Top 7 Benefits of Jiu Jitsu for Kids - How Jiu Jitsu Sets up Children for Lifelong Success

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that has been gaining some serious popularity over the past few years. For good reason too! BJJ is a great way for adults and kids alike to improve their fitness and self-defense skills. Kids in particular can learn important skills and develop characteristics early on that will set them up for success in life both on and off the mats.  

In this blog post, we’ll dive into seven key benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids and why it’s a great activity to consider for your child(ren).  

Let’s get started! 

1) Confidence

As kids learn new techniques and progress through belt ranks, they develop self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This newfound confidence and sense of accomplishment is ultimately the result of their consistency on the mats and dedication to learning. Consistency and commitment are integral to success in any area of life. 

2) Discipline and Focus

Learning Jiu Jitsu requires ample amounts of self-control and concentration. In order for kids to learn a new technique, they must first listen to their coach’s instructions and focus on the requirements of the technique. Then, they practice the moves and must show up to class consistently to progress and hone in on their newfound knowledge. All of this while being respectful towards their coaches and fellow students.

3) Physical Fitness

There’s no way around it. Jiu Jitsu is a physically demanding sport. It’s an interesting hybrid of both strength and cardio training with intermittent levels of intensity. Jiu jitsu also requires simultaneous physical and mental engagement, which helps kids develop a better mind-body connection. It’s for this reason that Jiu Jitsu is a great way to improve children’s overall fitness, including strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and self-awareness.

4) Self-defense

BJJ was founded with the intent of using your opponent's leverage against them. This means that regardless of weight and size, applying proper Jiu Jitsu technique is a practical approach to protecting oneself and provides children with essential self-defense skills, helping them feel more confident and secure in potentially dangerous situations.

5) Healthy Lifestyle

Jiu Jitsu has an inherent ability to instill healthy lifestyle habits such as proper nutrition, hydration, and rest. With the amount of physical energy exerted during class, it’s easy to notice when something feels off and this often leads students to make healthier dietary decisions to aid their performance and recovery.

6) Resilience

Jiu Jitsu requires children to adapt to new situations and learn from mistakes. The mats are a place for overcoming obstacles and fears, dealing with discomfort, and learning from mistakes. As is the case with anything, something worth doing is not easy and will come with its fair share of setbacks. Jiu Jitsu is an excellent tool for building resilience and overcoming challenges to accomplish goals and do great things.

7) Social Skills

Jiu Jitsu provides a social and supportive environment where kids develop important social skills. Since Jiu Jitsu techniques are often complex and require multiple steps, kids often collaborate with one another as a team to review the steps and learn the technique. Kids also have the added benefit of learning from their instructors who serve as positive role models emphasizing the importance of respect, hard work, and discipline.

Overall, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an excellent activity for children that provides physical, mental, and social benefits to help set kids up for lifelong success both on and off the mats .

Team Passos offers its signature Kids’ Zoo-Jitsu™️ Program designed to maximize the benefits of Jiu Jitsu training. Our program features a structured curriculum and a team of vetted coaches who offer a fun and supportive environment for students to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Through our programs, students have the opportunity to build positive character traits and develop self-defense skills. 

Click this link to learn more about our Kids Zoo-Jitsu Program or sign up below for a free trial!