Is BJJ Safe For My Kids?

(Published Sunday, August 25, 2024)

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Safe for Kids?

As a parent, one of the most important questions you can ask when considering martial arts for your child is, Is it safe? When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the answer is a resounding... IT DEPENDS. It can be, but that depends on several key factors. BJJ can be one of the safest martial arts for kids, but its safety largely depends on how it's taught, the structure of the class, and the culture of the academy that it's taught in. Let’s break these down.

The Art Itself: Safer When Old School Principles Are Emphasized

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art, which inherently makes it safer than striking arts like Taekwondo or Karate. In BJJ, there are no punches, kicks, headbutts, knees, or elbows. Instead, the focus is on controlling an opponent through techniques like takedowns, joint locks, and chokes, all of which can be applied without causing harm. This non-impact approach reduces the risk of injuries that are common in striking-based martial arts.

What also sets BJJ apart from other grappling arts is its core philosophy. While many grappling sports emphasize speed, power, and endurance, BJJ is built on the ideas of efficiency and depletion. The art is designed and proven to allow the little guy to beat the big guy. The strategy revolves around staying safe and conserving energy while forcing the opponent to exhaust theirs. Think of a python, who grabs onto its prey, holds, and slowly but surely soaks up the space until victory is a foregone conclusion. When taught in this way, it creates a slower, more controlled, and ultimately safer pace of training. When taught with these principles in mind, BJJ is much less likely to result in injury compared to other, more aggressive martial arts.

The Structure: A Well-Organized Class Is a Safe Class

The safety of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program also depends heavily on how the classes are structured. A class where the instructor has no control over the students, lacks a curriculum, and fails to implement systems to keep the class organized can quickly become unsafe. Unfortunately, I’ve seen kids’ programs where chaos reigns, with students running wild and little supervision (think one instructor with 30 kids). In these environments, the risk of injury is high, and the quality of learning drops to the level of a glorified babysitting service… with no outlet covers, the stove left on, and the hair dryer plugged in, teetering on the edge of the sink, right next to an overflowing bathtub.

On the other hand, a well-structured class can provide a safe and effective learning environment. A good BJJ school will have a clear curriculum that guides what is taught and ensures that students progress in a systematic way. The instructor should have control over the class, maintaining order and ensuring that students are following the lesson plan. For parents, it’s important to ask about the curriculum and observe a class to see how it’s run. If the school can’t show you a curriculum or the class looks disorganized, it might not be the safest choice for your child.

The Culture: Values and Safety Go Hand in Hand

The third critical component of safety in a BJJ program is the culture of the gym. Martial arts have always been about more than just physical techniques; they are also about instilling values like courage, courtesy, integrity, and self-discipline. However, not all schools prioritize these values. In some places, the focus is purely on winning competitions, and the broader lessons of martial arts are neglected.

A BJJ school that emphasizes a positive culture, where students are encouraged to help each other improve and where values like safety, respect, and teamwork are prioritized, will be much safer for your child. When the culture is right, students learn not only how to defend themselves but also how to train safely and responsibly. They learn that the goal isn’t to dominate their training partners but to work together to make everyone better. This kind of environment nurtures both the physical and character development of the students takes time and effort to create and maintain, but it goes a long way toward making the practice of BJJ much safer.

Conclusion

In summary, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be a very safe martial art for kids, but it depends on three key factors: how the art is taught, the structure of the classes, and the culture of the gym. When BJJ is taught with a focus on control, efficiency, and safety, within a well-organized and positive environment, it can provide a safe, effective, and enriching experience for young practitioners. As a parent, it’s essential to consider these factors when choosing a BJJ program for your child, ensuring that they are learning in a safe and supportive setting.

Hope that helps,

- Mike

P.S. If you have kids, live in Oak Harbor WA, and this all resonates with you on some level, feel free to reach out or drop by to see what we're all about! Take care.