Author: springhillbjj

The Values on which Spring hill jiu jitsu was founded

Spring Hill Jiu Jitsu was founded on the desire to provide a consistent place for our family to train free of many of the restrictions suffered during the early 2020’s. There are obviously risk and challenges associated with a grappling sport such as Jiu Jitsu. We believe that the practice of Jiu jitsu or engaging in other forms of hand to hand combat is well worth those risk: be it in the form of contagious disease or bodily injury.

Christian and I have trained jiu jitsu for literally half our lives. Our children do not have the luxury of deciding not to train. They don’t have to compete but they do have to participate in regular classes. They also have the privilege of being dragged across the Kansas City Metro and United States in pursuit of novel jiu jitsu experiences. It’s only a matter of time before we take our BJJ travels international, too.

Jiu Jitsu isn’t for everyone. In the same manner that running a marathon holds little interest to me, Jiu jitsu may not be the sport of choice for many. The risks of jiu jitsu can be voluntarily avoided by simply doing another sport, or nothing. I therefore hold that the ‘Challenge’ of Jiu Jitsu and, ultimately, undertaking the struggle invoked by another human trying to assert their physical will upon us, is a worthwhile experience worthy of participation.

Benefits of Jiu Jitsu for kids

The benefits of Jiu Jitsu for kids are numerous. Not only is it a healthy outlet for energetic children to burn steam, they also develop strong muscles. In any sport children develop strong hearts and lungs and, in particular, cross body strength and coordination. They become more flexible and body aware. They learn what their physical limits are and how to protect themselves.

Jiu Jitsu also builds mental and emotional fortitude. Children become more confident as they master technique and overcome challenges in class and competition. They develop better focus and learn how to self regulate by struggling to overcome their opponent. Every action has a reaction so kids learn that there are consequences to the choices they make. In many ways Jiu Jitsu is like chess. Beating evenly match or bigger opponents requires problem solving, forethought, and focus under pressure. Children develop resilience by facing their fears and dealing with the frustration of loss or confusion.

While participating in Jiu Jitsu children learn respect for their coaches, teammates, and gym as well as good sportsmanship. Although competition is inevitably a solo endeavor, preparing for one requires teamwork. Older more experienced kids become role models for younger students while developing leadership and communication skills. Win or lose, they still have to share the mat! As they amass the knowledge basis to protect themselves they also learn restraint, learning when to apply force and when not to.

What to Expect in a Children’s Jiu Jitsu Class

Schedule and Attendance

The kid’s jiu jitsu classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 PM in Spring Hill, KS. Tuesday’s class is centered around takedown drills and Thursday’s class focuses on ground work. A typical jiu jitsu class for kids at Spring Hill Jiu Jitsu will begin with a warm up, followed by technical drilling, followed by live sparring. The mat can be crowded at times and we strive at all times to provide age appropriate, simple. and safe instruction. When we can make the lesson ‘fun’ through games we will do so. All games are structured around jiu jitsu techniques since that’s what you’re paying for!

Effort and Frustration

While we want your kids to have fun in jiu jitsu, the struggle from grappling another human being doesn’t always feel fun. However, struggle is unavoidable and is necessary for your child to achieve the benefit. Jiu Jitsu is hard! If it were easy everyone would do it. Your child will probably cry at some point and that’s okay! We’ll never chastise a child for feeling frustrated. How you, the parent, responds to such situations teaches lessons your child will hold the rest of their lives. Give them a pat on the back and send them right back. Quitting after the first hard experience won’t teach them to persevere.

Your child doesn’t have to be perfect at technique but good effort and a willingness to learn are essential. Being rude to their teammates, talking back, striking out in anger will result in additional exercise or a timeout from the mat. In order to be on the mat your child must participate. If they refuse to cooperate or have a generally poor attitude they may be placed in jiu jitsu hold. Once they work themselves free (using appropriate technique) they can sit out until they’re calm enough to return. Children who are routinely disruptive in a group setting will benefit from private lessons until they have developed more emotional regulation.

