Jiu Jitsu and wrestling

In October, the boys started learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a gym in town. The boys go to class typically 3 days a week, where they receive a mixture of instruction learning new moves, do lots of repetition to practice, and on Thursday it’s open mat for grappling. In addition to learning self-defense, the boys are learning about respect, discipline, humility, commitment, and friendship. The boys have really enjoyed the training, and are always looking forward to going to class. These two videos are from grappling nights. There are always multiple instructors per class and on these nights, instructors work with two kids at a time while they grapple and they help guide the fight and keep the kids safe. In jiu jitsu there is no kicking or punching, the goal is to obtain dominance and get your opponent into a submissive position.

Another value at the gym is creating a family environment and they work hard to include families in everything, from training, to competitions and events. In December, the gym had a white elephant Christmas Party for the kids and families and they had a great time playing with the other students.

The gym recently added Wrestling on Fridays. One of the head instructors is from the area and he wrestled  as a youth, then went on to coach wresting for middle schoolers in the area, and he also wrestled at Virginia Military Institute. He has a passion for the sport and wanted to offer training at the gym. Caleb is planning to tryout for wrestling this winter, so this will prepare him with the fundamentals of the sport before tryouts later in January. 

The boys are really enjoying the training, and we are looking forward to watching them grow in this new sport.