Gym-Jitsu
Pre-School Gym-Jitsu (age 3-4) and Gym-Jitsu (age 4-6)
We combine the sports of Gymnastics and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to create Gym-Jitsu. At the beginning, they will learn the basic positions of gymnastics (tuck, straddle, pike, beginning handstand and cartwheels) and the beginning positions of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (mount, side mount, guard, and takedowns). This is all done in an intense, fun class with non-stop movement.
We do not believe in having kids wait in line. Many sports have kids waiting in lines for long periods of time before they finally get their turn. We strive to keep the kids moving, learning and above all, exercising.
We introduce kids to the concept of a belt system. Having a clear goal is very important to many children’s motivation. We have 6 tests per year and in the Gym-Jitsu class, the student is required to get one stripe before earning the next belt. It will take about four months to be promoted to the next belt level assuming the child is coming an average of two or more times per week and attends the test.
Belt Progression (all are white with a color through the middle):
1. White
2. Yellow
3. Orange (students reaching Orange belt are invited to go into the Advanced class)
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Purple
7. Brown
8. Black
After the kids graduate into this class, they are independent enough to pay attention and do most of the moves with some degree of focus. Parents are not there so the children develop a sense of independence and learn to cooperate with other children while practicing the techniques.
We do not teach any submission holds or “tapout” maneuvers in this class because we feel that the kids are not developmentally mature enough to use them responsibly. Plus, we spend so much time tumbling and learning fun moves that we don’t have time for submissions!
There are five stages of each class:
1. Stationary Movement, also called “circle time.” This is where we practice different positions such as straddles, thunderslaps, and bridges.
2. Movement time. This is where we practice more movements that require a bit more motion and floor space. Each child will stand on a colored marker that will help her/him develop spatial awareness. Parents, please stand near your child and try to do all of the movements that we do. This is exercise for you too!
3. Technique-of-the-Day time. This is where we do the bulk of our instruction. We focus on a series of two or three interrelated techniques. We will drill the technique about 3-5 times each. Over time, the student will get better and better at the technique and will eventually be able to use it while sparring.
4. Spar time. This is a fun time where the children actually get to grapple with each other in a very safe and organized manner. We try to utilize the technique of the day so that it is even further cemented into the students’ muscle memory.
5. Game time: This is always a crowd pleaser! The children play cooperative and competitive games together. We have a wealth of games that are designed for fun and sometimes to reinforce again a particular skill that we have been developing.