This class is designed to teach the child discipline, respect, courtesy and instill self-esteem. The only prerequisites the child needs for this class are a desire to learn and have fun.
At the beginning this class focuses on teaching the child self-defense, with an introduction to ground work. As the child advances the focus changes from self-defense to groundwork.
The child becomes aware of what can be used on the play ground and what cannot. What can be practiced only at the school and what needs parental supervision when practiced else where.
You will get to see your child's self-esteem change before your very eyes, because as the child becomes involved in the hands on approach to learning his or her techniques, the child realizes what he or she can do.
I cannot begin to tell you how many of these youngsters I have taught have come to me and told me of an altercation they had, and were forced to use their Jiu-jitsu. They were able to end the altercation .......without even having to hurt the person.
Emma's Story;
"About a month ago, I was at the playground across the street from my house. A bully three years older than me was there. I'm in third grade and he's in sixth grade. While I was on the swings, he kicked me in the shins with his hard hiking boots. Then I got off the swings and he threw sand in my face. I started to clean the sand out of my eyes and he got behind me and wrapped his arms around my neck from behind, choking me. I held his arm, bent forward and threw him over my shoulder onto the sand in front of me. He looked up at me and said, "Oh my God!", then he got up and ran home.
Another kid who saw this said, "Wow! Are you in Judo or something?". I said proudly, "No, Jiu-Jitsu!". The other kid said, "AWESOME!".
When I got home, I told my parents what happened. My Dad said, "Is he okay?". I said, "Yes, he just fell onto the sand". Then my Dad asked, "How did you feel - did you panic when he attacked you?". I said, "No. I didn't really feel anything. We've done this move so many times in Jiu-Jitsu, it was just normal to me". My Dad was really proud.
About a week later, I was on the bully's street selling Girl Scout cookies with my sister. The bully's Mom opened the door and he hid behind her. He pointed at me and said, "You threw me!". My sister and I just laughed.
Emma Whamond
Nine years old, Castillo Jiu-Jitsu yellow belt
NOTE: Jiu-Jitsu means the "gentle art". It is designed to allow smaller, weaker people to defend themselves against bigger, stronger opponents. The goal is not to hurt your aggressor. It's designed to end the threat or make your opponent give up and go away. Emma didn't have to bash the bully in the face or trade blows with him on the playground. She just used a simple self-defense move that both protected her neck and turned the tables on the bully, ending the threat to her safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I want to get my child into martial arts, is this the right class for him? Answer: There is really no way to tell if this is the right class unless he comes down and participates, I recommend bringing him or her down and let them participate in their first class for free.
Question: My child is so shy, how can I get them to participate? Answer: Llet them bring a friend with them, that always helps them to relax and have fun when someone else they are familiar with is on the mat with them.
Question: Does my child need a uniform for this class? Answer: The only thing you really need for this class is a GI (uniform), mouth piece and a cup (if you are a male). The school can assist you in getting a uniform at a pretty good price..
Question: Will I learn self-defense that will help me in a street altercation? Answer: This class will cover self-defense, but bear in mind that BJJ with a GI, like the MMA class, is more tournament oriented! And rules are applied to tournaments, in the street there are no rules.
Question: How will my child know that he or she is reaching a level of proficiency in this class? Answer: The classes are structured so that you child is learning all the techniques for his next belt promotion, once the instructor sees that your child is becoming profiecient at the curriculum, you the parent will be told he or she is ready to test.
