The Top Five Benefits of Self Defense Classes for Kids
Top Five Benefits of Self-Defense Classes for Kids
I arrived to class this week to see my BJJ team mates and showed up a bit early. I wasn’t planning on rolling, as I had a little princess at home waiting for me to read to her and put her to bed. Such is the life of a BJJ dad or mom. When I walked into the academy I saw the mats were filled nicely with children ranging from 4 to 12 on the mats in separate groups based on size. This was self-defense classes for kids and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I would not realize the importance of this visit until a few days later. Up until this point, I had not placed much thought into the kids jiu jitsu classes. Even with a year and a half year old toddler at home, I figured she would eventually join because it’s something I love and have a passion for. Let me take a moment and give a quick explanation of what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is. BJJ is a sport and self defense system that focuses on submissions on the ground. There are no strikes taught, as leverage and pressure create arm, foot and headlocks. It teaches techniques that a smaller, weaker person can use to stop and defeat a larger attacker.
I was like most every other kid who grew up in the Eighties, my parents thought that Karate would be the best thing for me and keep me out of the arcade. What actually happened was a latchkey after school program that had almost zero bearing on discipline, self defense, nor activity. Now please understand, Karate has it’s place and I have the utmost respect for it. I am not slamming Karate, but the school and Instructor that I, and many other people attended are what I found lacking.
So many Karate academies focus on building the students self esteem up with various belt test and promotions. It makes the kids chase the colors, not the goal. It seems kids have a belt test every two months, leaving the child holding a belt rank that wasn’t vested.
We would fill in each day and tie our belts, bow to the flag and teacher, bow to each other then practice throwing imaginary punches and kicks into thin air, then afterwards we would practice Kata, which are detailed choreographed patterns to give muscle memory. I remember not staying there for too long as we were lower income and we could not afford the constant belt test fees.
So back to the class going on at Renzo Gracie New Hampshire. There are several purple belts on the mats with the kids, each have a line leading to them, practicing kicks and a take down of the leg.
The children are focused and pay attention to the instructions. They hit actual padded targets, not air, so they get instant feedback. The purple belts are correcting mistakes in a manner that encourages the children. Parents look from just behind the partition, with pride as the children’s smiles grown bigger when they are asked if they would like to do some jiu jitsu.
The kids are shown a side control technique that will help them to escape or subdue an attack.
The older students are instructed to find clear places on the mat, and get into a guard position, the younger students form a line against the wall and each find a partner. They slap hands and bump fist, and start to practice. They get feed back not only from their training partners but the purple belts and Professor Landry as they walk around checking to make sure the technique is done correctly and safely. If they get past the persons defense, the winner gets on the ground and another child partners up with them and they slapped hands and go for a fresh round.
The kids finish class, bow to the mat and run to their parents, talking about the class. They just spent an hour having fun, building social skills, learning and exercising all at the same time. I was jealous. I wished I had been shown BJJ at such an early age. Deep down I know it would of better prepared me for life. It would of kept me focused during my years in school, kept me healthier and definitely kept me a bit less socially awkward.
As someone who has lived almost his entire life with obesity and low self esteem, who is also in the process of turning his health around, you don’t have to take my word for it. Taken directly from the CDC website; “Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.”
I hope this answers some questions about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The 8 year old in me hopes that you take your child to a free introduction class. When you see the smile on their face and their confidence grow, you will see the benefits first hand.
What lesson did I learn you ask? I learned that my little daughter will join me on the mats as soon as she is old enough. The Renzo Gracie Self Defense classes for kids will help her learn team work and goal building. The benefits of using your mind and body to overcome a bigger attacker will giver her tools that she will use all of her life. Mental and physical sharpness, confidence, and self esteem all while being a humble and respectful young adult.
Key Takeaways:
- Your child will learn to defend themselves from bullying in a safe and nurturing environment.
- They will gain confidence in their daily life.
- Your child will learn about team work and camaraderie.
- They will learn about discipline, its principles and how to work towards goals.
- They will increase their exercise habits and learn healthy living habits that will last a life time.
