Now More reasons to enroll your child at Sampa BJJ and MMA

Self-Defense is often the first reason parents enroll their children in martial arts training, but over time the parents realize that the training provides much more than self-defense. BJJ training is much more than a course in throwing, choking or pinning. It becomes a catalyst to promote self-confidence, goal-orientation, calmness, concentration, and improved self-esteem. They develop a sense of responsibility, respect for others, and respect for self, or Confidence without arrogance. They develop the skills to deal with pressures such as confrontations with a bully, drugs, alcohol, and other negative influences. They develop the courage to deal with fears that could possibly hold back their potential.

1. DEVELOPS CONFIDENCE
   “Courage is grace under pressure” – Earnest Hemingway. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA at Sampa teach children the concept of confidence and courage. Courage is defined as: The quality, state of mind, or spirit, which enables one to deal with danger or hardship with confidence and resolution. Parents desire most to protect their children from life’s hardships. The truth is that life is challenging, and that it is inevitable that we will all experience life’s ups and downs. In today’s world, it is essential to provide children with the skills to deal with hardships and challenges, to act with confidence, and to believe in themselves. Through numerous drills children are taught that they ARE capable, and that they CAN do it. Over time children relax and have confidence in their abilities. Situations that previously intimidated them as beginners are no longer threatening, anxiety levels decrease and they “handle” it with calmness and confidence. This basically improves a child’s self-image and they learn to “like” who they are. Parents usually notice this change almost immediately. Their children walk taller, they treat other children with respect and kindness. They are taught to deal with “simulated” high-pressure situations, and they develop skills to deal with them in real life. A child taught to perform a complex combination of mixed martial arts moves in front of a large crowd of supportive peers and parents will have no trouble speaking before a huge professional audience as an adult. Thomas Edison said, “If you think you can or can’t, you’re right!” Sampa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA teaches them they CAN!
2. POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
   Sampa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA Academy is overflowing with positive attitudes and personalities. Students are constantly striving to improve their skills and knowledge. They strive for self-improvement. This environment of positive growth as a person is infectious. There are no stereotypes and everyone has the same opportunity to become the best they can be. Children receive equal amounts of positive input. BJJ and MMA at Sampa assist ordinary people in developing extraordinary determination and skills. It is common to see a 5 or 6 year old that has memorized hundreds of movements. Children exposed to this type of determination usually incorporate it into their own personalities.
3. FULFILLS THE NEED TO BELONG
   BJJ and MMA at Sampa has a distinct advantage over team sports, and that is every child can participate. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA at Sampa promotes an environment where every child can perform to their highest level, unlike team sports where a child may not make the cut or ends up on the bench. Team sports have their advantages but more times than not it is the gifted children who are the most revered. Although Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA at Sampa is very individual oriented it fulfills a child’s need to belong. Children who train in the mixed martial arts develop a healthy sense of being unique and a part of something out of the ordinary. Children who are involved in martial arts are usually leaders in their peer groups. They tend to positively influence others, rather than be negatively influenced by others.
4. IMPROVES CONCENTRATION = BETTER GRADES
   It has been heard time and time again. Parents tell Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial arts Sampa’s instructors that their child’s grades could use improving. After a short time at Sampa their grades improve significantly, if not dramatically. Concentration is definitely a result of mixed martial arts training. The focus, attention, and concentration developed from training and required during training flows over into the child’s academic study habits. BJJ and MMA Sampa’s instructors make it a habit to acknowledge and applaud academic improvements. Where a child may have thought their best was a “C”, they receive the encouragement to reach higher and to believe they can be “A” students. This is half the battle.
5. MENTAL BENEFITS – PEACE AND CALM.
   Whether a child has been labeled introverted or hyper-active parents tend to want a healthy balance for their children. They desire for their children to have the skills and knowledge to know when to be assertive and when to be submissive. In other words, a “Know when to speak, know when to be quiet” skill. A child who tends to be too quiet or submissive may be more withdrawn and lack the confidence to be assertive or stand-up for themselves and may be easily intimidated. The opposite is a child who is overbearing or too aggressive causing others to be alienated or to shy away from them. In BJJ and MMA training at Sampa they develop positive characteristics and virtues. After some period of training children may actually enter a state of meditation. During training they focus on self-improvement. They do not worry about judging others or being judged. This can lead to a healthier mentality and improved interaction with peers and siblings. They tend to develop more calm and peaceful behaviors.
