We get a lot of calls from parents asking “why is Jiu-Jitsu considered better for children than traditional Martial Arts.” We are more than happy to tell you why. A nice way of putting it is, Traditional Martials Arts like Tae Kwon Do and Karate are good for several things…but self-defense is not one of them. Perhaps it’s because Hollywood has fooled us by thinking flashy kicks and single punch knock outs are a reality. They are not. This is simply not realistic. Just watch any modern MMA match and you will see that single punch or kick knock outs are NOT common in fights. Usually when a lot striking is involved in a fight or self defense situation, it’s a SERIES of punches by a well trained fighter, in an equal weight class that results in a KO finish. Also, many times BOTH sides take a lot of punishment before victory is decided. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a very simple, yet effective philosophy: Maintain distance, stay safe, take the fight to the ground, get dominant position and finish with a submission hold. Not only does the Jiu-Jitsu practioner stay safe, but the opponent doesn’t have to get seriously injured either. After all, applying a choke hold or even an armlock is a lot more humane than overwhelming an attacker with punches, kicks knees and elbows. Striking can lacerations and even traumatic head injuries. Jiu-Jitsu, which translates to “gentle art” in Japanese, is just that. It gives the user options in which to end a fight. When it comes to children or even smaller adults, Jiu-Jitsu is king. If its anything that Grand Master Helio Gracie has taught us is that the smaller person knows how to use technique and leverage, the smaller person can always defend themselves against the larger opponent. In a child’s case, even If the attacker is much larger and a submission hold is out the question, because Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling based art form the child can use a technique that can break an attacker’s hold an get away safely. Much more realistic that a flashy jumping kick or perfectly placed knockout punch! In conclusion, there is no better, singular system of self-defense than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If this sounds like a good fit for your child, give us try! We have a 10 day FREE Trial. There’s no risk, what are you waiting for?
