Parents often ask when is it safe for their child to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes?
Should kids in the 5 to 12-year-old age range train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Are they ready or is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu too dangerous for kids? Should they ?
To answer “when is a child ready to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts in general” and “when is it safe for a kid to start competing”. We have been working with underage children between the ages of 5 and 12 for many years. We are of the opinion that 5-6-year-old children are prepared to take part in martial arts classes.
Competition, if so desired, should be introduced at a later stage, depending on the child’s maturity we believe this to be from age 8 to 10 years old. An 8-10-year-old child will have the maturity to follow the rules and deal with the inevitable frustration of defeat.
Kids absorb everything they see and hear. Not only does Jiu-Jitsu teach them a form of self-defence, but it also teaches them important life lessons. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a practical martial art for children. Many other martial arts involve striking. Do you want your child to go through life throwing punches? We see much bullying in schools; Jiu-Jitsu allows your child to gain control. We do not encourage kids to fight if they have the option to defend.
We believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is good for people of all ages. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids is safe and effective if taught the right way. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids does not have to be overly technical.
At Gracie Mona vale our instructors understand children and their growth patterns about their physical, mental and emotional development. We build a program that is ‘just right’ for kids. We believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids 5 to 12 years old is a good thing. Our instructors practice safe habits, minimising the possibilities of injury. At Gracie Mona vale we promote a safe environment for kids.
Jiu-Jitsu promotes a child’s development, not only physically but also socially and emotionally. Participating in Jiu-Jitsu classes in a balanced manner can help kids cope with emotions and aggression.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a contact sport, so children need to be prepared to wrestle and have physical contact with other children. There is no real perfect way to figure out if your child is ready but to give it a try. The best way to get started is to schedule an appointment for a trial class. The first class is about your child getting comfortable in a new environment and having a fun, positive experience. It helps to arrive 10 minutes early for the first class; this will allow your child to get comfortable and confident. Use the free trial class as an opportunity to see if your child is ready to start Jiu-Jitsu classes.
We recommend not to push your child to start martial arts classes. If you push too hard, they may never want to return in the future. Right now may not be the right time, but in a year or 2 it may be? Either way, you want to do what’s best for your child, JIU-JITSU that is!