.png)
Why should children train BJJ?
- Borderlands Grappling
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is exceptionally beneficial for children because it develops physical fitness, mental resilience, and essential life skills in a safe, structured environment. Unlike striking martial arts, BJJ focuses on ground-based grappling and submission techniques that teach kids problem-solving, patience, and respect while building strength, flexibility, and coordination. The art empowers children with practical self-defense skills while fostering discipline, confidence, and emotional regulation that benefits them both on and off the mats.
Table of Contents
Physical development benefits
How does BJJ improve children's physical fitness?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a comprehensive full-body workout that develops multiple aspects of physical fitness simultaneously. During training children engage in dynamic movements that enhance cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility. The constant movement patterns in BJJ including rolling, scrambling, and transitioning between positions, creates an excellent aerobic and anaerobic workout that's more engaging than traditional exercise routines.
The grappling nature of BJJ develops functional strength, particularly in the core, back and stabilising muscles. Children who train BJJ learn to use leverage and technique rather than brute force, this promotes balanced muscle development and prevents the overemphasis on specific muscle groups that can occur in other sports.
What motor skills does BJJ develop in kids?
BJJ significantly enhances proprioception, the body's awareness of its position in space. Throughout training students learn complex patterns as they execute techniques that require the simultaneous movement of all their body parts. Practicing this can help improve their overall body awareness and athletic ability.
The sport also develops bilateral coordination, as techniques often require different actions from each side of the body. Fine motor control improves through the precise grips and hand positioning required in various techniques and submissions.
Mental and emotional growth
How does BJJ build mental toughness in children?
BJJ creates controlled adversity, helping children learn how to remain calm under pressure. When caught in disadvantageous positions, kids learn to think clearly and work systematically toward solutions rather than panicking or giving up. This mental fortitude transfers directly to challenging situations in daily life.
Training in grappling teaches delayed gratification through its belt ranking system, where progress is measured over months and years rather than days or weeks. Children learn that consistent effort and patience lead to meaningful achievement, developing a growth mindset that serves them throughout life.
What emotional benefits does BJJ provide to children?
Regular BJJ training helps children develop emotional regulation skills. The physical exertion provides a healthy outlet for stress and negative emotions, while the technical focus requires emotional control. Children learn to manage frustration when techniques don't work immediately and develop resilience when facing setbacks.
The supportive training environment, combined with clear rules and expectations, helps all children build confidence. Many shy or introverted children find their voice on the mats, discovering inner strength they can apply to social situations outside the gym.
Social skills and character building
How does BJJ develop respect and discipline?
BJJ culture emphasizes respect for instructors, training partners, and the art itself. Children learn to remove their shoes before entering the mat area, follow instructions attentively, treat partners with care during training, and bow to and shake hands with instructors and fellow students at the end of class. This structured respect system helps children understand hierarchy and appropriate behavior in various social contexts.
The discipline required to master BJJ techniques teaches children the value of focused attention and persistent effort. They learn to follow multi-step instructions and understand that mastery requires patience and repetition.
What social skills do kids learn through BJJ?
Training with different partners of various ages, sizes, genders and skill levels teaches children adaptability and empathy. They learn to adjust their intensity based on their partner's experience and physical capabilities, developing social awareness and emotional intelligence.
The team-oriented training environment builds communication skills as children ask questions, receive feedback and help newer students. Many lifelong friendships form on the mats, creating a positive peer group centered around healthy activities and mutual improvement.
Self-Defense and Safety Skills
How does BJJ teach practical self-defense to children?
Unlike striking arts that may escalate conflicts, BJJ teaches children to control aggressive situations through positioning, distance management and submission holds. A good kids BJJ coach will also teach students the importance of avoiding and deescalating potentially violent situations wherever possible.
By learning BJJ, children learn to defend themselves while minimizing harm to both themselves and potential aggressors.
The ground-fighting focus of BJJ is particularly relevant for children, as many playground altercations end up on the ground. Kids learn to escape from bottom positions, reverse disadvantageous situations, and apply control techniques that can end conflicts without causing serious injury.
What awareness skills does BJJ develop?
BJJ training enhances situational awareness as children learn to recognise threats and escape routes. They develop confidence in their ability to handle physical confrontations, which often deters potential bullies who typically target children who appear vulnerable or fearful.
The art teaches appropriate responses to different levels of aggression, helping children understand when to seek help from adults versus when they might need to defend themselves physically.
Academic Performance Enhancement
How does BJJ training improve focus and concentration?
The technical complexity of BJJ requires intense concentration as children learn intricate sequences of movements. This focused attention training can directly translate into improved concentration in academic settings. Students often report better ability to sit still and pay attention in class after beginning BJJ training.
The problem-solving nature of BJJ develops critical thinking skills. Children must analyse positions, consider multiple options and execute decisions under pressure, these are cognitive skills that enhance academic performance across all subjects.
