FAQs of for Kids Jiu-Jitsu at Ground Control What is the difference between Jiu-Jitsu and other forms of martial arts for kids? Jiu-Jitsu will teach your children that they don't need to learn how to punch and kick in order to control someone and protect themselves from bullying. Instead of learning moves through katas or prearranged set of movements carried out on a cooperative training partner, they will learn how to apply grappling techniques on a resisting training partner who's not cooperating and is counteracting with his own moves. Strategic grips and positioning control make Jiu-Jitsu. How large are your class sizes and what’s the ratio Instructor/Student? Class sizes can go up to 24 students in each class. We ask parents that also train in Jiu-Jitsu to assist whenever possible, however we train our children to maintain discipline, respect and focus throughout the whole course of practice. Is the curriculum safe for my child? We take our students’ safety very seriously. The attention to safety and the student's well being always comes first. Proper self-defense and martial arts training include contact. If it doesn't, how can it possibly be called self-defense? Being that Jiu-Jitsu is a combat sport, there is a chance injuries will occur; however by being extremely strict in enforcing mat rules and etiquette, we drastically reduce those chances. Why Ground Control Jiu-Jitsu? What qualifications do your instructors have to teach my child? Owner Jonas Goins is a brown belt under Professor Matt Vernon who is in turn under Jean Jacques Machado Black Belt Christian Derr. Jonas has been an avid competitor in BJJ tournaments while also training and fighting in MMA and Muay Thai. After his last MMA match in 2018 he began teaching at Primate Jiu-Jitsu under the direction of Professor Vernon. How are classes structured? We have a mix of Warm ups, technique and games. Warm ups, which includes body weight exercises and movements designed to improve their athleticism; technique drilling and games, to help them develop retention, muscle memory and reflexes; and live training, which is where they fully resist against one another, trying to execute their moves while defending their training partner’s own attacks. And for obvious reasons, this is the biggest factor in the boost of their confidence. Will my child have fun? Will he want to stick with the program? To teach anyone, but especially children, you must earn their respect and show them what’s acceptable and what’s not. We run a very strict instructional program, however many of our warm up and technique drills are game-based. They are improving their motor skills and learning second-nature self-defense movements without even knowing! We definitely know how to “be kids”, while maintaining discipline and order in class What does "Jiu-Jitsu" mean? Jiu-Jitsu translates to "the gentle art"; it is referred to as such because the art utilizes leverage and balance rather than force and strength. Also the finishing submissions are viewed as a more humane alternative to striking. How old does my child have to be to start training? We start at 8 years old. However, since no two kids are the same, and there can be significant differences in coordination and maturity. We also offer a PlayBJJ for ages 4-7. My child is already very energetic. I'm afraid the training will encourage aggression, is this true? Training at Ground Control will provide an outlet for children in which to channel aggression and excess energy. Our children's programs focus on developing behavioral and attitudinal aspects inherent with martial arts such as respect, confidence, discipline and self-control. Through providing a fun and safe atmosphere for kids, we can foster a healthy environment in which they can learn and develop not only self-defense skills, but life skills as well. They learn Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for personal growth and development, not as a weapon to cause harm. Once ready, they will be sparring daily in class, often with children who are bigger and more experienced than they are. Not winning every match will teach them humility and respect. Kids learn to treat others, as they want to be treated. Often, kids who were violent before they joined our program changed, and became non-violent. However, we do teach them to take action, whenever physically threatened by anyone, anywhere, anytime. Will my child have a hard time if he/she isn’t athletic? Often children who don’t find success in team sports come to Martial Arts, and they love it! That’s because with Martial Arts you go at your own pace. Our students are never asked to do things beyond their capacity. Some kids learn quicker than others, but those who advance quickly are not valued more than the kids who advance slowly. Everyone is greatly encouraged, regardless of his or her athletic level and praised for achieving things they couldn’t before. Is Jiu-Jitsu just for boys, or can my girl take it too? Some of the best and toughest are the girls! Stick around and see… How do I get my kid started? Can parents learn too? Call or email Jonas at... controlgroundjiujitsu@gmail.com 918-921-4146 Or message at... Facebook: @Groundcontrolbjj Instagram: ground_control_jiu_jitsu_ And… YES! I emphatically recommend that parents give Jiu-Jitsu a try. It can become a great family oriented activity and allow you to better support your child! Where are you located? Ground Control Jiu-Jitsu (Inside Crossfit Bellator) 811 East 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 http://groundcontroljiu-jitsu.com Adult/Teen Jiu-Jitsu Monday-Thursday 6:30pm Youth Jiu-Jitsu Tuesday and Thursdays 5:00pm MMA Fundamentals Wednesday 730 pm PlayBJJ Wednesdays at 5:30 PM