From Screen Time to Mat Time: Why Kids Martial Arts at Praia BJJ Is One of the Best Decisions You’ll Make as a Parent.
As parents, we want our children to grow up strong, not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and socially. We sign them up for sports, music lessons, tutoring, and more, all hoping to provide them with the best chance at a successful and well-rounded life. But what if one activity could teach them discipline, boost their confidence, develop real-life skills, and build healthy habits—all while they have fun?
At Praia BJJ, located in the heart of Costa Mesa and serving families from Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and surrounding Orange County communities, we specialize in kids' martial arts. We offer Jiu-Jitsu and Judo classes for children ages 3 and up. We’re not just teaching self-defense—we’re helping raise focused, respectful, resilient kids.
The Power of Discipline and Commitment
In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, kids need more than just entertainment—they need structure and values. According to Dr. Jim Taylor, author of Positive Pushing: How to Raise a Successful and Happy Child, children thrive when they’re given consistent routines and are held to high but supportive standards. Martial arts provides exactly that.
At Praia BJJ, our classes are built around clear expectations: show up on time, wear your uniform with pride, listen to your coach, treat your partners with respect, and never give up when things get hard. Whether your child is 4 or 14, they’re learning how to stay committed, how to be patient with progress, and how to work through challenges.
Discipline isn’t about punishment—it’s about consistency. When kids train regularly in a safe, fun, and challenging environment like Praia, they begin to internalize the idea that effort brings rewards. This sense of delayed gratification is crucial for long-term success in life. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology (2017) shows that structured sports like Jiu Jitsu improve executive function, which includes focus, self-control, and decision-making.
Building Lifelong Skills Through Jiu Jitsu and Judo
Our kids’ Jiu Jitsu and kids Judo classes are designed with more than physical development in mind. We use proven sports psychology principles to promote growth in confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Here’s what we focus on at Praia BJJ:
Grit and perseverance (inspired by Angela Duckworth’s research in Grit)
Growth mindset—teaching kids that failure is part of learning (based on Dr. Carol Dweck’s work)
Respect and leadership—modeled and reinforced in every class
Problem-solving under pressure—through real sparring and structured drills
Body awareness and coordination—foundational for all sports and injury prevention
We also teach goal setting through our belt promotion system, encouraging students to focus on consistent effort, not just natural talent. When kids see their hard work translate into visible milestones—like earning a stripe or belt—it boosts their self-esteem and keeps them motivated.
What If My Child Says “I Don’t Want to Go Anymore”?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from parents—and it’s completely normal. Around age 6 or 7, many kids start testing boundaries. They may say they don’t want to go to class, not because they dislike it, but because it’s hard, or because they're simply tired that day.
But here’s the truth: six-year-olds don’t always know what’s best for them. They haven’t developed the long-term thinking needed to understand the benefits of sticking with something challenging.
In his book The Champion’s Mind, Dr. Jim Afremow explains that even elite athletes struggle with motivation from time to time. What separates the best from the rest is consistency—even on the days they don’t feel like showing up.
At Praia BJJ, we encourage parents to take an active role in guiding their child through these ups and downs. That doesn’t mean forcing them to train—it means:
Talking about why you enrolled them in martial arts
Reminding them of their progress and what they’re capable of
Showing them that temporary discomfort is part of every success story
We also foster a positive, community-driven environment where kids are inspired by their teammates. They look up to our older students, learn from our coaches, and see firsthand how discipline leads to results. This social reinforcement often reignites motivation when it starts to dip.
The Long-Term Benefits: Far Beyond the Mat
Parents often ask, “What will my child gain from training in Jiu Jitsu or Judo?” The answer is: skills that last a lifetime.
Here’s what years of martial arts training can do for your child:
Improved academic performance: Better focus and self-regulation lead to better behavior and learning in the classroom.
Healthier lifestyle habits: Kids develop strength, flexibility, and endurance, reducing the risk of childhood obesity.
Social confidence: Learning how to interact with others respectfully and assertively is a key life skill.
Emotional resilience: Facing challenges and bouncing back from setbacks creates mental toughness.
Leadership skills: Advanced students often help guide beginners, building confidence and empathy.
In a world where more and more kids are glued to screens and isolated indoors, giving your child the chance to grow in a structured, respectful, and physically active space is a priceless gift.
The Praia Difference: Why Families from Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach Choose Us
We know you have choices when it comes to kids’ martial arts in Costa Mesa. But at Praia BJJ, we take a unique approach:
Our instructors are not just athletes—they are trained educators.
We maintain small class sizes to ensure every child receives individual attention.
We offer both Jiu Jitsu for kids and Judo for kids, giving them well-rounded physical and technical training.
We actively partner with parents to support their child’s journey, both on and off the mat.
We emphasize character development as much as technique.
Families from Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and beyond choose Praia because they see the transformation—kids who were once shy, distracted, or unsure of themselves become focused, empowered, and motivated.
Ready to Help Your Child Grow Strong?
If you’re looking for a powerful way to support your child’s development, build confidence, and teach them valuable life lessons, we invite you to try a free trial class at Praia BJJ. It’s more than martial arts—it’s a pathway to a stronger future.
Whether you live in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, or Huntington Beach, we’re here to help your child grow into their best self, one class at a time.
Let’s turn screen time into mat time.