In many traditional arts you practice kata—forms against imaginary opponents. There’s value in discipline and choreography, but it can leave kids guessing which moves actually work. Jiu-Jitsu removes the guesswork. If someone holds you down, either you escape or you don’t. If you try to pass their guard, either you succeed or they stop you. The opponent resists, and you adjust—live.

We build skill with progressions: learn the escape; drill the escape; then practice from that position with a resisting partner who’s trying to hold you down. Kids learn quickly that calm technique wins. After six to eight months, a trained child can usually control an untrained peer. By black belt, skill—and the confidence that comes with it—is overwhelming.