When my son was four, I put him in AYSO soccer. I noticed he would flinch if a bigger kid came his way and tried to take the ball. It seemed normal, considering this was his first time playing organized sports against older and bigger kids. I wanted to figure out a way to help him become more confident and less timid. I thought of putting him in martial arts. After doing some research, I felt that Jujitsu was going to be the most beneficial. I liked that Jujitsu emphasized skill and technique to overcome physical disadvantages. I wanted my son to understand that in life you are not always going to be the biggest or the strongest, but you can compensate for this in other ways. This proves my point. I made an appointment at a local Charles Gracie studio and took my son for a lesson. I was blown away.
Seeing all the kids in their Gis was so cute. However, Jujitsu is no joke. On the first day of his trial class, the professor introduced my son to the students. The children were so disciplined. The class, as a unit, said hello to him. Next, came the 10 minutes of warm ups that included jumping jacks, bear crawls, shoots, high knees, burpees and push-ups. Next, the kids worked on learning a submission move. Then came time for grappling. Neither my son nor I had a clue about what was about to take place. He was teamed up with a partner. They shook hands and a bell rang. My son got yanked by his Gi, thrown down to the ground and put in an arm bar. Yes, a full-blown arm bar. He tapped out. It was hard to watch. But, I knew this is was going to be a great experience.
I did not to make a big deal about the first practice. I just asked my son if he enjoyed the class. He said, “yes.” I signed him up for lessons – as if it was his choice. The first several classes were rough. He was one of the smallest kids in the class and obviously the least experienced. He was constantly tapping out. After about a month, I told my son that if he wanted to stop losing he had to fight back as hard as he could. I am not sure if he was waiting for my permission to fight back or was just getting tired of losing. Next practice went so much better. He sparred with one of the best kids in the class and maintained his balance without falling the entire round – no take down and no submission. Small improvement, but a big win. Each practice is a mixed bag. Some days are better than others. But, I am seeing my son try hard and it is amazing.
I like that my son is getting a great workout – he builds up a great sweat during practice. I have noticed he is understanding his body in a different way. He will randomly ask me about certain submission moves he is learning and asks for advice on how to do them better. He is figuring out how his body works and ways he can improve his technique. Practice is also helping my son with his social and problem-solving skills. Competing against different children of different sizes is a great learning experience. I am glad he is rough housing in a controlled setting. I have seen his confidence grow over time. When he does take down an opponent, who is bigger or more experienced than him, it’s amazing. It makes for a great learning lesson.
When my daughter gets old enough, I am definitely signing her up for Jiu-Jitsu. Every time my son annoys his little sister, I warn him that one day his sister is going submit him at Jujitsu. I am so glad that I enrolled him in Jujitsu. Jujitsu is a great sport that can help kids with their confidence and problem-solving ability.