Kids' classes begin with a stretching period to prevent injury.
In the introductory phase, the students learn about the values and concepts in Jiu-Jitsu, which form the knowledge base of the martial art. Part of this involves how to act on the mat, how to interact with the instructor and fellow students, how to properly wear the kimono and tie the belt.
The remainder of the class focuses on learning fundamental techniques. The complexity of the techniques is proportional to the progression of the class.
The instructor will show the students how the techniques can be used against a person who is trying to harm them. Students are taught that these techniques must not be used against other children outside of Jiu-Jitsu class. They are only to be used if they are attacked on the street.
The minimum age depends on the maturity level of the individual child. Generally, however, the kids classes have students ranging in age from 5 - 12. Exceptions are sometimes made following your introduction to the instructor.
We will also be offering a special class for older kids aged 11-15
Depending on maturity level and size, older teens may join either the Adult classes or the Older Kids class, at the instructor's discretion.
Each student is placed in a class that is best for her/him.
Belt ranks for kids are displayed in the left column.
They say a picture is worth a million words. A video clip says even more. This video is courtesy of black belt Roy Dean, who does a good job showing the essence of Jiu-Jitsu.
As you will see from the above video, Jiu-Jitsu mostly happens on the mat. The person who knows how to defend herself on the ground will be in her environment when an attacker is out of his comfort zone. Taller opponents have a reach advantage when standing up. Heavier opponents can generate a lot of force behind their punches. But all of them are susceptible to being taken to the ground and dominated by a smaller, weaker opponent who knows what to do.
You may also notice from the video that once the space is closed between yourself and the attacker, there is little-to-no room for the attacker to use headbutts, punches, kicks, elbows and knees. In real life, things happen too fast to dodge punches like in Bruce Lee movies. It's never going to happen. Professional boxers have reflexes like a cat, but no matter how much they bob and weave, they will take hundreds of punches to their heads throughout their careers. Fancy stuff is for the movies. Jiu-Jitsu is for the real world.
Jiu-Jitsu might remind you a bit of Judo or Aikido. That's because they are all related. But unlike Judo and Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a progressive martial art that is open to the scrutiny of real life competition and change. The Gracie family improvised on Judo and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu through continuous sparring and competition. This methodology has helped define what many consider the most practical and realistic self defense system in the world.
