Kids Martial Arts in Bend, Oregon: Why should my child be involved?
Martial Arts in Bend and Central Oregon has a number of different options to choose from between varying styles. Out of those available styles from Karate to Kali, Boxing to BJJ we recommend Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ for short) for a child’s first martial art.
BJJ, the ‘gentle art’ from Brazil by way of Japan has numerous advantages over other styles that will greatly benefit your children. Here are a few tips on selecting the right martial art and gym, as well as what the benefits are for kids martial arts training.
Choosing the Right Martial Art for your child: In choosing a martial arts program that will be best for your child it is important to know what it is you are looking for in terms of objectives and tangible results once your goals are set. Whether the desired results are discipline, fitness, self defense, improving motor skills, increasing self confidence or competing in martial arts; BJJ is the right choice. In comparison to the vast majority of traditional martial arts, most styles practice katas and set combinations of techniques that are dependent on specific reactions under controlled circumstances to function correctly. With BJJ there is no requirement of an opponent to react in a certain predetermined manner in order to effectively apply a technique. Instead the gentle art of Jiu-Jitsu is built on combining technique that maximizes positioning and leverage in a free flowing manner. When it comes to self defense and practical application of martial arts in an uncontrolled situation the progressive method of training we use bridges the gap between practicing set techniques in a controlled situation to live application in an uncontrolled setting. The proven fact of effective application of BJJ makes this martial art one of the most effective in existence and the best choice.
Here are three of the most valuable benefits of involving your child in BJJ:
Becoming a better student in all areas of life through focus, character building and self discipline for starters. This is a trait that is continually developed through children’s involvement in BJJ. Reinforcement of how crucially important paying attention and focusing on the moment is a part of every lesson. Once a child grasps the importance of focus you will begin to see a change in how quickly they are able to learn new skills in life. That ability to learn is by no means limited to the gym, it is a learned attribute that is carried with the individual where ever they are such as school, chores, work, team involvement, etc.
Students learn self respect and how standing tall can improve how they feel about themselves. That same self respect radiates outward as the children begin to see the importance of respecting the people around them and creating healthy boundaries. This is the construct of good character built through consistently training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition, that same positive attitude and posture helps to avoid physical altercations before they even arise. Bullies are much less apt to target your child while they are standing tall with an air of confidence in themselves. In a worst case scenario should an altercation arise the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu’s application for self defense is with you whenever you need it.
Dealing with and overcoming complex, stressful situations is another major benefit to training BJJ. No matter how difficult the situation kids learn there is always a way to overcome the obstacles. Once a child understands this concept confidence rises and fears disappear, opening up the ability to capitalize on opportunities in life both on and off of the mat.
These first three advantages of involving your child in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu all have lasting effects that strengthen both their muscles and their young minds. With those listed benefits in mind, you should also know there are many more advantages to training Jiu-Jitsu.
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