In our society today, many, if not most of the, parents do not teach their kids self-defense early in their childhood. Even after such awareness on the internet, kids self-defense is not given priority by parents.
To see on the bright side, maybe the world isn't that threatening or harmful yet for parents to consider self-defense classes for their children. That is fairly good news, but it should not be given as an excuse for not teaching kids the importance of self-defense.
The point is that children need to learn self-defense not only to protect themselves from harmful adults but also to protect themselves from other kids. It is no doubt that bullying is a common practice even to this date.
Almost every person has been bullied once in their lifetimes and knows what bullying does to a person. Therefore, it is necessary to protect kids of this generation and teach them self-defense so they can defend themselves when their parents are not around.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is slowly evolving into one of the most popular sports for kids around the globe. It is no surprise that this technique teaches kids some of the most important life skills, such as making new friends, staying fit, and being active.
While practicing this martial art form, kids learn self-defense, respect, teamwork, and the essence of education. Teaching your kids Jiu-Jitsu might seem scary initially since it involves harsh techniques like joint locks, takedowns, and choke holds. However, the truth is that Jiu-Jitsu is one of the safest sports for kids worldwide.
What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a form of martial art, combat sport, and a system of self-defense. It focuses mainly on ground fighting and grappling.
This martial art technique revolves around the concept that a weaker, smaller person can successfully defend against a bigger and stronger person simply by using proper technique. This is the sole reason it is most popular as a self-defense system for kids. It can help kids protect themselves against predatory adults or bullying kids.
An essential principle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that differentiates it from its parent art of Judo, the Japanese Jujutsu, is that BJJ is not just a martial art, it is also a sport, a way to promote physical fitness in youngsters, and ultimately, a way of life.
Benefits Of Jiu-Jitsu Training for Kids
Kids' Jiu-Jitsu training is highly beneficial. Children walk out of class with increased confidence, self-esteem, discipline, and focus. Here are some benefits of teaching your kids this martial art technique.
BJJ Is Important for Self-defense
The most obvious benefit of BJJ training for kids is that it gives them a way to protect themselves. School bullies are more intimidating than you think. Even if there is no physical effect, kids who are bullied can suffer a serious impact on their mental health.
1 out of every five kids has reported an incident of bullying during their school year. Since most fights end up on the ground, BJJ provides the best and the most practical self-defense for adults and children. Moreover, BJJ is one of the few techniques that does not teach kids to punch and kick each other.
The Technique Helps Increasing Self-confidence
Needless to say, a child who knows self-defense walks around with a certain level of self-confidence and self-esteem. He or she is no longer worried or scared of walking alone.
Unlike other taekwondo or karate students, this kid has learned how to tackle on the ground and knows his/her strengths compared to others. BJJ teaches kids to learn from their failures and become more successful than others.
Increased Physical Activity
Everyone knows that childhood obesity is a serious concern, and this rate is increasing daily. There is no better way to overcome obesity than through this martial art. Kids who practice BJJ know that it is a practical and fun way of learning. Children burn many calories during classes, from warm-ups to rolling on the mats.
BJJ Also Helps to Improve Social Skills Among Kids
Kids learn to improve their social skills at a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training center. These classes allow children to meet new people and strengthen their bonds with each other. In almost all cases, kids have to work in pairs. Nevertheless, they help each other and, most importantly, learn to respect each other. It is also beneficial for shy kids to open up to their peers.
Conclusion
By now, you might be convinced that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is great art, not just for a kid's self-defense but for a child's overall development. Kids who have the skills that BJJ teaches grow into better adults in the future.