It is a well-known fact that children need guidance in their life not only coming from their parents but also from an external source. We live in times which force parents to spend less time parenting and way too much worrying about the development and safety of their offspring. Sport classes are great for exercising and focusing the child’s attention but I believe that they fall short when compared to martial arts. The missing link in this case would be also covering the spiritual aspect – believing that both psychological and physical, can be strengthened simultaneously.

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Signing the youngsters in a form of martial art has been a go-to move for decades among the parental bodies in order to get some aid in the endeavor of raising capable men and women who one day will grow up to be valuable contributing members of our society.

Ronin Training Center of Columbus Ohio respects all forms of martial arts. But we have found that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo have worked extremely well with children to teach them the basic important foundations for living in society: Respect. Discipline. Power. Control. And Humility.

 

The main goal in this art is ALWAYS being aware and controlling the situation. Bjj prides itself on the usage of technique and leverage above everything. That is why it is called – “the gentle art”. The main concept is that you must shorten the distance between you and your opponent and initiate the clinch. Next you use various trips, throws and takedowns to bring the altercation to the ground. Once getting there, certain dominant positions and holds are used by the person versed in grappling to control the attacker.

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Generally speaking not many systems of self-defense allow the smaller and more times than not – the weaker person to subdue a larger opponent. As a result your child will not be thought to depend on size nor strength. Practitioners learn to defend themselves and control their opponent even without trading punches or using finishing holds that might get you in trouble with the school or the legal system. What you are doing is simply nullifying the potential of the other person inflict harm on you. In my opinion this is the ultimate anti-bullying tool. Having the opportunity to harm someone but choosing not to and making them aware of it.

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What is even better is that children learn all these attributes including balance, reflexes, flexibility and weight distribution while playing and having fun. Most academies form the teaching and sparring sessions in a form of a game so self-defense and play time are mixed in together in a very friendly environment. But I always say that if the only thing you learned out of your training in a combat sport is how to defend yourself and nothing more…you are clearly doing something wrong.

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Here are some more significant values and lessons which your child will surely be exposed to while training :

1. Self-Discipline and Responsibility

2. Respect

3. Finding Peaceful Solutions to Problems

4. Self-Esteem and Confidence

5. Setting Goals and Acting on Fulfilling Them

6. Belonging Somewhere
    

We have found these and many other benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo have brought even troubled children into a different world of respect and trust. Contact Ronin Training Center to give your child a free week of classes. We would love to have your presence with our training facility.

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