- Physical Health
- Cognition and mental health
- Socialization and entertainment
- Discipline
- Self-defense
Do you know why Jiu-Jitsu is great for children?
In addition to being a martial art that promotes physical and mental health balance, the Jiu-Jitsu foundation is to make the individuals more secure and self-confident, able to defend themselves. For that reason and many other ones, it’s the most popular martial art in the world today.
Also, it teaches principles such as discipline, respect, resilience, and humility that are fundamental in the development of a child’s character. It is recommended by doctors, psychologists, and educators, as an integral part of education, a palliative of psychic tensions and a factor in physical development.
In today’s article we will explore some reasons why children should train this amazing and ancestor martial art.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
A study made in a brazilian university, UNIFAGOC, compared the nutritional status in children who practice and don’t practice jiu-jitsu and observed that the group of practitioners have better control of their body weight, in contrast to the other. It was concluded that training this modality brings significant advantages to the body composition of children, positively impacting body mass and preventing childhood obesity.
Furthermore, it promotes healthy physical development by stimulating strength with one’s own body weight, preventing injuries, but gaining flexibility, motor coordination, respiratory and cardiovascular optimization.
COGNITION AND MENTAL HEALTH
The practice of Jiu-Jitsu stimulates children’s intellect, requiring learning, memory stimulation, development of logical reasoning and strategy for the movements to be carried out, being not just a fight but a technical game.
Also, it reduces hyperactivity because it demands a lot of concentration and high energy expenditure. This relieves anxiety and takes the focus away from external things, being a healthy source of dopamine supply instead of screens and games.
SOCIALIZATION & ENTERTAINMENT
Jiu-jitsu classes are a moment to share not just the mat, but respect, partnership, patience with others and the development in jiu jitsu’s journey. This is what this martial art brings. It is an individual sport that provides a sense of community, friendship, and support. The kids’ classes are also playful, with different activities, bringing fun and deepening friendships, encouraging socialization and happiness.
VALUES
With jiu-jitsu, children learn to respect others, not only the hierarchy and the elders, but the opponent and the colleagues. Also, they learn to deal with victories and failures, to have humility, persistence and resilience.
They need to have discipline and dedication to conquer new stripes and colored belts, which shapes the spirit of hard work and reward, being, therefore, more prepared for life’s battles.
SELF-DEFENSE
Jiu-jitsu protects children: in a violent world and with the existence of bullying, it is necessary that our children become less vulnerable and prepared to defend themselves without becoming aggressive, but responsive. You can click here to read our article and learn more about jiu-jitsu as a self-defense anti-bullying practice!
Check out here the schedule of GB Thousand Oaks Kids Classes:
Kids All Levels Nogi
Little Champions 1
Little Champions 2.
Bring your children to try a free class and enjoy the benefits of this practice! Try a free class.