It's the little things

A class that is dear to my heart is our littles. They can be sweet, and stinky, seriously they fart every class! Hilarious and absolute savages, who tell you you're too sweaty but still give the best hugs! But one thing they always have is the drive to want to get good at Jiu-Jitsu.

Here's the thing though...they don't start off learning Jiu-Jitsu. You're probably asking yourselves, Why? Isn't this a bjj class?

The reason is that most littles are lacking the fundamental movements needed to actually do Jiu-Jitsu. Most don't know how to forward roll, or do a push up or a sit up. Some don't know their hand from their hip.Their bodies lack the strength and movement needed to actually get good at BJJ. This is where our philosophy comes in. If I can get their bodies strong, keep their minds focused and have a little fun along the way, well then we are sure to be on a path for them to have a successful Jiu-Jitsu journey.

At this point you're probably thinking but what does a sit up have to do with learning Jiu-Jitsu?

Well, everything.

For example, if I want to teach them a rainbow sweep, and they can't sit up and bridge to execute the sweep, now they are discouraged and as instructors it can feel frustrating. However if every class we choose to focus on movements that will strengthen their bodies, and then a student lead stretch which helps with leadership and gaining confidence. Now we have a recipe for success. Yes they still learn some Jiu-Jitsu every class, but what we have discovered along the way is that as their bodies get stronger, their movements and fighting skills become more natural. Then their learning and love for Jiu-Jitsu really begins.