Gracie Jiu Jitsu fans?

[IZ]

I took the boy in for a couple lessons last month and thinking of enrolling him. He seemed to really enjoy it!  He's also doing gymnastics a couple times/week.

I'm wondering if Gracie is the way to go?  I was also considering boxing or Muy Tai.  Not sure if either of those is right for 3 1/2 y/o though.  Maybe around 7 or 8?

[red baron]

gymnastics.

[IZ]

gymnastics.

I'm not looking to make him into one of the Stroe brothers but gymnastics will help in any sport he pursues in the future. This isn't Little Gym though.  It's run by former Olympians and is competitive (after preschool). 

[ducpainter]

Competitive at 3 1/2?

I suppose...as long as it's he that wants it and not you.

[IZ]

Competitive at 3 1/2?

I suppose...as long as it's he that wants it and not you.

He's in the preschool group now and for another year. They rotate through all the exercises with the older kids but it's just basics and fun for now. 
There's a traveling competition team that he can go into later if that's how things play out.

[duccarlos]

Martial arts at any age before 7 will be for fun only. People talk about discipline, but in general classes are more like having the kid in preschool that allows them to get physical. By around 7 they should have the mental capacity to take it somewhat seriously.

BTW, GJJ is as good as it gets if you have the right instructor. Quite a few out there have never been trained by any Gracie.

[He Man]

^ what he said. my MT school had a little kids program, it was basicly kids trying to kick each other with oversized pads on (lets face it, no one designs contact sports goods for kids that age)

What you are doing is essentially building the neuromuscular connection to be athletic. Gymnastics seems to fill that role pretty well.

[IZ]

Martial arts at any age before 7 will be for fun only. People talk about discipline, but in general classes are more like having the kid in preschool that allows them to get physical. By around 7 they should have the mental capacity to take it somewhat seriously.

BTW, GJJ is as good as it gets if you have the right instructor. Quite a few out there have never been trained by any Gracie.

Agreed.

Yes, these instructors are top notch.  We're lucky because the Gracie Barra Headquarters is only about a mile away.  

[IZ]

^ what he said. my MT school had a little kids program, it was basicly kids trying to kick each other with oversized pads on (lets face it, no one designs contact sports goods for kids that age)

What you are doing is essentially building the neuromuscular connection to be athletic. Gymnastics seems to fill that role pretty well.

Typical BJJ class here is stretching and exercises, running laps (instructor makes it fun), mounting and getting out of a mount and other activities.  I didn't think 30 min classes (3x's/Wk) would be long enough but he asks for a drink after only 5 min!

Gymnastics 2x's/wk for 1 hour.  Plus, like I mentioned in the past..we go to Muscle Beach every weekend to use the equipment.  We workout with my still rings & slack line at the local park.  Trying to keep him active rather than watching TV.

[duccarlos]

Dude, the kid is 3 1/2. Cut him some slack.

[IZ]

Dude, the kid is 3 1/2. Cut him some slack.

Ha!  We're just always out doing things.  He has plenty of time for play and watching cartoons. Believe me.  Like I said..I'm not trying to make him into Little Hercules or the Stroe brothers.



BTW..I didn't think 30 min BJJ classes would be long enough To wear him out..is what I meant to say.   Since gymnastics classes are an hour long. Is that what you were referring to?

[duccarlos]

Plus, like I mentioned in the past..we go to Muscle Beach every weekend to use the equipment.  We workout with my still rings & slack line at the local park.  Trying to keep him active rather than watching TV.

This.

[IZ]

This.

It's all fun there.  If you've ever seen Muscle Beach, there's an adult park with the rings, slack line park, etc. and a kids park with swings and other playground equipment.

[Grampa]

How is any of this going to help further his motogp career?

[IZ]

How is any of this going to help further his motogp career?

Conditioning..I guess?

Unfortunately, no motorcycle yet.  He's been riding a balance bike for about 2 years now and has a bigger two wheeler with training wheels. The kid loves speed!