It was an impressive display of technique, desire to win and love for the gentle art. The 2016 Pan Kids was a suiting stage for children 4 to 15 to show what they have learned at their academies throughout the year. Those watching learned a lot with such impressive display of how Jiu-Jitsu can have a positive influence in people’s lives.
Here are 4 lessons the Pan Kids taught us all.
1. The skill level is mind-boggling
Some of those kids could have good results at regular adult division if you forget about the physical aspect. Of course they still a long way to go in terms of experience and refinement, but the truth is that kids that start early can become the super-champions of tomorrow.
2. You can see how Jiu-Jitsu help kids deal with discomfort
Getting mounted, choked, having their arms stretched, etc, are all humbling experiences. We talk and write about how ego can hurt all of us on and off the mat, but watching those kids this Sunday was a great surprise. Yes, there was some crying and some anger, but the vast majority of boys and girls showed a level of maturity that was really impressive.
3. Jiu-Jitsu is also great to teach how to accept defeat and victory
Again on the topic of maturity, it’s incredible to see how fast those kids learned to deal with defeats and victories. Yes, there was some crying, but only merely. What I saw most was kids accepting results as they came and also recognizing their opponent’s values. So great!
4. The future of Jiu-Jitsu is guaranteed
Not to sound condescending, but we left the Long Beach Pyramid sure that the future of the gentle art is brilliant. They have the technique, they have the desire to win and they have the respect for the art that form the recipe for a healthy development of BJJ.
