Families that practice Jiu Jitsu together, stay together…and here’s why…
Self-defence
This benefit is implied but can be overlooked by many. It is common that parents register their kids in a martial art for self-defence but overlook the benefits it may have for themselves. The reality is, self-defence is critical for all members of the family. Jiu Jitsu provides a form of ‘gentle’ self-defence that can be used in real scenarios and can be just as useful for men, women and children of all ages.
A Home Away from Home
When the whole family participates in Jiu Jitsu, the academy really does become a home away from home. This is beneficial for everyone as it means the parents are familiar with everyone at the gym, knowing that the kids are in a safe environment if they go to classes on their own, when they are old enough to. Coaches also become positive role models for the kids and they can rely on them for support and advice. It is proven that having support systems outside of home and school helps kids to thrive and become the best versions of themselves.
Limits Screen Time
Screens are simply a part of our day-to-day life now, and so it’s difficult to get kids away from their devices. We’re not just talking about kids either…With work and friends just being one click away, it’s so easy for us adults to get distracted and spend hours consumed by screens. One of the best things about Jiu Jitsu is that it gets us all away from screens and exposed to real social situations and real physical activity. Unlike walking on a treadmill, you can’t use your phone to listen to music or watch a show, and that’s a good thing! It gives our minds a well-deserved break from these technologies and allows us to realise the importance of raw interaction. There is a lot to practice and learn with Jiu Jitsu, so you’ll even find the kids (and yourself) practicing techniques at home instead of being on screens.
A Timetable to Suit Everyone
The Gracie Parramatta BJJ timetable is well equipped with classes to suit the whole family. From the busy parents who are running around all day, to the kids who have school, there are classes from 6am in the morning to 8:30pm at night. There is even a class at midday created specifically for those who want to fit in a class on their lunch break. The timetable was designed with every member of the family in mind and is catered to all, which ensures that organising training for the family is easy.
Family Bonding
BJJ is unique in the way that it needs a partner to be able to practice. This means that outside of training sessions in the gym, your kids will look to you or their siblings to practice techniques. This is especially advantageous for parents with adolescents as it can be a difficult time to bond. With Jiu Jistu in the centre of the family, you will always have something to talk about, keeping conversations easy and relationships strong!
Life-long Friends
It’s no secret, Jiu Jitsu is something that takes years to master. With the countless training sessions come friendships that are built solidly over time. It is common to hear that a Jiu Jitsu gym becomes a second family and for good reason – you’re spending time with these people frequently and will go through many life changes with them by your side. This is especially true for kids who start Jiu Jitsu from a young age. They meet friends when they are children and will still be training with them through adolescence and into adulthood. The important values that BJJ holds including; respect, discipline, kindness, and dedication become the centre of the relationship, which creates a bond that will last a lifetime.
Fitness
Last but not least, Jiu Jitsu is a sport that will provide the whole family with fitness. If everyone is attending a few classes a week, there isn’t a need for any other gym memberships or workouts outside of BJJ. This eliminates the pressure of spending hours on the treadmill when you can be spending time with family. For the kids, they will learn a level of fitness that will benefit them in all other sports and activities.
