By Tina Baba
In the last article we discussed, in general terms, some of the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). In this article we discuss the benefits of BJJ as it relates to specifically to childhood development. There is no better time to learn specific movements and complex tasks than in childhood. The body in childhood is very adaptable with known benefits to the body and mind when skills are acquired during this period of time. Below lists 8 reasons why BJJ is good for your child’s development.
Hyperactivity in children: Young children have a lot of energy and many spend time sitting in school and even after school they may be entertained in a manner without expending energy.
BJJ helps release a lot of energy by providing an environment that facilitates physical activity. Our class curriculum for children
include learning techniques and practicing movements repetitively. We also include fun games that require the child to move their energetic bodies.
Improving problem solving skills: In BJJ we are continually put into tough situations and forced to learn how to defend and counter. Even when the child solves a problem in one situation, another is presented to the child as the child develops. In BJJ they will have learned hundreds of situational challenges and will have learned what to do in each.
Self-confidence through discipline and hard work: BJJ requires the child to sit quietly at times and listen to an older person (instructor), this is often a challenge for some children who often tend to drift off. BJJ will teach your child the benefits of learning something by way of discipline and see the benefits of the effort the child puts in.
Many sport psychologists recommend using one’s past performance as a way of 
encouraging the individual prepare to perform under stressful situations in the future. This life skill is developed in BJJ. As the child will have gone from a beginner to be very skillful at BJJ, taking many years of hard work, your child can look on this progress and gain a certain level of calm and confidence from the continual challenges they have encountered and overcome to get to the level they are at currently.
Forming healthy habits in youth: Many problems can manifest itself in the teenage years. BJJ keeps your child focused on healthy lifestyle goals in good company of young and old individuals training in BJJ. This challenging sport provides an excellent diversion keeping them focused and out of potentially troubling situations.
Bully prevention: Whether it’s in the workplace or in the playgrounds of school, bullies share the same traits by targeting certain individuals. Often the potential victim fails to appear confident and does not speak up immediately. BJJ helps the individual attain a certain degree of confidence without being arrogant, that often helps stop a situation before it escalates. Particularly with young people, being able to be confident in a potentially stressful situation, while treating the people around them with respect goes a long way in bully prevention. Even if attacked, the BJJ practitioner is often well equipped to control a physical alteration should it occur, in a very defensive manner without striking the opponent.
Confidence in socializing: Many individuals can be shy where little to no interaction is experienced in their daily lives. Putting the individual into classes where being close to other individuals is a requirement for the sport and thereby reinforces healthy social skills.
Bringing families together: Many of our members at Inverse Vail do BJJ as a family. This is a great activity to do as a family, as with our busy lives, we have less time to spend with our families. Joining Inverse as a family will ensure you have bought out the time to do an activity together increasing the family bond.
Childhood obesity is on the rise: Childhood obesity has almost tripled since the 1970’s to where 1 in 5 school aged children has clinical obesity. It is no surprise that one of the major factors is a lack of physical activity. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu keeps your child physically active and could possibly help maintain a healthy weight for your child.
As noted above, training BJJ can have tangible benefits for your child’s development. This article has highlighted just a few. We encourage you to pay us a visit and book your child in for a free trial class, today to see how BJJ can benefit you and your children.
Call: 520 274 4959 or email info@inversejj.com Inverse Vail: 9172 S. Houghton Road Suite 140, Tucson AZ 85747
