In general, martial arts lessons help your kids be in their best shape (mentally and physically) while being able to defend themselves from an opponent. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), for instance, has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts for kids of all ages. Enrolling in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu kids’ program of a renowned Monroe martial arts school became a trend in the past decade, for several reasons.
For one, the values of humility and courtesy to one’s martial arts instructor and opponents (which are at the center of the traditional martial arts school) are still present in almost all martial arts classes, including kids classes under the Jiu-Jitsu training program. Additionally, similar to other fitness programs that help promote self-discipline, Jiu-Jitsu training improves your child’s self-esteem. It helps build confidence since the introductory training methods and fighting styles used in drills and competitions are easy to learn, even for those with no experience in doing martial arts training.
Some consider Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the best martial art for those who want their kids to gain self-confidence, get fit, learn practical fighting techniques, and be well-rounded individuals. For those who are unfamiliar with this martial art, however, it might help to know how Jiu-Jitsu is scored.
As seen in most BJJ rulesets, the positions and techniques below, as defined in the IBJJF ruleset, score the following corresponding points:
Back control
Back control is when the back athlete controls their opponent’s back using their legs and feet between their opponent’s thighs while being in a position to trap at least one of their opponent’s arms. Four (4) points are scored but one must have legs uncrossed and must hold for three seconds. Following IBJJF rules, if the attacker crosses or triangles their legs, four points are not awarded but an advantage is given instead.
Mount and back mount
Mount is defined as the top player sitting on the opponent’s torso while facing the opponent’s head. The top player must have two knees on the mat or one knee and one foot on it. The position must be held for three seconds to score. The back mount, meanwhile, is defined as a variation of the mount where both athletes are facing down towards the mat, with the top athlete having the same mount position but over the opponent’s back. Four (4) points are scored but one must hold for three seconds to score, where the top player can be upon one foot.
Guard pass
A guard pass is when the competitor in the top position overcomes the bottom opponent’s legs in the guard or half guard to end up in side control or north-south position. The passer must hold side control or north-south for three seconds to score three (3) points.
Sweep
A sweep is when the athlete in the bottom guard or half guard inverts the position to get on top of their opponent and holds the position for three seconds. Two (2) points are scored but the athlete must start from guard or half guard and the dominant position must be kept for three seconds after the sweep.
Knee-on-belly
Knee-on-belly is when a competitor places their knee or shin on their opponent’s chest, ribs, or belly while the opponent is on their back or side. The attacker must have their other knee off the mat and hold the position for at least three seconds to score two (2) points.
Takedown
A takedown is when one competitor starts with two feet on the mat and causes the opponent to land on their back, or in a sideways or seated position. To score two (2) points for a takedown in the IBJJF ruleset, the attacker must keep a dominant position after the takedown for three seconds.
Enrolling in a martial arts academy allows kids to master self-control and use their high level of energy for something productive and enjoyable. Kids martial arts classes allow children to learn self-defense from a potential attacker. It is never simply about mindless punching, boxing, kicking, grappling, sparring, or blocking. By being introduced to basic martial arts techniques, kids learn to assess the best self-defense strategy for each situation.
Experienced Monroe martial arts instructors can help kids get in shape while doing something that appeals to their interests and preference. On top of learning martial arts and self-defense techniques for beginners, kids are trained in achieving goals that they set for themselves. Monroe martial arts schools, similar to almost anywhere, use belts to rank students, with black belts often being the highest. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in particular, one must go through a white belt, blue belt, purple belt, and brown belt before eventually being awarded a black belt. It teaches kids dedication to what must be practiced for them to go up the ranking.
There are many reasons why your kids should learn martial arts. If you are planning to enroll your child in a local martial arts school, talk to us at Pinnacle Martial Arts. Be it Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tai Chi, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Judo, Kickboxing, or even Mixed Martial Arts, you can find the best martial art that covers both physical fitness and holistic character. Call us to inquire regarding the class schedule or to sign up for our program offerings.