We have always felt that there are positive effects of Jiu-Jitsu on children based on our own experiences with our younger students in kids classes.
The growth & transformations we have witnessed are simply impressive and always so impressive. It’s not so much the art itself, but how amazing kids are, with their natural abilities to absorb information, be resilient and adapt.
Although we see all of the positive impacts first-hand and we hear testimonials from parents and children all of the time, it is arguably still anecdotal. We have not held any formal study on the impacts of Jiu-Jitsu on children, but the Fernando Pessoa University in Portugal has!
The Study
They researched a select group of 150 children from the ages of 10-12 who trained for 45 minute sessions between one to three times per week for six months. They then used the Stroop Test method which examines neurophyschological functions to evaluate the results.
The study found strong evidence that suggest practicing Jiu-Jitsu does have a positive influence on a child’s Executive Functions development and their Inhibitory Control. What does that mean?
Executive Functions include mental skills that manage working memory and elastic thinking. Inhibitory Control is a persons’s ability to regulate their natural impulses or responses to stimulus and choosing the “appropriate” response. More commonly described as “self-control.”
These aren’t the only potential benefits or positive impacts on children that BJJ may provide, these are just the aspects noted in the formal study.
More on the study & source can be found here: https://jitsmagazine.com/scientific-study-confirms-bjj-has-a-positive-effect-on-children/?fbclid=IwAR0Mul47EbQrEle6KUMLFK8z5cs6KvTf1TVBlAi53JJid4NJ1VRNludNLb4
Disclaimer: Results may vary and are not guaranteed. All students are different and will have their own independent experiences which may result in different outcomes. We recommend contacting your medical professional if you have any questions or want to learn more about the psychological or physical impacts of Jiu-Jitsu on you or your child.