Fists Down & Heads Up

Martial Arts Makes a Difference

I grew up with a brother who took martial arts his entire life and knew the positive impacts it had on youth. But seeing the impact it is having on my own child is different. My daughter recently started taking Jiu-Jitsu, and I see her not only learn the moves but also learn respect for herself and for others.

I have heard many say that martial arts is “learning to fight” or “defend yourself”; however, most do not realize it is much more than that. The art itself - the entire mindset - is self-respect and respect for others. They have lessons on everyday life and situations one may encounter, and they learn how to be proactive instead of reactive. It is not all fighting… This is a huge misconception.

“While parents are sometimes understandably hesitant of putting children in a ‘combat sport’ for fear of injury or increasing aggression, there is good news on both concerns,” says Clay Mayfield, Owner and Head Coach of Triangle Academy of Jiu-Jitsu, in Franklin. “In a properly supervised class structure, martial arts training is quite safe, and injuries for children are extremely uncommon. Furthermore, by nature of these sports, wins and losses are both inevitable. Humility grows with confidence, and the more children train, the more self-control they gain.” 

I have gained so much as just a mom sitting on the sideline, listening and watching… and Clay is spot on. The coaches and assistant coaches are all observing and making sure that injuries do not happen. They instruct the students to understand how to avoid injury. I have also noticed that all the students show respect to each other, even after losing a match. For youth, it can be difficult to understand that sometimes it is not about winning but about learning. Each time they step on the mat to spar, they gain valuable insight from their coaches, their opponents and themselves. They are learning what they are capable of and processing the importance of self-control and self-confidence.

“Martial Arts training yields a wide litany of benefits for children, including increased coordination and decision-making abilities, confidence and sportsmanship,” explains Clay. “One of the greatest advantages, however, is the unique blend between a Team and Individual sport. Kids train Jiu-Jitsu in a positive and energetic group environment, building social skills and teamwork - yet they compete ‘mano a mano’ and learn to be dependent upon themselves for their efforts and results.”

My daughter dances, does gymnastics, rides horses and now loves Jiu-Jitsu. She is proud to be part of her gym, and she spends most of every class smiling. Her positive, scrappy personality makes her seem so much bigger on the mat than she really is at just six years old. When she leaves training, her confidence is - quite literally - contagious. I am so proud of her and will continue to support her love of the many sports she has chosen. I am especially proud to be the parent of a mighty little Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

There are many martial arts styles to choose from, and I can’t tell you which one is right for you. The best advice I can give is to do your own research and find the style and school that are the right fit for your child - or even for yourself. When you find that place that feels right, you’ll know. And it’s absolutely worth it.