Mat Monkeys ( 7 ~ 11 years-old)Young Grapplers (11-16 yrs old)Our approach is very different from the philosophy of many traditional martial arts schools. First, our motto is -- "Play as the Way". Training must be FUN. Second, we train like "sport" to prepare for "self-defense". That means our training looks a lot like other sports, like soccer. • We do drills, we practice with partners and we work on fundamentals . • We never train in patterns with a non-existent or cooperative partner. • Play forms the core of our kids classes , either in the form of out and out games, or through sports specific drills in which the child is encouraged to be creative. • There is no "wrong way" for the kids who train here, we encourage an errorless training environment in which each kid can develop their skills. We have found this to be the best, the most fun, and indeed the most efficient way for children to learn real fighting skills. • Partners always use PROGESSIVE and APPROPRIATE resistance. Martial arts can be of great benefit to children if the environment is right. Through game playing children can develop essential skills for combat, foster their creativity, and have fun whilst doing so. • Kids learn functional martial arts attributes through a curriculum based on structured, directed, play. The children's classes are positive and supportive. • The training is attribute as well as performance based. Though the children learn functional self-defense skills, they more importantly develop as individuals . We strive to provide an environment that will allow children to develop confidence and nurture their natural, brilliant creativity. • No rote memorization, No yelling. The goal of discipline in our class is to instill self-discipline in children, not mere obedience. This is a process and it takes time to accomplish. But the positive feedback children receive in class is a powerful motivator that can gradually transform their behavior over time. Discipline, or order, is not enforced by strict rules, or punishment. This approach does not encourage children to use their imagination or resourcefulness. Instead, using the Play As The Way method developed by Luis Gutierrez in Florida (www.onedragon.com), children learn to tackle problems head on through game playing. They learn self-discipline by adhering to the rules of the games.
Benefits of using the Play as the Way' method include .. Character Attributes
Physical Attributes
Many parents are justifiably concerned over whether their children should learn violent techniques. This is a very real dilemma . Which would you prefer; • a child to learn defence skills in a safe environment, whilst supervised by a qualified adult, and wearing protective equipment? Or • in the street, unsupervised, by some bully? Children can learn respect for violence; learn when NOT to use it. And also use martial arts as a means to avoid unpleasant situations, rather than emerge the victor, as is so often preached in martial arts. Whether or not a child is allowed to use their martial arts training to defend themselves is a matter we leave up to the parent's and their children. Only they can decide when it is okay for a child to use their skills should a fight arise.
At Merville Ju-Jitsu , we have some guidelines to help the children should they be given the green light to defend themselves by their parents. a. They are never allowed to start a fight. b. They are not allowed apply submissions of any kind. c. We'd prefer, if possible, that they try and take the bully down with a throw or takedown they've learned. Hopefully this shall knock the wind out of the bully and then the child can make their escape. If not, they can pin the bully until a teacher comes along. This, we believe, is a lot better than having either child's face bloodied up.
An athletic approach to martial arts fosters a healthy lifestyle. Some Coaches & Instructors in martial arts schools choose to concentrate solely on the dreaded "street fight" that lurks around every corner. This is not a healthy attitude to adopt. Whilst it is important to teach children to be aware of the dangers, these should not be exaggerated into horror stories.. A far better approach is to develop a healthy competitive attitude, where the kids are not pressured into performing better than X or Y, but improving on their past performances. An athletic approach to martial arts fosters a healthy lifestyle. Kids will not be so inclined to hang around the street corner and will learn to avoid situations/places where danger is more likely to arise. As long as the children are taught with care and understanding, competition can allow children to develop their confidence to tackle their challenges, rather than avoiding reality and escaping into the "mysticism" or "invincibility" of most military style martial arts
Are there belts? Like in Karate?
At Merville Ju-Jitsu , we have a belt system. While fun and performance are our number one goals, we do this so the kids can have something to work for and as a reward for their effort and dedication to the sport. We don't think of belts in terms of any sort of hierarchy. Everybody is an athlete in the class, and no one is above or beneath another student.
Belts are awarded through time put in at our training sessions, and performance. The belt system is such that the student has to be able to competent in ALL skills - striking, throws & takedowns, wrestling & groundwork. Obviously the more time put in the greater the increase in skill. They are not a reward for memorising a certain number of techniques. What good are 100's of techniques if the child cannot apply them in sparring? Also it's important to stress that its relevant improvement that's important: are you moving better than you were last month, not can you beat Little Johnny or Mary every time.
When a child is ready for a grading, they are given a permission sheet that they need to get signed by their parent/guardian and their teacher in school. This is to encourage the child to develop themselves as a person in all areas of their life and also so that as parents, coach and teacher can work together to provide the best environment for the child.
The Mat Monkey & Junior Grappler Jiu Jitsu classes contain the full spectrum of practical martial arts skills , which includes striking, throws & take downs and fighting on the floor, plus we use games to help develop other attributes, making for very productive training. Merville Ju-Jitsu has many juniors athletes .We have a very good competition team, having up to 26 athletes at a recent grappling competition. We had some excellent performances that will help to give the juniors confidence to keep training and keep competing. The potential that is there is awesome, if nurtured right then these same juniors will go on to much bigger things.
If you'd like your child to experience the methods used by our group, please call down any club night and observe a session. Our program owes much in form and spirit to Play As the Way' as developed by • Luis Gutierrez, SBGi U.S. East Coast Regional Director , as well as • the Beaverton Straight Blast Gym's very successful children's program, developed by Tom Oberhue, SBGi U.S. West Coast Regional Director.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of Newtownabbey Borough Council's Sport's Development Grant & The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation , without which our Club would never have been able to purchase the Safety Matting & Equipment , so vital to our continued existence.
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