On the Northern Beaches, it’s pretty much a non-negotiable that every kid will do swimming lessons at some point. We live near the beach, so you need to know how to swim for your own safety and to enjoy other fun adventures like surfing, body boarding, sailing, fishing etc.

We know we’re biased (for a good reason) but we strongly believe training some kind of martial arts should be a given on every kid’s schedule too. ALL martial arts provide a solid structure and foundation to support a child’s physical and mental health, so it’s a matter of finding the right martial art that suits your child best.

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that is predominantly ground based, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing to control an opponent. Importantly, it achieves this without striking or using force, which makes it one of the most popular options for parents.

We planned to give you a Top 3 list of reasons why every kid should learn Jiu-Jitsu but the reasons kept on coming…and coming! Here’s our Top TEN list:

1. PHYSICAL BENEFITS: So many kids are referred to us by Occupational Therapists (OTs) and other medical professionals, because of the obvious physical benefits. Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport that improves cardio fitness, core strength and mobility. It’s helps with proprioception - your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location - through the combination of animal walks we do, games we play and techniques we teach. 

2. IT BUILDS CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE AND ASSERTIVENESS: In our kids classes, we’ll often call out kids to lead the warm up, demonstrate techniques and answer questions. Getting them comfortable with being seen in front of others helps to build confidence and leadership skills. Resilience is practised a few ways - by showing up to class each week, getting back up when you’re down and learning how to stand your ground. 

3. ANTI-BULLYING + SELF DEFENCE: Bullying is an extremely complex issue, but here’s a simple explanation. Bullies lack confidence and prey on weaker kids. Jiu-Jitsu kids work on building their confidence, strength and resilience and learn how to stand up for themselves - therefore, are less likely to be bullies or get bullied continuously. We teach a self-defence based style of Jiu-jitsu at NBJJA, learning how to firstly avoid a situation (situational awareness/escape) and secondly to de-escalate and control a confrontation, without striking or using force. These are situations that are faced every day in the real world - and should be practised every day too.

4. IT’S AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT THAT ENCOURAGES SOCIALISATION: Jiu-Jitsu is great for kids who don’t enjoy team sports. However, although it’s an individual sport, you still need to work with others to practise the techniques. We match kids up based on their size and experience and switch partners around, which is great for socialisation and being comfortable around different people. 

5. IT COMPLEMENTS OTHER SPORTS: We also have kids train with us to complement other sports they love. The wrestling we teach in Jiu-Jitsu helps rugby players learn more effective and safe techniques to tackle their opponents. Surfers love jiu-jitsu more for the complementary lifestyle and mental health benefits - being able to read the conditions, acceptance of failure, adaptability and being open-minded. Gymnasts/dancers for body awareness, mobility etc…we could go on!

6. CONTINUOUS LEARNING + PROBLEM SOLVING: Every time you step on the mats, from white belt to black belt, you learn. It’s a thinking person’s sport that’s often described as a physical game of chess - you need to think ahead and plan your moves. It will switch on a different part of their brain and allow them to think both strategically and creatively. 

7. IT WORKS FOR KIDS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES: Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that utilises leverage, therefore enabling a smaller person to overcome heavier, stronger opponents. The bigger kids often find it ‘easy’ to start with, as they rely on their strength. But as time goes on, the kids who listen and apply the techniques will be the ones who dominate, regardless of size. So it’s a sport that has a more even playing field where all kids can thrive … not just the athletically gifted! 

8. PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF: Kids today live in a world of instant gratification and participation prizes. Jiu-Jitsu is the opposite - you need to put in the work and be patient. Stripes and coloured belts are earned over a long period of time, and awarded to those who consistently show up, put in the effort, have a great attitude and demonstrate our values (outlined here). This is a better reflection of how the ‘real’ world works, and helps to create good habits and more realistic expectations for the future.

9. IT PROMOTES DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT: There are many rituals in Jiu-jitsu that must be respected. Wearing a clean uniform, tying up the belt correctly, bowing to enter and exit the mats, sitting properly, taking shoes on/off etc. Throughout the class, kids will need to line up, wait their turn, train respectfully with a partner, shake their hand etc. With additional help from parents, these rituals and good habits can be continued off the mats both in the home and school classroom. 

10. IT WON’T GET CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER: La Nina has wreaked havoc on so many sports and activities this year! Our son’s AFL training sessions and games were cancelled at least 30% of the time, and we’ll no doubt experience the same with summer soccer. Thank goodness Jiu-Jitsu is indoors, so you can guarantee we’ll never cancel a session due to the weather! It’s also a sport that runs all year round, so can be trained consistently or slotted in amongst other seasonal activities.

GIVE JIU-JITSU A GO!

If you want to give your child a head start, book a free trial session at the Northern Beaches Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Cromer. We teach kids from aged 4 to 15 in our Nippers (age 3.5 to 6), Grommets (7 to 10) and Titans (11 to 15) Program, and Adults from 16 onwards.