Building the Foundation: The First Concept Kids Should Understand When Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Introduction:

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that not only empowers individuals with self-defense skills but also instills discipline, confidence, and respect. As a BJJ instructor working with children in Vista, California, it is essential to introduce them to foundational concepts that lay the groundwork for their Jiu-Jitsu journey. In this blog, we will explore the first concept that kids should understand when learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Concept 1: Position before Submission

One of the fundamental principles in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and indeed in any martial art, is the concept of "position before submission." This principle emphasizes the importance of gaining and maintaining a dominant position over your opponent before attempting to submit or finish the fight.

Why is this concept crucial for kids to grasp early on in their BJJ training? Let's delve into a few reasons:

1. Self-Control and Patience:

Teaching kids to prioritize positional control over immediate submission cultivates self-control and patience. They learn that rushing for a quick submission might lead to losing control of the situation, allowing their opponent to escape or counterattack. By focusing on establishing a solid position, children learn to be patient, observe their opponent's movements, and make calculated decisions.

2. Building a Strong Foundation:

By concentrating on positional control, kids develop a strong foundation of fundamental techniques. They learn to master essential positions such as mount, side control, and back control, which serve as building blocks for more advanced techniques. This foundation becomes the launching pad for future growth and technical proficiency.

3. Safety Awareness:

Emphasizing position before submission also promotes safety awareness among young practitioners. It teaches them to prioritize control and minimize the risk of injury for themselves and their training partners. This mindset fosters a respectful training environment where everyone can learn and grow without unnecessary harm.

4. Problem-Solving Skills:

BJJ requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When children focus on establishing and maintaining dominant positions, they develop the ability to strategize and adapt to their opponent's movements. This problem-solving aspect of BJJ helps enhance their cognitive abilities, quick decision-making, and creativity.

5. Confidence and Humility:

Learning to prioritize positional control fosters a balanced mindset of both confidence and humility. Children gain confidence by realizing that they can control and dictate the course of a fight by mastering different positions. Simultaneously, they learn humility as they understand that there is always more to learn, and their opponent can present new challenges.

Conclusion:

As a BJJ instructor, introducing the concept of "position before submission" to children in Vista, California, is a vital step in their martial arts journey. By emphasizing the importance of positional control, kids develop self-control, patience, problem-solving skills, safety awareness, and a balanced mindset of confidence and humility. These foundational concepts will serve them well as they progress in their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, both on and off the mats.