Contact:
Phone: 5037384080
Email: zjadamson@gmail.com
Website: www.orbjj.com
Address:
1601 S. Roosevelt
Seaside Oregon
97138
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Kids and Jiu Jitsu
One could write their dissertation on this topic as there are numerous avenues to explore. For the sake of time and space I am only going to touch on the highlights. As a parent who trains jiu jitsu I can say from experience that it is great for “ALL” kids.
Kids have an endless supply of energy which needs to be channeled in meaningful directions which allows them the opportunity to have thoughtful play that keeps them entertained and out of trouble. Kids are like sponges and are able to soak up information easily since they have not established set biases. Working with kids at an early age is crucial in helping to establish their self esteem, cognitive skills and confidence.
So why jiu jitus you ask. Jiu jitsu is physical yet controlled, this allows the kids the opportunity to expel much of that adolescent energy as they build muscle coordination, flexibility, stamina, respect, humility, and self restraint in a safe and supervised environment. However, as physical as jiu jitsu might be it is as much mental if not more. Jiu jitsu is similar to solving a life size puzzle, technique requires mental practice and repetition, and as the child’s library of techniques expand so will the need to solve more complex puzzles. These puzzles I speak of is the ability to link multiple techniques together, respond with the proper counter to the opponents attack, and the development of a personal style and strategy. The cognitive skills used in training jiu jitsu are similar to that of a chess player. And we can not forget the self confidence that kids gain from such physical accomplishments, which can serve to keep them from being bullied in school and less inclined to be involved in school yard brawls.
Kids love to grapple, it comes natural to them to roll around on the ground and horse play, so I say why not get them into an environment which lends to this natural act. Kids classes are a great opportunity for your child to make many new friends and usually are right after school making it very conveient. Many academies have free trial periods where your child can test the waters so to speak, if you have the opportunity I encourage you to take advantage of the offer if available.
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