6. PHYSICAL BENEFITS – OPTIMIZES PHYSICAL HEALTH.
   The physical benefits for a child training Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts at sampa are numerous. The demands of a normal class require the student to perform intricate coordinated movements using the entire body. It develops muscle tone, strength, flexibility, and balance. A child’s neurological development is still occurring, so by demanding more through martial arts training, the nervous system’s development is improved. Through Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts training, a child’s weaknesses are improved and their strengths are enhanced.
7. DEFUSES BULLY CONFRONTATIONS
   A confrontation with a bully is almost every child’s nightmare. These occurrences have been known to literally affect a person well into adulthood. The feelings of fear, intimidation, weakness, shame, and embarrassment are common. This is a plateful of feelings, which are difficult for a child to handle. Bullies are as common in adulthood as they are in childhood. The majority of us have experienced this on some scale. The bully’s main focus is to seek out those weaker than themselves, in part due to the bully’s feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy. They have a need to feel powerful over others. The bully senses fear, and is propelled to act. They will bully a person if the person does not look them in the eye, or has a weak posture, or is nervous. It has been proven time and again that criminals will choose victims who have less confident air about them or who have a bouncy, unsure stride in their step. Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts training does not promote the use of martial art skill to ‘teach bullies a lesson”. Quite the contrary, the skills that are learned help to repel the bully attack before it happens. Children learn to speak confidently, walk and stand with assuredness. They emit an air of ability. This confidence and forthrightness is usually not the response the bully expects. The child taking martial arts, has a calm, confident demeanor and it usually deflates the situation. Any parent who is concerned that martial arts will promote violent behavior from a child can rest easy, the opposite behavior takes place. A clinical psychologist-Professor Richard Carrera, of the University of Miami agrees. He has conducted studies of the male martial artist, in comparison to a control group of college students. The martial artists were conscientious, industrious, and able to inhibit acts of aggression or hostility. This is based on the knowledge of their martial art ability. They know to use it only when they have no other alternative. Mixed Martial arts training imbeds respect and self-control, it helps subdue acts of aggression and irrational behavior. Through training Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts students tend to develop secure identities, and in turn their identity or their dignity is not easily threatened. Therefore, trivial attacks such as name-calling, or minor trespasses are patiently forgiven.
8. DEVELOPS RESPECT FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND ELDERS
   One of the first lessons a child learns is to respond to all questions and commands with an enthusiastic “Yes”. Although this appears to be a minor task, its effect is great. Children learn to immediately perform tasks requested and without question. They learn the attitude of procrastination or not completing an activity or task is not the “Way” of a true martial artist. They are taught that an honorable BlackBelt performs their duties when they are asked. Children are taught to respond to their parents with the same respect and to assist them in every way possible, from daily chores to being a good student. Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts at Sampa help kids understand honor, integrity, and importance of family.
9. DEVELOPS GOAL SETTING
   Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts at Sampa provide a clearly defined path to success and achievement. The colored belt system is evident throughout the training Academy (Studio/School). The belt system progressively goes from white, to grey, to yellow, to orange, to green, to blue, to purple, to brown, and then to the ultimate goal – Black belt. This gives them a constant feeling of achievement and anticipation to the next goal. They see the results of their individual effort. This teaches them that through study and hard work they can obtain their goals.
10. CHILDREN HAVE A GREAT TIME LEARNING BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS .
    Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts at Sampa roots are in traditional Martial arts training. The protocol and belt system is similar to the army, navy, etc., but it isn’t boot camp for kids. Instructors understand that kids are kids, so we develop drills and activities that are enjoyable but, at the same time, develop the skills and traits required to succeed in Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts. We ensure they have fun while learning this traditional and authentic martial art taught at Sampa.

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