As a gym owner I'm thinking maybe we should offer a class to parents who's children
train Jiu Jitsu.
I've realized after attending many tournaments, helping out
in kids class and being a "Jiu Jitsu Mom" myself, that many parents are un-aware
of the etiquette that comes with this sport as well as rules, the points system,
what's considered disrespectful and lots of little things that should be common
sense but, still go on...like letting your kid walk off the mats barefooted, go
to the bathroom (where many other kids "miss" or someone has vomited on the floor) and then back on to the mats, where they put their hands (and Faces)
train Jiu Jitsu.
I've realized after attending many tournaments, helping out
in kids class and being a "Jiu Jitsu Mom" myself, that many parents are un-aware
of the etiquette that comes with this sport as well as rules, the points system,
what's considered disrespectful and lots of little things that should be common
sense but, still go on...like letting your kid walk off the mats barefooted, go
to the bathroom (where many other kids "miss" or someone has vomited on the floor) and then back on to the mats, where they put their hands (and Faces)
When my now 20 year old son started training I new NOTHING about Jiu
Jitsu. I went to watch him compete and was bored out of my mind aside from when
his match was going on. During the match, someone would have to explain what was
happening and tell me if the points were for him or not. Now that I train and
understand BJJ, and going to a tournament is awesome!
But, more importantly, is etiquette! I've seen parents screaming at
the referee because their child didn't "tap" their arm was fully extended or they
were turning purple from a choke. I've also seen the opposite, a parent
mad because their child got bumped in the face then submitted and the parent
thought the other child should have been DQ'd.
BJJ is a FULL impact sport (kids will get hurt sometimes).
As a referee, (referees
are typically brown or black belts-for those who don't know) when it comes to
kids, it's a very tough job to make
everyone happy unless the match is cut
and dry. If he lets it go to far and the child's arm gets broken or they get put
to sleep, the parents are livid! If he stops the match for their safety,
he has a parent ripping his head off because "He didn't tap"
99% of these screaming parents have never trained a day in their
life and don't have a clue what the rules of a tournament are.
Let your child's coach do the "coaching" and disputing (if they feel it's needed).
If you've attended a kids tournament, you know lots
of tears are shed. It can be very emotional for your child, win or loose and
it's important that you help to keep it a positive experience (like any sport)
Kids get anxiety just like we do as adults competing, they may not show it (or even realize it) so the last thing they need is their parent loosing their cool.
Many parents are also unaware of the cleanliness issues that could also come
with BJJ. Ringworm, Staph Infection etc...
This is not common but, could happen if some of the following are not applied:
Shoes should ALWAYS be worn off the mats.
Gi's should be clean.
Fingernails (and toenails) should be trimmed.
In addition other etiquette includes:
Being on time for class.
Bowing on and off the mats.
Greeting and REPSPECTING your instructor.
*Different schools have different rules. Ask your child's
instructor if your not sure of the rules and etiquette in your child's gym.
IBJJF has specific tournament rules you should also be aware of. From what submissions are allowed, where you can place patches, the belt system and weight classes (I see kids miss weight pretty often because the parents don't realize how the weight classes work)
with BJJ. Ringworm, Staph Infection etc...
This is not common but, could happen if some of the following are not applied:
Shoes should ALWAYS be worn off the mats.
Gi's should be clean.
Fingernails (and toenails) should be trimmed.
In addition other etiquette includes:
Being on time for class.
Bowing on and off the mats.
Greeting and REPSPECTING your instructor.
*Different schools have different rules. Ask your child's
instructor if your not sure of the rules and etiquette in your child's gym.
IBJJF has specific tournament rules you should also be aware of. From what submissions are allowed, where you can place patches, the belt system and weight classes (I see kids miss weight pretty often because the parents don't realize how the weight classes work)
I am not innocent, I didn't know all the rules (and I still don't
know them all) rules will vary depending on the tournament but, I have tried to
become aware of the IBJJF system because that's typically where my family
competes. I also let my poor kid walk around looking like this his first
few months (see pic. below) thanks for the heads up about belt sizes!
know them all) rules will vary depending on the tournament but, I have tried to
become aware of the IBJJF system because that's typically where my family
competes. I also let my poor kid walk around looking like this his first
few months (see pic. below) thanks for the heads up about belt sizes!
I know it's not always an option for parents to get involved in
BJJ themselves but, if you can, your enjoyment of watching Jiu Jitsu will grow
tremendously! If you can't physically get involved, study...learn the
points system, the positions, submissions, rules, etiquette
etc...
You, and your child will really benefit!
BJJ themselves but, if you can, your enjoyment of watching Jiu Jitsu will grow
tremendously! If you can't physically get involved, study...learn the
points system, the positions, submissions, rules, etiquette
etc...
You, and your child will really benefit!
The bjj community is a tight knit group!
So remember that referee that you yelled at may run the next tournament you attend or even worse be the referee for your childs next match!
Unfortunately, it's not always the "nice" person that is remembered!
If you we're that "crazy parent" who screamed at them....surely they WILL remember you!
So remember that referee that you yelled at may run the next tournament you attend or even worse be the referee for your childs next match!
Unfortunately, it's not always the "nice" person that is remembered!
If you we're that "crazy parent" who screamed at them....surely they WILL remember you!
