Why Jiu Jitsu Stops Bullying

Jiu Jitsu, which stems from Japan, is described as a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an opponent. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does the very similar concept but is just a slightly different style. The central martial arts system focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It promotes the idea that no matter the size or strength of the opponent with a technique you can overcome them. There are many ways Jiu Jitsu helps bring a stop to bullying as well as many other martial arts.

There are several different types of a bully, emotional and physical usually being the most common, especially among kids in schools and afterschool programs. Through Jiu-Jitsu training, children, young through teen, will learn discipline, self esteem, confidence, and respect, as well as coping with stress, increase cognitive ability, better physical fitness, and gain the ability to defend themselves.

Although most people don't like this opinion, there is one way that always stops a bully, especially if the bullying is physical, which is stand up to the bully and physically defend yourself. Everyone should have the ability to defend themselves. If someone grabs you, pushes you, punches you, or anything else, do what is necessary to get yourself out of that situation. I had a personal experience in late elementary school. A classmate tried to bully me and my friend who is deaf. The bully pulled off my friend's hearing aid and was pushing us. I stepped up and punched him in the face. We no longer had any issues with that bully.

I know that fighting isn’t always the answer and we make sure that our students also know that. Jiu-Jitsu not only gives proper defense techniques, but teaches them to be a better person by practicing many core values. Jiu-jitsu provides these skills so they can be taken and used in life, off the jiu-jitsu mats.

Let's just clarify what discipline means to us. There's a big misconception. Discipline for kids is by their parents in their home. There isn't a single program that can teach a child discipline without parents demonstrating proper behavior. What we can give a child is respecting their instructor, staying focused in class, accomplishing personal goals, the importance of showing up and practicing, and maintaining grades.

I have personally witnessed how Jiu-Jitsu will improve a child's confidence, self esteem, respect, and ability to deal with stress. I've seen kids gain the ability to believe in themselves and their skills. They gain the confidence and ability to fight, so that you don't have to fight. Every single kid that has attended regular classes has had a 100% increase in confidence and self esteem, whether they realize it or not. Jiu-Jitsu teaches them how to respect one another and their authority/coach. They show respect every class to their teammates with a fist bump and handshake before they spare. At the end of class we bow out and shake everyone's hand and tell them something positive like “good job today" to show appreciation to their peers.

The ability to deal with stress is a big deal. Jiu-Jitsu can create uncomfortable situations, but also gives the tools to get out of it! Just like in life - sometimes it sucks, but you have to push forward and overcome. On the mats you learn how to deal with stress and overcome obstacles. This can be translated into a huge life lesson for everybody, even off the mats.

These are the reasons why Jiu-Jitsu is fantastic for kids and a great anti-bullying plan. Your kids can become leaders, believers, shoot for the stars, and then accomplish anything they want to.