Helping Children with Attention Difficulties

March 6, 2008

By Joao Crus



Through the years of teaching children the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I have found that the very essence of body contact involved in BJJ helps students with attention difficulties (whether it has been labeled ADD, ADHD, or Autism) develop their attention skills. You may ask, what does body contact have to do with attentive abilities?. Let me explain.


First of all, I am no specialist in child development or psychology. I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitzu Instructor with a growing student base of kids with diverse special needs. I have had to experiment and adapt my teaching methods to encompass a wide range of abilities, skills, and development. What works to engage those who have attention disabilities is the body-interaction through physical contact with others as they practice the many drills, activities, and games of a BJJ class. The kids get very involved in this dynamic because it is fun and full of action.


Close contact with training partners is a huge part of what class-time is filled with, being a ground grappling sport (different from striking martial artsthere is no punching or kicking in BJJ). The constant tactile stimulation of body contact, as students develop their awareness of balance and leverage, demands a childs full attention as she trains to defend herself. Participating in this form of physical interaction helps a student feel more connected and grounded to his present activity and not get lost in watching the butterfly outside the window.


Even though it may be difficult to pay attention to verbal instructions, the strong emotional drive of wanting to participate with others motivates children with attention difficulties to focus on what is being demonstrated in order to be a part of the interactive training. All of these variables working together strengthen a childs focus and attention skills through continuous participation. However, a partnership between the instructor and parents is vital to being successful. Without this partnership very little can be accomplished when there are special needs involved with a students participation.


I have learned that in some circles body contact of any kind is automatically considered a negative thing that encourages violence. My experience has shown me that it actually promotes body awareness and self confidence that diminishes the need for violent action. Students of all ages learn to train carefully and consciously. Body contact can be a very important learning tool

Why Kids should start with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

March 6, 2008

There are many different Martial Arts out there, and it can be confusing to really understand the differences between styles when you are trying to choose what would be best for your child. Here are several reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the safest and most appropriate form for children to begin their journey into the world of Martial Arts.

1. It is a non-violent yet effective and complete self-defense system.

Many parents want their child to learn a martial art in order to defend herself/himself against bullies or unwanted strangers. Having a safe and foundational system of self-defense is key to children feeling confident about defending themselves if needed. Because it is completely based in leverage and submission, BJJ technique actually gives the smaller opponent an advantage. There is no kicking or punching involved, unlike many other martial arts. Those striking techniques demand a level of maturity that many children have not yet developed and can lead to unintentional and harmful use outside of the dojo.


2. It is a natural martial art, based in leverage and balance.


Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uses the principles of action - reaction, leverage, and base. Children learn to use an opponents power as an advantage, rather than fighting against the force. We practice many different games that help children experience
these principles and learn to understand how to use them as techniques. Children develop a heightened sense of body awareness and coordination, which leads to self-confidence and inner discipline. Not only do children learn how to effectively defend themselves, but also strengthen their kinesthetic abilities to excel in any other sport of which they participate. It doesnt have to be a choice of one sport or the other.


3. It is interactive and fluid (not rigid and redundant).


The majority of class time involves working in partners and practicing the application of moves. This constant close contact allows practitioners to ingrain the natural phenomenon of body action and reaction to leverage and balance in an interactive way, rather than individual repetitious moves in theoretical scenarios. Children learn to read and anticipate an opponents movements, and respond accordingly. They actually experience the dynamic constantly and it becomes hard wired into their body memory.
There are many other benefits to starting your child in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We encourage you to come and see for yourself the difference.

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