Kids BJJ vs Kids Karate, Kung Fu and Taekwondo


As parents, we are inundated with programs to put our children into, soccer, gymnastics, music, hockey, etc. Most of us recognize that martial arts is an essential program to teach our children discipline and respect. However many of us put our children into karate or kung fu because that is what we learned as kids and we are not aware of any other options. I am going to speak to you as to why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is considered the most effective martial art in the world and why you should enroll your child in our Kids BJJ/Self-Defense Program.

1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses leverage and control, rather than punches and kicks

The entire premise of BJJ is how to take your opponent to the ground and use leverage to control and submit them. This is all done without one punch or kick being thrown. This minimizes the risk of injury to both your child and the child they are defending themselves against. If your child throws a punch or kick at school and injures another student, there will be a definite suspension and possible police involvement, regardless if they were trying to defend themselves. BJJ will teach your child how to defend themselves without violence, injury and subsequent disciplinary action.

2. Teaches the smaller opponent to submit and control the larger opponent

If our child is going to be bullied in the schoolyard, it is more than likely going to be by a larger and stronger kid. BJJ was originally developed to teach a smaller, weaker opponent to use technique and leverage to overcome strength and size. A child who walks around with the confidence to defend themselves is usually not the target of bullies in the first place. As well, a child with confidence and discipline will not turn into a bully.

3. More practical in everyday life than karate or kung fu

Our Kids BJJ program teaches everyday self-defense techniques. Such as what to do if someone grabs your child’s arm and tries to pull them, or tries to grab your child from behind and drag them, or tries to choke them. These are techniques that are integrated into everyday classes. Karate and Kung Fo focus on style, repetitive air punching and kicking, breaking boards and traditional weapons training (swords, staffs, nunchak), all of which are impractical in everyday life. BJJ is based on the simple notion that 90% of fights end up on the ground and you need to learn how to defend yourself whether you are in the top or bottom position. No other martial art focuses on this reality. BJJ was developed on the streets of Brazil and is constantly evolving, it is a fluid martial art that prides itself on its practical usage and encourages creativity and the development of new techniques.

4. Will challenge and stimulate your kids mentally, as much as physically

Your child will be taught techniques and through live grappling, they are encouraged to learn how to use these techniques in real-life situations. Your child will learn through failures and successes and be constantly engaged mentally. This is different from karate and kung fu which focus on a set combination of moves through repetition and memorization. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu encourages the creativity and problem-solving abilities of your child. These are important skills that will transcend into their everyday lives.

5. Teaches hard work and discipline

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more challenging than any other martial art, which as a result makes it more rewarding. It takes an immense amount of practice and discipline to become proficient. Often a technique has to be practiced and attempted hundreds of times before it becomes effective in live grappling. Imagine how good your child will feel after persevering and successfully executing a technique that may have seemed impossible months ago. This is one of the greatest life gifts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will give your child, the ability to persevere in the face of impossibility. Many other martial arts, such as karate and taekwondo hand out belts so rapidly that a child/adult can obtain the highest belt in less than 5 years. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt progression is much slower and there is a huge sense of accomplishment and pride when a belt is earned. It is not uncommon to see grown men and women crying when they are presented with a belt. Professor Marcio Nunes trained for more than 20 years before earning his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu!! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will teach your child the value of hard work and discipline.

MN Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy has one of the most comprehensive and safe martial arts programs in Ontario. Third Degree Black Belt Marcio Nunes has spent years developing his BJJ kids program and is constantly improving and evolving it to meet any new and unforeseen challenges our kids might face. Give your child the gift of confidence and the knowledge of self-defense. Enroll your child into our Kids or Youth BJJ/Self-Defense Program. Take advantage of our FREE WEEK TRIAL, we guarantee you will not be disappointed!

MN Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy is located in Burlington, servicing Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Hamilton, and Mississauga.

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