This Will Make or Break Your Child’s Experience in BJJ
As Brazilian jiu jitsu continues to grow in popularity, it’s getting on the radar of more parents. Here at Guerrilla BJJ in Reno, we’re seeing it happen firsthand – and we think it’s great. We want every kid to experience the many benefits of a martial art like BJJ, so before you sign up at the first school you see, read on. There’s one thing that will make or break your child’s experience in BJJ.
The instructors & the school
There are lots of martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu academies here in Reno, Nevada. And choosing the right school for your child makes all the difference. That’s true not only for long-term participation, but also because of the meaningful impact the instructors and the environment in a given school will have on your child’s developing personality.
Logistics are important, too. Clearly, a school that will suit your needs should have convenient class times and be within a reasonable driving distance. But curriculum, class dynamic, and the instructors who will be in charge of guiding your child down the BJJ path likely matter more. While any school should practice things like respect, discipline, learning and growth, and camaraderie, take a close look at the instructor-student dynamic. Are the children listening and doing their best to put into practice what the instructor is asking? Is the instructor calm, in control, knowledgeable, and able to communicate his/her instructions in an age-appropriate ways?
What about the other students, staff, and parents in the school? What’s your overall impression of the facility and the way in which it’s managed? Sitting in on a few classes before signing up your child is never a bad idea. You’ll be able to quickly identify the presence or absence of things like courtesy, respect, and experienced instruction. And there’s simply no substitute for that.
What’s the goal?
Finding the right school becomes easier when you identify the reasons motivating you to enroll your child in BJJ training. Learning self-defense skills is often a motivator, but usable skills in that area will take time to develop. The true benefits for children is the development of confidence, body awareness, mental and physical strength, and the understanding of the value of working hard to accomplish something. Those are traits that will serve a child on and off the mat, and truly, for the rest of his or her life.
See for yourself
At Guerrilla BJJ in Reno, we’re proud of the curriculum, instructor knowledge, and class dynamic we’ve fostered. We welcome all children, and we invite interested parents to sit in on a class, meet our instructors, and get a feel for our school. Contact us Monday through Friday from 3-7 pm at 746-3888, and learn why Guerrilla is a great environment for your child to learn BJJ.