Safety requires regular attendance

Safety relies on trust and trust forms the foundation of good teamwork. Good habits require repetition and consistent practice. Therefore, good teammates attend class regularly so that they develop good safe habits. Attending sporadically increases risk to both the student and their practice partner. For this reason ‘Drop-In’ attendance for children is highly discouraged. Children will learn solo drills that they can practice at home between classes.

There is much variation between the size and age of children in the class. For safety we strive to partner kids with the most similarly sized partner. Trial participants and new members are often paired with more experienced children to help them ramp up. We encourage students to exchange numbers with their practice partners to meet up for drilling in between classes. Please do not allow small children to play on the mat edges during class as this poses both a distraction and safety hazard

Cleaniness and Timeliness

Cleanliness and promptness are held to a high standard. Children receive marks for being in class on time. They are expected to bring a water bottle and have long hair pulled back. All members are expected to have a clean Gi. Loaner Gis and belts are only available to trial participants. Children’s hands and feet must be clean with trimmed nails. Shoes are to be worn at all times when off the mat and removed before stepping on the mat.

Children are expected to get to class early enough to put on a uniform, Sign In on the Wodify App, remove their shoes, place them under the benches, and store their water bottles on the shelf. They must have their Gi on and belt tied AT THE TIME of bow-in in order to be considered on time. During line up and instruction children are expected to be silent and keep their hands to themselves. Talking over an instructor, touching another student without permission, or climbing up the walls will earn students additional exercise. When released to drill children are expected to pair up and begin drilling within 10 seconds. Consequences are incurred if this expectation is not achieved.

Parents and Observers

While parents are welcome to observe classes, seating is limited. Children are discouraged from stepping off the mats without instructor approval. This ensures they are present for their partner and to hear any relevant instruction. Children often participate better without the distraction of mom or dad on the sideline. Unless specifically requested, please refrain from stepping on the mat during drilling or sparring.

As the head children’s class instructor, I strive to keep class moving so that children remain engaged. Sometimes what I plan in my head doesn’t always work out in practice. When I see children struggle with instruction I will first attempt to simplify the exercise. Children may be pulled aside for a moment of private instruction but we avoid disrupting the flow of class for one student. Some students may benefit from private lessons to help them master the foundations and keep up with more experienced team mates.

Kids class inevitably hosts a wide range of ages and skill levels. If you have suggestions for your student or for the instructor please email us those suggestions between classes. Avoid overcoaching this makes it difficult for students to know who to listen to and distracts the class.

Myths & Misconceptions

Jiu Jitsu is a fantastic opportunity to learn self-respect and self-reliance. It’s not just for super athletic or highly competitive children. Children won’t inherently become aggressive or violent from learning a martial art. It’s great for overcoming touch sensitivities. They don’t need to travel out of state for competition opportunities. While competing is HIGHLY encouraged, it’s not even necessary to advance in skill. Almost all children benefit from wrestling, grappling, or jiu jitsu in some way.

How Long Before Parents See Results?

You will see your child’s knowledge base about jiu jitsu expand immediately. Shy children usually take about a month to settle in. Gregarious children may have to do some extra pushups before they learn not to disrupt class. You’ll see them take ownership of their own journey within a month or two. Or you know you gave it a shot and it’s just not for you. Our kids don’t get the luxury of choice but we aren’t interested in making children miserable. Between the trial period and 1 month of membership your kiddo will work out most of the initial kinks. Over time you and child’s goals about jiu jitsu will change and become more refined and clear.

Jiu jitsu is More Than a Sport

It’s hard to imagine a life without jiu jitsu. It’s very much a way of living for those who catch a bug. Every relationship is impacted positively by the benefits and discipline it instills. Most kids inherently love to wrestle. Bring yours in for a trial! There’s no obligation to join if its not a good fit. Even in that short period of time your child will expand their awareness what they are capable of achieving.

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