By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 12/16/24
Kids are often glued to screens, spending hours on smartphones and video games. This excessive screen time has left many children feeling isolated and detached, missing out on the joy of setting and achieving meaningful goals. Without guidance, they can seem lost in their childhood, drifting without a sense of purpose or direction going which can be daunting as they grow into adults. That’s where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) steps in—a martial art that not only builds respect, discipline, and hard work but also nurtures the essential life skill of goal setting which will help your child become a successful adult
As an assistant kids’ coach at Citadel BJJ Iowa City, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative BJJ can be for young kids. Through its unique belt system, structured training, and encouraging environment, BJJ helps kids develop a goal-setting mindset that extends far beyond the mats and into every aspect of their lives from school & home life.
The Role of the Belt System in Building Goal-Setting Habits
One of the most powerful tools in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is its belt system. This progression framework is a tangible way for kids to see their hard work paying off, motivating them to push further on & off the mats.
How the Kids’ Belt System Works
In the kids’ program, students start as white belts and progress through various colors, including grey, yellow, orange, and green. Each belt represents a milestone, while stripes on their belt signify smaller accomplishments along the way. This gradual progression teaches children the importance of breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
The Adult Belt System
While adults follow a similar path (white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts), the journey for kids is more focused on foundational skills, discipline, and learning to set achievable short-term objectives that pave the way for long-term success.
The First Step: Earning That First Stripe
For many kids, their initial goal in BJJ is earning their first stripe. At first, they might think they can achieve it instantly. But as a kids’ coach, I always explain that this takes consistent effort. Kids need to show up to class regularly, listen attentively, and treat their coaches and teammates with respect.
When a child finally earns that coveted first stripe, it’s a lightbulb moment. They realize that their next goal—a grey belt, for instance—isn’t just a distant dream but an attainable reality. This experience instills a belief in the step-by-step process needed to accomplish larger goals.
How BJJ Goal Setting Translates to Everyday Life
Applying the Step-by-Step Process
- Instead of stressing about the final grade, BJJ teaches kids to focus on smaller goals.
- For math, this could mean studying for one quiz and asking questions in class.
- Once they score an “A” on that quiz, they build confidence, realizing that with effort, they can achieve an “A” in the class overall.
This ability to break down larger ambitions into actionable steps is a skill they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
Why BJJ is the Best Martial Art for Kids
While many martial arts programs teach important values like respect and discipline, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands out as the best choice for kids. Its unique emphasis on practical self-defense, adaptability, and structured progression make it ideal for building life skills.
If you’re curious about why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is considered the best martial art for kids, check out our past blog, Why BJJ is the Best Martial Art for Kids. This blog breakdown why BJJ builds resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset better than other martial arts.
Discipline, Respect, and the Power of Showing Up
As a coach, I’ve watched kids grow over time simply by showing up regularly. Some start unsure of themselves, afraid to try new moves or interact with their peers. But over weeks and months, they begin to change. They realize that:
- Discipline is about sticking to their commitment, even when it’s tough.
- Respect for their coaches and teammates creates a positive environment for growth.
- Consistency is the key to achieving their goals, one practice at a time.
The process of setting and achieving goals becomes a natural part of who they are.
Additional Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids
Beyond goal setting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a wealth of benefits that help children thrive. These include:
- Improved Physical Fitness: Kids build strength, agility, and endurance while learning techniques.
- Social Skills: BJJ introduces kids to peers from different schools and backgrounds, fostering friendships and teamwork.
- Self-Defense Skills: Children learn how to protect themselves in a safe and controlled environment.
- Confidence Building: As they master techniques and earn stripes, kids develop a sense of self-assurance.
A Journey of Growth and Achievement
At Citadel BJJ Iowa City, I’ve seen kids grow into disciplined, confident individuals who understand the value of hard work and perseverance. Whether they’re earning a new stripe, working toward a higher belt, or simply showing up to class, the lessons they learn in BJJ set them up for success in all areas of life.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reminds us all that achieving big dreams starts with small, consistent steps over time. With respect, discipline, and a willingness to work hard, kids can accomplish more than they ever imagined—on and off the mats.
Want to get your child started in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids?
FAQs
The ideal age range for kids to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is 4–6 years old. At this age, children are beginning to develop motor skills, focus, and the ability to follow instructions. At Citadel BJJ Iowa City, we offer a 4–6-year-old kids’ program every Tuesday and Thursday night from 5:00 to 5:30 PM with four dedicated coaches. This program helps young children build discipline and respect early on while introducing them to the fundamentals of BJJ.
Yes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be highly beneficial for kids with anger issues. At Citadel BJJ, we’ve worked with children struggling with anger and have seen remarkable improvements. Through structured training, discipline, and an emphasis on respect, kids learn to manage their emotions and channel their energy positively. The supportive environment also helps build self-control and emotional resilience.
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Author Box:
I’m Logan, a brown belt and fundamentals coach at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. As an assistant kids coach with competition experience across the USA, I’ve been grappling since 2017. I focus on building a strong foundation for beginners and fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Read more Citadel BJJ Blogs: https://bjjiniowacity.com/iowa-city-blog/
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