supervision of a head instructor, the Jiu Jitsu Kids Program is delivered with the assistance of other instructors. This ensures a safe and effective learning environment. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch their children having fun while using up all that excess energy.

Your child will:

  • Develop life skills
  • Learn Self Defense
  • Learn discipline
  • Develop Confidence
  • Improve Self Esteem
  • Have fun and burn excess energy

Renzo Gracie NH Jiu Jitsu Kids Program

Shortly after my son turned four, my wife and I brought him to Renzo Gracie NH to check out the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Kids Program. After meeting with Professor Kevin Landry, I knew Renzo Gracie NH was perfect for us. As soon as we walked in the door, we were treated (and felt) like family! Since our son started, my wife and I have noticed a difference in his confidence level. My wife thought he might be too young and that he wouldn’t remember the jiu jitsu moves taught in class. She couldn’t be more happy to be wrong. Our son retains more of the training than either of us imagined and he’s having fun during training. I can’t say enough good things about Professor Landry and the whole Renzo Gracie NH team. I can’t wait until our daughter turns four so she can enjoy the art of  jiu jitsu the same way our son is! ~ Dustin C. Concord, NH

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Kids Program teaching confidence and self-defense in a fun and health way
The Gracie Jiu Jitsu Kids Program is the perfect way for your child to begin a life of fitness, confidence, and self-defense!

Renovations complete come visit our new Academy

Renovations complete come visit our new Academy.

Our Salem Location

Law Enforcement Seminar ~ September 18th 3:30-5:30

Free to all law enforcement dressed in BDU’s or similar casual wear.

at our Salem academy location.  2 Range Rd. Salem NH 03078

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We have invested in top of the line cleaning equipment

The consequences of dirty mats and training gear go well beyond aesthetics, of course. The spread of germs and viruses through contact with equipment is a serious health concern.  If a Jiu jitu wrestling mat is not  cleaned properly athletes may catch skin diseases.  staphylococcal infections, ringworm, impetigo, and herpes simplex virus are the four most commonly seen in wrestling. One problem lies in the fact that not only can jiu jitsu/wrestlers catch skin disease from other teammates, they can also catch skin diseases from others who may use the gym or academy.  We here at Team Renzo Gracie take cleanliness and the health of our students very serious.  We have invested in top of the line cleaning equipment to make sure that our academies are sanitary.

Our Cleaning Process.

Sweep with the IPC 464 computerized sweeper
pre-spray with an anti-bactierial / microbial spray
Final Scrub / Vac / Disinfect with the IPC 15 Computerised Scrubber

How To Prevent A Martial Arts Injury

In our last blog, we shared three of the most common martial arts injuries that we feel all martial arts students (karate students, Jiu Jitsu students and more) should know a little something about. Today, the good news that we’d like to share is that although injuries are a natural part of martial arts training, they can be prevented so long as you know what to do. Read on to learn how martial arts students can be proactive and help keep themselves healthy and in good standing:

Get a Physical

Before starting any kind of physical activity, athletes should make an appointment with their doctor for a physical exam. By getting the proper screening, athletes can confirm whether or not their body is ready to take on such vigorous training.

Warm Up

Muscles that aren’t warmed up before activity are more likely to experience an injury, so martial arts students should always stretch and perform the warm up routine their instructor suggests. Even when the first part of a class is dedicated to warming up, it never hurts for athletes to do a little warming up before they arrive at the gym. Bonus tip: don’t forget to cool down after activity too!

Stay Hydrated

When our bodies aren’t hydrated, athletic performance can be compromised – naturally this can cause an injury. That said, students should always drink enough water before, during AND after class so that their body knows how to properly react to the activity it’s experiencing.

In addition to the above, martial arts students should always make sure they are wearing the proper safety equipment (ask your instructor if you aren’t sure what that is!), and should always practice under the right supervision.

Have additional questions about martial arts injuries and how you can work to keep yourself safe? Contact the team here at Renzo Gracie NH! Our students’ safety is one of our main priorities, so we would be happy to discuss some safety tips with you. To reach our team, please call (603) 777-2775.

Three Of The Most Common Martial Arts Injuries

Although martial arts offers a ton of benefits to athletes who train in it, just like any other sport, there is also the risk of sustaining an injury when practicing or competing. Since this is so, we believe it is important for our students and all other martial arts students to be aware of some of the most common injuries! Below are three we’d like to emphasize:

Skin Damage

The potential for skin damage is high in contact sports, with cuts and bruises being some of the most common. Even when they are minor, it’s important for students to take the proper precautions (such as covering a cut with a bandaid and cleaning it regularly) to prevent an infection.

