How Learning Self-Defense With BJJ Can Protect Kids from Bullies

The world is full of challenges for children. Most of these challenges are positive experiences that can provide opportunities for growth and learning. Unfortunately, children often experience unpleasant conditions and circumstances that can cause undue stress, and sadly too often result in emotional or physical injury. Bullying is one of these unfortunate situations that too often play out in schools and in the community. 

A study by the Centers for Disease Control revealed that in 2019, nearly 20% of American High School students experienced bullying in some form during the 12 months prior to the survey. 

While this statistic is unsettling, and it is understandable that parents would want their children safe from the damaging effects of bullying, parents may not always be in the position to physically protect their children from the unpleasant circumstances associated with bullying. These often include depression, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, falling grades, and the feelings of helplessness that can lead to ideations of self-harm. 

Alternatives to Bullying
There are alternatives to the victimhood associated with bullying. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and there are resources available online, in your schools, and in your communities to help break the stigma, and end the cycle of abuse and shame. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in Hampton Roads for 2022 is one positive place to begin.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Introducing your child to martial arts, and to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specifically has far-ranging benefits that extend beyond the obvious physical aspects of the sport. One of the most important things that a child can learn through BJJ training in Hampton is critical thinking under stress. BJJ students learn to face difficult challenges in the form of often larger, stronger, and more experienced “rolling” (sparring) partners and opponents. They learn to trust their training, adapt, improvise, and execute under difficult circumstances. They learn to find novel solutions to complex problems by engaging their minds as well as their bodies. 

Discovering Real Strength

Aside from the obvious physical benefits gained by training in a strenuous martial art such as BJJ, practitioners gain a steady, calm confidence, and carry themselves differently than before. It isn’t cockiness, as BJJ can and will humble the hotheads quickly enough. Instead it is the self-assured mindset that comes from professional training in a supportive environment. BJJ practitioners often learn techniques to avoid many confrontations before they even begin. Bullies recognize strength and often refuse to engage. A jiu jitsu gift certificate to Breakaway Jiu Jitsu is a great way to begin BJJ training in Hampton Roads.

Measured Response to Bullies Through BJJ

In the event of an actual physical confrontation, a trained BJJ student would be well equipped to end a “fight” quickly and safely. While BJJ is a grappling art, it is designed to primarily engage an opponent, and either take them to the ground, or if on the ground, employ a system of manipulations that focus primarily on the limbs, and limit mobility. There are also holds and chokes that can safely render an attacker unconscious for a brief time. The scalability of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is important because it allows one to control and limit the amount of necessary force or severity of technique used on an attacker. It is more controllable than a strike such as a punch, which can result in accidental brain injury or even death. This is important with young people who often lack the physical and emotional control necessary to responsibly deal with an altercation. 

Begin your journey with Breakaway Jiu Jitsu in Newport News. Call today for training opportunities. (757) 223-0373