4 REASONS YOU NEED TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN JIU-JITSU TODAY
Times are changing. Twenty years ago, the main choices when enrolling your child in Martial Arts was either American Karate or Tae Kwon Do. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was nowhere near as mainstream as it is today and wasn’t even calculated in the equation.
Fortunately, just like we no longer have to choose between DVDs or VHS, your options for Martial Arts are not only more extensive but also more accessible. Just a few clicks online will reveal articles showing how Jiu-Jitsu is rapidly becoming THE mainstream activity to prevent kids from being bullied, boost confidence, & prevent obesity.
But how can one choose between little Johnny spending his developmental years chasing a soccer ball in a field or training in Jiu-Jitsu? We’ve got a short list that should make this decision a no-brainer.
- JIU-JITSU PREPARES YOU FOR A REAL ATTACK
Fighting is violent. When a human being decides to attack it will be chaotic, aggressive, and unpredictable. The most obvious difference between Jiu-Jitsu & other martial arts like Karate or Tae Kwon Do is the “live matches” performed at every Jiu-Jitsu class. A live Jiu-Jitsu match is a match between two people who are actively trying to get the takedown and submit their teammate. During these matches you have no idea (or limited idea) of what the other person will be trying to do so you must be FULLY prepared for anything. It’s these Jiu-Jitsu matches that distinguish a skilled fighter from a novice/amateur fighter in the street or on the playground.
- JIU-JITSU GIVES YOUR CHILD CONFIDENCE
One of the main reasons parents seek out Jiu-Jitsu is to build up their kid’s confidence. They say things like “Amir is a good kid, but I don’t want others taking advantage of him.” Or “Landon is very influenceable, I don’t want him to be a follower. I want him to stand up for himself when others are trying to get him in trouble.” A compelling article in psychologytoday.com can be found here discussing the importance of raising a confident child. The confidence that comes from Jiu-Jitsu will obtain quicker and longer lasting results for you results than any other sport.
- JIU-JITSU BUILDS SOCIAL SKILLS
It should go without saying that a child’s ability to defend themselves is not the only important aspect of early childhood development. Coaching children to interact appropriately and maturely with other people should be a top priority for any Jiu-Jitsu academy. Things like eye contact, speaking clearly, proper manners, self-control, respect, kindness, anger management, & attention span (to name a few) should be reinforced daily. If they are not then you could potentially be arming a bully with tools to inflict more damage on others.
- JIU-JITSU KEEPS YOUR CHILD ACTIVE
Contrary to popular belief, a sedentary lifestyle of playing Fortnite and chugging Mountain Dew Game Fuel is not in your child’s best interest. Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to get your child off the couch, get exercise, and control their weight in an environment that is fun and welcoming. Jiu-Jitsu is an especially unique activity due to it’s ability to attract kids who have zero athletic background.
Author: David Fox, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Instructor At Metro Jiu-Jitsu in Southgate, Michigan
Metrojj.com
13555 Eureka Rd,
Southgate, MI 48195
734.225.6230
