A little history about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

By Lucinda Datres

Jiu-Jitsu, pronounced (joo’jitsoo) is a martial art whose origin can be traced to Japan and is based on early 20th century Kodokan Judo. Jiu-Jitsu is known as the “Gentle Art”, because there are no kicks, strikes or punches involved. Instead Jiu-Jitsu teaches students to use leverage and balance to gain a dominant position over an opponent. Joint-locks and choke-holds are employed to force the opponent to submit.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became known to the world in the 1990’s when Royce Gracie won the first, second and fourth Ultimate Fighting Championships. Since that time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools have spread throughout the United States and the world. Its overwhelming appeal is that it is the only single martial arts style that addresses all areas of fighting completely, without the need to cross-train. This makes Jiu-Jitsu a complete self-defense system.

With its technique based in escapes and submissions, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect non-violent method for self defense. As a matter of fact, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was develped specifically to give smaller opponents the advantage. By using leverage and balance, women and children can successfully defend themselves against much larger and stronger assailants.

This “Gentle Art” is perfect for children who do not yet have the maturity of judgment to responsibly handle martial arts techniques that incorporate kicks and punches. Jiu-Jitsu class time is filled with fun games and drills, one-on-one instruction, as well as sparring or ground grappling with a partner. Tons of positive reinforcement and the use of logical consequences keeps everyone focused on learning and fun. This action packed class, with close body contact and attention to detail has also proven to be a wonderfully effective teaching method for children with Attention Disorders and Autism.

How this martial can help children face the challenges of modern life

By Joao Crus

Virtually every parent hopes their child gets physically and psychologically ready to deal with the challenges of modern life. The challenges children face can be discouraging, from bullies to the results of academic tests that can influence their entire life. Children must learn how the defend themselves having the right tools.
What can be done to help them? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is vital for the integrity of a child. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy that prepares a child for life rather than for a tournament should prepare a child for any self defense situation. The geniality of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught in the proper way can help the child to build great self confidence when he/she realizes that no bully can intimidate them, and also there is the development of motor skills, body coordination, mental discipline and academic achievement.
Additionally, the child is engaged with his/her peers in a positive atmosphere of social interaction, essential skill for all aspects of life.
In my school I incorporated specific exercises to remove all kinds of fears and insecurities, and activities to develop teamwork and social interaction.
I also brought together certain methods of physical education to improve motors skills, logical thinking and mathematics ability.
I was proud when Grandmaster Carlson Gracie first observed our children's class he stated, " I cannot imagine a parent that watch this class and would not be willing to enroll their son or daughter on this program, because it is a fantastic activity in building confidence, discipline and teach kids in how to defend themselves."
It is our responsibility to teach children and help them become better human being. With the enormous challenges children face today, I feel it's essential for them to face life equipped with the physical, psychological, and emotional power that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can offer them.

Why Kids Should Start with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

By Joao Crus

There are many different Martial Arts out there, and it can be confusing to really understand the differences between styles when you are trying to choose what would be best for your child. Here are several reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the safest and most appropriate form for children to begin their journey into the world of Martial Arts.

1. It is a non-violent yet effective and complete self-defense system.
Many parents want their child to learn a martial art in order to defend herself/himself against bullies or unwanted strangers. Having a safe and foundational system of self-defense is key to children feeling confident about defending themselves if needed. Because it is completely based in leverage and submission, BJJ technique actually gives the smaller opponent an advantage. There is no kicking or punching involved, unlike many other martial arts. Those striking techniques demand a level of maturity that many children have not yet developed and can lead to unintentional and harmful use outside of the dojo.

2. It is a natural martial art, based in leverage and balance.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uses the principles of “action - reaction,” leverage, and base. Children learn to use an opponent’s power as an advantage, rather than fighting against the force. We practice many different games that help children
experience these principles and learn to understand how to use them as techniques. Children develop a heightened sense of body awareness and coordination, which leads to self-confidence and inner discipline. Not only do children learn how to effectively defend themselves, but also strengthen their kinesthetic abilities to excel in any other sport of which they participate. It doesn’t have to be a choice of one sport or the other.

3. It is interactive and fluid (not rigid and redundant).
The majority of class time involves working in partners and practicing the application of moves. This constant close contact allows practitioners to “ingrain” the natural phenomenon of body action and reaction to leverage and balance in an interactive way, rather than individual repetitious moves in “theoretical” scenarios. Children learn to “read” and anticipate an opponent’s movements, and respond accordingly. They actually experience the dynamic constantly and it becomes “hard wired” into their body memory.

There are many other benefits to starting your child in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We encourage you to come and see for yourself the difference.

Helping Children with Attention Difficulties

By Joao Crus

Through the years of teaching children the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I have found that the very essence of body contact involved in BJJ helps students with attention difficulties (whether it has been labeled ADD, ADHD, or Autism) develop their attention skills. You may ask, what does body contact have to do with attentive abilities?. Let me explain.
First of all, I am no specialist in child development or psychology. I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitzu Instructor with a growing student base of kids with diverse special needs. I have had to experiment and adapt my teaching methods to encompass a wide range of abilities, skills, and development. What works to engage those who have attention disabilities is the body-interaction through physical contact with others as they practice the many drills, activities, and games of a BJJ class. The kids get very involved in this dynamic because it is fun and full of action.
Close contact with training partners is a huge part of what class- time is filled with, being a ground grappling sport (different from striking martial artsthere is no punching or kicking in BJJ). The constant tactile stimulation of body contact, as students develop their awareness of balance and leverage, demands a childs full attention as she trains to defend herself. Participating in this form of physical interaction helps a student feel more connected and grounded to his present activity and not get lost in watching the butterfly outside the window.
Even though it may be difficult to pay attention to verbal instructions, the strong emotional drive of wanting to participate with others motivates children with attention difficulties to focus on what is being demonstrated in order to be a part of the interactive training. All of these variables working together strengthen a childs focus and attention skills through continuous participation. However, a partnership between the instructor and parents is vital to being successful. Without this partnership very little can be accomplished when there are special needs involved with a students participation.
I have learned that in some circles body contact of any kind is automatically considered a negative thing that encourages violence. My experience has shown me that it actually promotes body awareness and self confidence that diminishes the need for violent action. Students of all ages learn to train carefully and consciously. Body contact can be a very important learning tool.