At Mt. Hood Guardians Martial Arts Academy, we are committed to helping your child succeed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids. As a parent, your support is key to maximizing their growth, both in class and beyond. This guide will help you optimize your child’s experience in martial arts, ensuring they get the most out of their training while building discipline, coordination, and self-confidence.
1. Consistency is Key to Success
For your child to thrive in BJJ, consistent attendance is crucial. We recommend that children attend classes at least two to three times a week. Regular attendance helps your child:
• Improve their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques
• Build muscle memory and coordination
• Feel more connected to their peers and instructors
At Mt. Hood Guardians, our flexible schedule allows your child to attend classes any day of the week, ensuring you can fit training into your family’s routine.
2. Reinforce Discipline and Focus
Martial arts teaches children essential life skills, such as discipline and focus, both on and off the mat. You can support this by:
• Encouraging your child to follow instructions the first time
• Setting small, achievable goals to practice discipline at home
• Praising their efforts in class and beyond
By reinforcing these values at home, your child will develop better behavior, not only in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but also in school and other areas of life.
3. Practice Outside of Class
Supporting your child’s training at home is a great way to solidify their learning. Whether it’s through practicing moves, watching BJJ tutorials, or discussing what they learned in class, home practice can significantly enhance their progress.
We also recommend checking out Jose Rodriguez’s book, How to Become Mentally Better at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Combat Sports, which dives into the mental side of martial arts and how to foster resilience in young athletes.
4. Teamwork and Respect
In our BJJ classes for children, students learn to cooperate with training partners of all ages and skill levels. You can help them develop teamwork and respect by:
• Encouraging them to help others in class
• Emphasizing the importance of respecting both instructors and peers
• Discussing the importance of being a good teammate, even outside the academy
These lessons in teamwork and respect will serve your child well in other aspects of life.
5. Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Results
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, progress comes with time, patience, and dedication. It’s important to celebrate the small victories, such as mastering a new move or improving in a particular technique. Support your child by:
• Praising their effort and perseverance, rather than just focusing on competition results or belt promotions
• Encouraging them to enjoy the learning process and celebrate gradual progress
This approach will help your child maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated throughout their martial arts journey.
6. Nutrition and Hydration for Optimal Performance
Proper nutrition and hydration play a critical role in your child’s performance in martial arts. Ensure your child is eating a balanced diet that fuels their energy levels for training, and remind them to stay hydrated before, during, and after class. This will not only improve their physical performance but also their ability to stay focused in class.
7. Communicate With Instructors
Our experienced instructors, led by Jose Rodriguez, are here to support both you and your child. If you have concerns or questions regarding your child’s progress, behavior, or performance in class, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to provide personalized advice on how to help your child succeed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
8. Set a Positive Example
As a parent, your attitude toward martial arts can have a strong influence on your child. By showing enthusiasm for their progress and offering consistent encouragement, you can help foster a positive environment. Whether you participate in classes yourself or simply show interest in their development, your support will help them feel motivated and engaged.
9. Encourage Teaching to Reinforce Learning
At Mt. Hood Guardians, we believe that “To teach is to learn it twice.” Encourage your child to share what they’ve learned with friends or family. This reinforces their understanding of the techniques and builds their confidence. By teaching others, they will gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its principles.
How We Can Help Your Child Succeed
At Mt. Hood Guardians Martial Arts Academy, we provide more than just physical training. Our focus is on developing the whole child—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our expert instructors, including Jose Rodriguez, work closely with each child to ensure they are growing in skill and confidence, while also fostering the core values of discipline, teamwork, and respect.
For more tips or questions about how to support your child, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
• Email: guardianmthood@gmail.com
• Phone: 208-704-2215
We are excited to be a part of your child’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts, and we look forward to helping them develop life skills that extend far beyond the mat!
Guardian Mt. Hood Jiu Jitsu 