As parents, we all want our children to grow up strong, confident, and resilient, god knows I do and try to get my son and daughter to try as many sports as possible. One of the best ways to nurture these traits is through sports, and there’s one that stands out from the rest for its unique blend of physical, mental, and social benefits: Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ). If you’re considering getting your child involved in martial arts, here’s why BJJ should be at the top of your list—especially for kids aged 8-15.
1. Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges
One of the key benefits of Brazilian Jiujitsu is how it helps kids build confidence, especially when dealing with challenges and adversity. Take, for example, a young student from our Academy who wasn’t very confident in playing rugby at school. He struggled with tackling and didn’t enjoy contact sports. However, after just three months of consistent BJJ training, he started to enjoy tackling and became comfortable with physical contact. Not only was he selected for his school rugby team, but he also went on to win a local BJJ competition.
This kind of transformation is common in BJJ. The sport teaches kids that failure is part of the journey. In each class, they will face challenges—whether it’s learning a new technique, sparring with a classmate, or simply improving their stamina. When they overcome these hurdles, their self-esteem skyrockets. It’s a powerful lesson that can carry over into school, friendships, and even future career paths.
2. Self - Defence and Bullying Prevention
No parent wants their child to feel vulnerable. Brazilian Jiujitsu is one of the most effective forms of self-defence, and it’s specifically designed to help people defend themselves against bigger or stronger opponents. For kids, this can be an invaluable skill, especially in situations where they might face bullying.
BJJ teaches children how to protect themselves without relying on size or strength. Instead, it emphasises technique, leverage, and using your opponent’s momentum against them. Even more important than the physical self-defence skills, however, is the mental empowerment BJJ provides. When kids know they can defend themselves, they’re less likely to feel intimidated, and often, that confidence alone is enough to deter bullies.
3. Developing Discipline and Focus
In today’s fast-paced world filled with distractions (especially technology), it can be tough for kids to develop strong focus and discipline. Brazilian Jiujitsu requires both. During training sessions, kids need to pay attention to the details of each technique. They must focus on their movements, their opponent’s actions, and the instructor’s guidance. There’s no room for daydreaming or distractions in the heat of a sparring match.
At Mahara Jiujitsu, kids between 8-15 attend two sessions per week—Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm. Regular attendance teaches them the value of consistency and discipline. Over time, these habits start to transfer to other areas of their lives, such as homework, sports, and daily responsibilities.
4. Fitness and Health Benefits
In a world where kids spend more time in front of screens than outdoors, Brazilian Jiujitsu is an excellent way to get them active and moving. BJJ is a full-body workout that improves strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. It’s a sport that works for all body types, meaning that whether your child is athletic or has never tried a sport before, BJJ can help them get in shape and improve their overall fitness.
But beyond physical fitness, BJJ also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Many students naturally start to pay more attention to their diets and sleep habits as they progress in their training. They begin to see the connection between their choices off the mat and their performance on the mat.
5. Camaraderie and Team-Building
While Brazilian Jiujitsu is an individual sport, it’s also deeply rooted in teamwork and camaraderie. Your child will train alongside their peers, helping each other improve, sparring together, and offering support during competitions. They’ll learn the importance of teamwork, respect, and humility.
At Mahara Jiujitsu, we emphasise the importance of creating a supportive community. Kids train together, grow together, and develop lifelong friendships. It’s common for BJJ schools to feel like a second family. This strong sense of belonging can be especially important for kids who might struggle to find their place in traditional team sports.
6. Handling Adversity and Hardship
One of the most powerful life lessons that Brazilian Jiujitsu teaches is how to handle adversity. Every child faces difficulties in their life, whether it’s at school, in social situations, or personal struggles. BJJ gives them the tools to face these challenges head-on.
In Jiu-Jitsu, there’s no easy path to victory. Kids will lose matches, get submitted in sparring, and have days where they feel like they’re not progressing. But through consistent practice and effort, they learn to persevere. They learn that failure isn’t something to fear but something to learn from and grow stronger. This mindset helps them develop grit and resilience, traits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
7. Why Parents Should Get Their Kids Involved
If you’re still wondering whether BJJ is the right fit for your child, here’s why parents should consider it:
It’s Safe: Despite being a combat sport, Brazilian Jiujitsu is one of the safest martial arts for kids. There’s no striking involved, so the risk of concussions and serious injuries is lower compared to other sports like rugby or boxing.
It’s Fun: Kids love BJJ because it’s engaging, dynamic, and constantly changing. They get to roll around, try new techniques, and experience the thrill of a good sparring match. It’s both mentally stimulating and physically challenging.
It’s Practical: Unlike some martial arts that focus on forms or kata, Brazilian Jiujitsu is highly practical. The techniques your child learns in class can be used in real-life situations, making it not only a sport but a valuable life skill.
If you’re looking to help your child build confidence, stay fit, and develop important life skills like discipline and resilience, Brazilian Jiujitsu is an incredible choice. At Mahara Jiujitsu, we’re passionate about helping kids become the best version of themselves—on and off the mat.
And who knows, one day they maybe a World Champion !
See you on the mat
Adz
Mahara Jiujitsu Owner
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