What study skills does BJJ reinforce?
The progression system in BJJ mirrors academic learning, teaching children that complex skills are built through mastering fundamentals first. This understanding helps them approach challenging academic subjects with patience and systematic effort.
The goal-setting inherent in belt promotion teaches children to work toward long-term objectives while celebrating incremental progress—a mindset that improves academic motivation and achievement.
Long-Term Life Skills
How does BJJ prepare children for adult challenges?
BJJ instills a problem-solving mindset that serves children throughout their lives. They learn that every problem has a solution and that success comes through analysis, experimentation and persistence. This approach proves valuable in career challenges, relationship difficulties, and personal obstacles.
The humility required in BJJ—regularly being submitted by more skilled partners regardless of age or size—teaches children to accept feedback gracefully and maintain a learning mindset. These qualities are essential for professional development and personal growth.
What leadership skills does BJJ develop?
As children advance in rank, they often help teach newer students, developing leadership and communication skills. They learn to break down complex concepts into understandable steps and provide encouraging feedback to struggling peers.
The responsibility that comes with higher belts teaches children about leadership through service and example rather than domination or control.
Getting your child started in BJJ
We strongly advocate for getting your child into training BJJ. There are some fantastic gyms across the UK, many with a dedicated kid's BJJ program.
If you are located in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire or Powys, we run our own fantastic Borderlands Juniors program that is the perfect place to start your child on their BJJ journey.
TL;DR Summary
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers comprehensive benefits for children's development:
Physical Development: Full-body fitness, coordination, strength, and flexibility
Mental Growth: Problem-solving skills, patience, focus, and emotional regulation
Character Building: Respect, discipline, humility, and leadership skills
Self-Defense: Practical skills for safety and conflict resolution
Academic Enhancement: Improved concentration and study habits
Social Skills: Teamwork, communication, and healthy friendships
Life Skills: Goal-setting, persistence, and growth mindset
BJJ provides a safe, structured environment where children can develop physically, mentally and socially while learning valuable self-defense skills. The art's emphasis on technique over strength makes it suitable for children of all sizes and athletic abilities, creating an inclusive environment that builds confidence and character that lasts a lifetime.
Kids BJJ: FAQs
Is BJJ safe for children?
When properly supervised and taught using age-appropriate techniques, BJJ is one of the safer martial arts for children. The absence of striking significantly reduces the risk of concussions and other head injuries common in contact sports.
Reputable BJJ schools implement strict safety protocols including proper warm-ups, controlled sparring intensity and immediate attention to any injuries. The submission-based nature of BJJ allows children to "tap out" when caught in a hold, immediately ending the technique and preventing injury.
However, it is important to remember that BJJ is a contact sport and comes with a set of risks that should be considered before enrolling your child.
What should parents look for in a quality BJJ program?
Quality children's BJJ programs emphasize fun, learning and safety over competition and intensity. Look for instructors with specific experience teaching children, not just adult BJJ expertise. The best programs focus on fundamental movements, games-based learning and positive reinforcement.
Proper facilities should have clean, well-maintained mats, adequate space for safe training and clear safety protocols. Class sizes should be small enough for individual attention, typically no more than 15-20 children per instructor (at Borderlands Juniors we usually have a ratio of 1 coach to every 3 students, allowing us to focus on the personal development of each student).
How young can children start BJJ training?
Most BJJ schools accept children as young as 4-5 years old, although the optimal starting age varies by individual child's maturity and attention span. Younger children (ages 4-7) typically participate in programs that emphasize movement, coordination,and basic concepts rather than complex techniques.
Children ages 8-13 can begin learning more technical aspects while still maintaining a playful, engaging approach to training. From around the age of 13, students can participate in programs very similar to adult classes, with appropriate modifications for safety and development.
At Borderlands grappling we currently only run children's classes for 8-14 year olds.
What equipment and costs are involved?
Initial equipment requirements are minimal, usually a BJJ gi (uniform) and basic hygiene items. Quality children's gis start at around £30, although you can pick them up from sites like Vinted for much less. Monthly training fees typically start at £40 a month, although some schools are more expensive and some are cheaper (Borderlands Juniors is currently just £24/month).
Additional costs may include competition fees, seminars and eventual belt testing fees, though these are optional and should not be required for basic participation and learning.
How to choose the right BJJ school for your child?
We recommend visit potential schools and observe children's classes to assess the teaching style, safety protocols and overall atmosphere. The best schools encourage parent observation and offer trial classes. Pay attention to how instructors interact with childre. They should be patient, encouraging and focused on individual development rather than just competition results.
Consider location and schedule convenience, as consistent attendance is crucial for progress and development. Look for schools that emphasize character development alongside technical skills.
Comments