In an email I received from a school principal recently when I contacted them to speak about my kids class:
"We don't find your activity suitable to promote to our students as we believe it promotes fighting, and is contrary to the anti-bullying measures we already have in place"
When did martial arts become too dangerous for children to learn? Probably when a whole bunch of dodgy instructors with questionable teaching methods showed up to make a quick buck in the late 90's.
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| Kids should be closely supervised under a competant and qualified instructor |
From personal experience learning and teaching martial arts, there is no such thing as a bad martial art, just bad instructors. Sure, some styles are rife with con artists, but that's just because its easier to bluff your way in certain areas of the martial arts industry where your peers or students may not care to, or know enough, to call you out.
The other big drawback - martial arts aren't going to earn you the big bucks that tennis or soccer have to offer. Pfft is what I have to say to that - give your child the gift of confidence, discipline and self-respect that comes from martial arts, and you'll be impacting on every aspect of their life in a positive way. Training your child to be part of the elite few is a fair bit of pressure, and a gamble that their talent and hard work is going to see some returns. No matter what level you achieve in martial arts, you're going to learn something about yourself, and the benefits of patience, persitance and hard work. Who is this for anyway? Your child to learn something, or you (the parent) to cash in on their fame and success?
I've had several students under the age of 10 that have been kicked out or suspended from school for fighting, scratching, biting and even hitting teachers - their parents then brought them to BJJ as a last resort to calm their behaviour. I've also had parents bring kids to class that have been verbally and physically bullied. Through BJJ these kids have found an outlet for their energy and learned some respect and self-control. I've heard similar stories from my own coach, from instructors all over the world, and the success of the Gracie Bullyproof program is testament to the positive impact BJJ can have on kids.
In the United Arab Emirates, BJJ is taught in schools to children aged 9-11, including at girls schools. Taking a leaf from their book, Gracie Oceania teaches at both primary and high schools throughout Sydney as part of school sport. There are also after school classes available for kids from 4-12 years old. The feedback has been nothing but positive from the teachers, kids and parents involved.
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| Exposing kids to different sports at school empowers them to make healthy choices |
We don't teach children to fight, punch, kick or hurt eachother - we teach them mental and physical self control and practical ways to avoid confrontation and control their opponent should they be physically attacked. They learn to defend themselves, and they are taught that inflicting pain on others just makes them the bully. Most importantly, they are taught in a safe and controlled environment, where they have FUN! The benefits are far reaching - improved focus, motor co-ordination, mental accuity and confidence - all leading to success in other areas of their studies and life.
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