We’re finally discovering, after decades of research on learning, that kids don’t just play because they’re avoiding work. Whenever kids play, they’re actively learning. By playing, they’re exercising not only their bodies but their minds as well. So, what does that have to do with our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, and how can they help you no matter what your age.
Forming mind / body connections: Close your eyes and touch your nose. You know exactly where you nose is. Now try it with your belly button. How the heck did you do that? It’s because you’ve established your “body map” over the years, and the more you do this the better you are at strengthening the bonds between your mind and your body. Kids do this by playing…jump off the swings once and you might land on your face, do it lots of times and you land like a cat…and by joining one of our Brazilian jiu jitsu classes you’ll have better control over you body and what it can do.
Establishing relationships: Kids love playgrounds because it allows them to run around. But you’ll also notice that kids start playing games, and the games are often about dominance (think King of the Hill) or about other competitions (like chasing each other through the equipment or seeing who can go furthest on the monkey bars). These leads to friendships, and, yes, friendly rivalries. It’s true in our Brazilian jiu jitsu classes as well…you don’t grapple with someone without finding out a little bit about them!
So yes, we have no problems calling our martial arts classes “playful.” Play is how we learn, and the more you enjoy the play the more exercise you’ll get and the better you’ll become. Check out our schedule here.
