How Jiu Jitsu for Kids Improves Focus and Discipline in School

For the past thirteen years of training and being around jiu jitsu academies, I've seen how transformative jiu jitsu for kids can be.

Parents initially focus on the physical benefits, hoping their child will learn self-defense, learn to adopt an active lifestyle, etc. Those things are great and will happen - but the magic happens outside the academy. When a child starts training jiu jitsu, what a child learns in the academy often times spills over into all aspects of their life such as school, social skills, and a child's overall well-being.

I've witnessed first-hand shy kids blossom into confident leaders and struggling students find a newfound focus, single handedly through jiu jitsu.

From the BJJ Mats to the Classroom

You might be wondering how a physically demanding activity like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can translate to better grades for your child. BJJ training gives you more than just physical skills - it teaches you how to quiet your mind and narrow your attention.

Kids learn to better focus on the small details of tasks. They learn how to strategize, anticipate their opponent's next move, and stay calm under pressure, as well as positive social interaction amongst their training partners.

Enhanced Concentration Through Body Awareness

Unlike other sports where strength often plays a large part, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu requires strategy and technique. That's not to say strength isn't a factor - it is, but jiu jitsu requires children to be acutely aware of their bodies, their balance, and even their breathing. This mental clarity also sharpens their focus in the classroom, where they can tackle challenges with renewed confidence and absorb information like a sponge.

Discipline and Respect: Essential Life Skills

Respect is something that is non-negotiable in any legit kids jiu jitsu class as students learn to respect their instructors, their training partners, and the rules of the sport. With respect as their guiding principle, they carry themselves confidently in front of teachers, interact considerately with classmates, and show deference to authority figures.

An atmosphere of respect, paired with good old-fashioned hard work, breeds academic champions. When students commit to training and give it their all, they lay the groundwork for impressive achievements. When kids learn to respect themselves, it's like a light bulb goes off - parents witness a boost in confidence and a sense of capability that lasts a lifetime.

Building Resilience and a Growth Mindset

BJJ teaches kids that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth. Just like they learn from losing in competition or sparring, they learn to approach academic challenges with a similar resilience.

A poor grade on a test isn’t a reason to give up, but rather a chance to analyze their mistakes, study harder or adjust their approach, and try again.

Harnessing the Power of Goal Setting

I am a HUGE believer that belts don't matter - just show up, put your bjj gi on, train, and have fun! However, for kids the promotion system in jiu jitsu provides a clear framework for setting and achieving goals. Earning new stripes and belts is more than just a pretty symbol - it's proof that kids are making progress and have the chops to take on the next challenge. This habit of goal setting, coupled with the perseverance that jiu jitsu demands can translate into setting more goals off the mats.

Improved Social Skills and Reduced Distractions

While technically your child's BJJ academy will be teaching them to choke people out and break limbs - it's actually an amazing breeding ground for healthy social interaction. Learning to put their heads together, kids cultivate the art of collaboration, listening to each other's perspectives, and united, they drive towards a common purpose.

Teamwork takes center stage as kids switch up their training partners, honing their social skills, brainstorming strategies, and building trust – it's a lesson in collaboration that pays off. With a focus on building strong team dynamics, students gain the skills they need to shine in group projects and effortlessly collaborate with their classmates.

As their confidence grows through mastering new skills, children are more likely to participate actively in class, ask questions, and advocate for themselves.

A Healthy Energy Outlet

We all know kids are bursting with energy. When the flames of youthful exuberance start to burn bright, jiu jitsu leaps into action, taming that wild energy with soothing confidence. Training consistently will help them to regulate their energy levels, making them less likely to fidget or become restless in class.

Children who master self-control, both physically and mentally, display fewer Behavioral outbreaks - a welcome change for frazzled parents. A well-regulated student is like a sponge, capable of absorbing new ideas and concepts in a classroom where other kids might get bogged down.

Empowering Girls Through Jiu Jitsu

Is BJJ a good activity for girls? YES. In fact, I challenge you to go to a random BJJ school and watch their kids class, you'll notice immediately that overall the girls are better than the boys. I don't know what it is, but they seem to retain the details easier and at ages where there isn't really a size or strength difference the girls dominate.

Trust me, there is no better feeling as a father watching your little girl not only defend herself - but submit a boy that is equally trying to submit her.

Conclusion

Jiu jitsu for kids is so much more than a sport, it's a vehicle for personal development - which the same can be said for adults. Beyond the self-defense skills and fitness benefits, the mental and emotional growth it nurtures is unparalleled. Whether you're considering enrolling your child in jiu jitsu or you're already part of the jiu jitsu family, remember, the lessons learned on the mat extend far beyond the academy. If they are not, it may be time to explore finding a new academy.