Strains

Martial arts requires the use of a lot of muscles – muscles that can easily be strained due to a lack of stretching or by being used incorrectly. Should a student experience pain in their muscles or tendons, it’s important that they give their body enough time to rest to prevent even further damage.

Concussions

One of the most serious injuries that can result from martial arts training is a concussion, so all students must be aware of the warning signs. Generally speaking, the symptoms of a concussion include headache, nausea and dizziness, but they can even go so far as the inability to concentrate, balance problems or difficulty remembering. Students who experience any of these symptoms should let their instructor know immediately and be evaluated by their doctor or other medical professional.

Should a student experience an injury, the best thing they can do is stop activity right away, speak with their instructor, and get the proper treatment. And although it can be tempting to jump back into training, students must also give themselves enough time to truly recover so that they don’t wind up getting hurt again!

Here at Renzo Gracie NH, the safety of our students is our number one priority, which is why we’ve designed our self defense training facilities using only the best equipment and mats. For more information on martial arts injuries, such as how to prevent them, be sure to check back to our blog later this week!

Everything You Need To Know Before Training In Jiu Jitsu

If you’ve been thinking about signing up for a Jiu Jitsu class, then there is no better time to start than now! By starting your training as soon as you can, you’ll not only learn some of the most important self defense skills, but you’ll also get the physical activity you need to live a happy and healthy life – it’s a win, win!

Self Defense Classes Salem NH | Jiu Jitsu Manchester NH | Self Defense Classes Exeter NH

Before you head to your training academy for the first time, though, there are a few important things that we think you should know:

  1. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Students often shy away from speaking up in fear of looking like they don’t know something, but if you don’t ask, you won’t! You’re there to learn, so always keep communication open with your instructor, other students in your class, and even those more advanced students you see throughout the gym.
  2. Be prepared to trust others. You’ll likely be working closely with other students in your class, so you’ll need to be prepared to put your trust in them. On the other hand, you should also make an effort to show your fellow classmates that they can trust you! Don’t worry if this seems hard to do at first – it will get easier as you get more comfortable with those around you.
  3. Know that practice makes perfect. As a first time Jiu Jitsu student, it can be easy to get frustrated if you have trouble with a technique or two. But, you have to remember that practice makes perfect! After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same idea applies for anyone training in Jiu Jitsu!
  4. Listen closely. It’s one thing to just follow along with what your instructor is telling you, but the key to success is really listening and understanding what they say. Each time you enter the gym, be ready to make a mental note of everything you hear so that you can remember it in the future – every tip and piece of advice will come in handy!

As a Jiu Jitsu training academy led by martial arts experts, the fifth and most important thing we want to remind new students about is to have fun. Here at Renzo Gracie NH, we invite students to train with some of the best regardless of how much experience they have – all ages and levels are welcome!

To learn more about the Jiu Jitsu programs we offer, please give us a call at (603) 777-2775. You can also sign up for a FREE introductory lesson at our academy here!

Our Favorite Quotes From Martial Arts Champions

Throughout our years training both ourselves and our students in martial arts, we’ve done a ton of research to learn from the best. As a result, we’ve come across some incredible quotes from martial arts champions that continue to inspire us each and every day! Now, we’d like for them to inspire you. See below for 10 quotes from martial artists that have motivated us the most (yes, Bruce Lee inspires us a ton!):

Bruce Lee Quotes

Self Defense Classes Salem NH | Jiu Jitsu Manchester NH | Self Defense Classes Exeter NH

“Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as reality.”

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

“Learning is never cumulative, it is a movement of knowing which has no beginning and no end.”

“Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”

Additional Motivational Quotes From Martial Artists

“Competition starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning. If you have that mindset, you’ll be closer to victory.” – Saulo Ribeiro

“Learn to start over. After a tough defeat, be at the academy the next day to work on your mistakes.” – Marcio Feitosa

“Champions seek tough training partners in the academy. They go for the challenge. The power of the will needs to be greater than the fear of losing or the vanity of being seen as a champion.”
– Carlos Gracie Jr.

“In training, bring your body and mind to their limits. Competition will look easier the harder your training is.” – Braulio Estima

“Champions need to be patient. Like a drowning man, if you make wrong decisions and waste energy you will sink faster, but if you keep calm and follow a plan the chances of surviving increase.” – Roger Gracie

Do you have another favorite quote that encourages you to do your best when training in martial arts? If so, be sure to share it with us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+!

Renzo Gracie NH offers Jiu Jitsu, cardio kickboxing and various other self defense classes to students of all ages in Exeter and Salem, NH. For more information about the programs offered, please call (603) 777-2775 today.