Kids Jiu Jitsu: Learning to Lose (and to Win)

If you do Jiu Jitsu I’m certain you know what it's like to leave a session feeling defeated; things aren't clicking, your hard work isn’t showing, you just can’t work out that one technique. If you’re a parent you’ve likely seen your child face their own setbacks: hesitation to start something new, difficulty paying attention, making friends, or enduring the physical challenge of it all. The good news? Setbacks aren’t all bad.

Losing is inevitable in life, in fact some of the most valuable lessons come from setbacks. Kids who learn to take losses in stride, who don’t let their losses define them, develop habits of patience, persistence, and resilience. These habits will serve them in all areas of life.

At the same time, the kids notice that their success is the result of their own effort. Every skill they learn, every friend they make, and every small win in class adds up. Over time, they understand that their success is the direct result of their own bravery, effort, and consistency. This teaches them a powerful lesson: with enough dedication, they have the ability to succeed at whatever they set their minds to.

The upcoming in-house competition is a great chance for kids to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. It’s a safe way to test their skills, and experience both wins and losses, all of which help them build the habits they’ll need to succeed both on the mats and in everyday life.