3 Ways Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Helps Kids Overcome Bullying







It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to find out that their kids are being bullied in school. Whether it's physical or verbal bullying, the actions of peers can have a significant impact on the safety, confidence, and general well-being of children.


At our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) academy in Chico, CA and Orland, Ca, we do not tolerate bullying. We actively work to help those who have become targets of bullies regain their confidence, provide a positive environment with a friendly group of peers, and teach them skills to protect themselves—while also emphasizing that Jiu Jitsu should only be used when absolutely necessary.


Many parents have come to us seeking help with bullying, and over time, we’ve witnessed the total transformation of kids right before our eyes. Through training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a supportive and encouraging environment, we’ve seen kids grow from being nervous, scared, and shy to becoming happy, outgoing, and self assured young individuals.


Not only do we create an environment where our BJJ kids can feel comfortable being themselves, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a sport is an effective tool for helping kids overcome bullying.


Below, we’ve listed three ways training Jiu Jitsu at our academy can help your child if they’re being bullied:


1. BJJ Helps Build Confidence


Brazilian Jiu Jitsu builds confidence by showing kids that they’re strong and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. Every day on the mat, kids learn new techniques and drills, which they then apply in training with their partners. They learn to believe in their abilities, trust their instincts, and never give up during rolling (also known as sparring).


As they gain confidence in class, this newfound self-assurance can extend to other areas of their life, leading to improved self-esteem. This boost in confidence can be a powerful tool, demonstrating to bullies that they’re not afraid to stand up for themselves and that they won’t be an easy target.


2. Kids Learn in a Positive Environment


When a child is bullied, they may feel isolated or as if they don’t have a community to turn to. We counteract this by providing a supportive community of friendly team members who cheer each other on. Kids in our Chico and Orland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes can feel free to be themselves, making friends they can laugh and have fun with—without the fear of being picked on by bullies.


This positive environment can also deter bullies, who often target kids that seem isolated or lack support. At our academy, kids learn how to make friends, stand up for themselves and each other, and experience what a healthy community looks like outside of the family.





3. They Learn Self-Defense, When to Use It, and When Not To Use It


Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches kids essential self-defense skills that don’t involve throwing punches. These skills include awareness of their surroundings, carrying themselves with confidence, and remaining calm in difficult situations. Such skills can help de-escalate challenging situations or even prevent them from occurring in the first place.


Bullies often target those they believe won’t defend themselves. While we don’t encourage or condone kids—or anyone else—to deliberately engage in fights or physical confrontations, knowing they have the skills to defend themselves can be a significant deterrent to bullies. We emphasize to our students that the Jiu Jitsu techniques they learn should not be used outside of our classes, except in situations where self-defense is absolutely necessary.


Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Right For Your Kid?


Together with self-confidence and a strong support system, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help kids of all ages and grade levels overcome bullying. We teach respect as one of our core values, which includes not bullying or putting others down.


If your child is being affected by bullying, we invite you to try our one-week free trial to experience how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids in Chico or Orland can help them overcome bullying. Send an email to academy@brunolimabjj.com to get started.



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