You are God’s Great Treasure
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44
Where do you insert yourself into the parable of the hidden treasure? Do you imagine yourself as the one who finds the treasure? Do you feel God’s call on your life to sell everything to attain the treasure?
There’s nothing wrong with responding to this parable with a desire to sell everything and/or serve with all your heart.
But here’s “the great flip.” The man in the story is not you. The man in the story is Jesus, and you are the treasure. You are God’s great treasure. Jesus sold everything, even his life to have you.
Remember, we serve and love one another not to get God’s love, but because we already have His amazing love through Jesus Christ.
Feel free to share this devotion with someone who needs to know that they too are God’s great treasure!
Welcome to The Great Flip!
The Great Flip is more than faith-over-fear devotions! The Great Flip is online martial arts for ages six and up. Families and educators can teach martial arts at home and school teaching student self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment skills.
Request a free self-defense video and lesson plan. Click here.
Shop online martial arts plans. Click here.
Do you homeschool? Check out my homeschool martial arts resources. Click here.
Teach your children the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills with The Great Flip! Click here to learn more.
The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance. Coach Jody is a contributing writer True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. Would you like Coach Jody to write devotions and/or content for you? Click here to contact Coach Jody.
Are you a Classical Conversations Family? Click here.
Learn more about my favorite Christian Homeschool Resources. Click on each image below to discover something new for your homeschool journey.
“The Deep Magic will be Appeased” and Three Lenten Devotions
The season of Lent, for me, is a time to remember God’s amazing grace, mercy and sacrifice for me. I know a lot of people give up things like food, drinks, activities, etc. to create time to pursue more of God. There is nothing wrong with fasting during this season. Those activities are meant to help us return to the Lord in a spirit of repentance.
But consider “the great flip” in this way of thinking. Instead of “doing more for God” try remembering all that God has done for you. Put yourself in a position to recognize all the gifts the Lord continues to give you every day. Consider that even the act of repentance is a gift. Remember, the top priority of the Lenten Season is the cross. Christ crucified for you. Then the joy of forgiveness and Easter morning will be all the more spectacular!
Here are three devotions to share with your children for the season of Lent:
The Deep Magic will be Appeased.
But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.
{ Hebrews 9:26 }
Have you read Narnia’s “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe?” There’s a difficult scene where the lion, Aslan, appears to be defeated by the white witch. All because the boy, Edmond, was selfish, stubborn, and made a terrible mistake. The boy should have paid the price for his sin. Instead, Aslan sacrifices himself and saves Edmond. What appears to be a terrible defeat turns out to be a great victory. (Spoiler Alert! Read the book for the full story!)
“Narnia” written by C. S. Lewis, is also a story of the sacrifice of Jesus. We are selfish, stubborn people. We make horrible mistakes. We deserve punishment for our wrongdoings. But God in his great love for you, sent his son Jesus, to pay the price for your sins. It’s a difficult scene to watch Jesus die on the cross. But his great sacrifice is now your greatest victory.
Action Point: Write a letter or say a prayer to Jesus and confess your sins. Say you are sorry to him. Spoiler Alert! He is faithful to forgive your sins because of His sacrifice for you!
Restore me, and I will be restored.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
{ Psalm 51:17}
Have you ever done something so terrible you thought it was unforgivable?
King David did. He had committed a terrible sin. David was crushed for the bad thing he had done. He saw no way to make himself right before God.
When your heart is broken, God will not reject you. You are experiencing a beautiful gift from God. It’s called repentance. To repent is to turn away from the bad and to turn toward the good. In Lamentations 5:21, the people realized only God can turn them back to him.
“Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!”
And when God restores your broken heart, he also restores assurance of His forgiveness.
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9
Action Point: How is God turning you back to him? Repent and read Psalm 51.
How to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
{ Luke 10:17 }
How do you like to worship? Do you like to sing songs? Do you enjoy praying and reading the Bible, Or how about serving as an act of worship?
If your worship is more about what you do, then you might like the Bible story about two sisters who worshiped Jesus. One worshiped by focusing her attention on what she was doing for him. One worshiped by focusing her attention on what Jesus was doing for her.
There is nothing wrong with singing, praying, reading, and serving as acts of worship. Jesus instructs us to do those things, not to earn God’s love, but because we already have it.
The kind of worship Jesus seeks is the acknowledgment of his gifts to you, not our gifts to him. Jesus was so sweet to both sisters when he explained the simple truth that worship is more about receiving from him than doing something for him.
Action Point: Next time you are in church, pretend to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to all the ways you receive God’s gifts as an act of worship.
Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online martial arts for ages six and up. She writes devotions for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls.
Request a free online self-defense video. Click here.
You can teach online martial arts! Shop plans here.
Join the Top 10 Christian Homeschool Resources.
Click on each image below to discover more Christian homeschool resources. Want me to mention your favorite? Contact me.
The Great Flip on Repentance
Repentance is not something you do for God. Repentance is a gift to you and for you on account of Jesus. Here’s The Great Flip on Repentance.
Click here to watch my devotion reel about “The Great Flip on Repentance.”
I have more devotion reels now posted on Vimeo. Be sure to visit my Vimeo page. When you subscribe to my online martial arts program, you unlock access to the technique videos.
Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.
Follow me on social media.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thegreatflip
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thegreatflip/
If you’d like to share something with me, use the tag #thegreatflip @thegreatflip
Contact me at jody@thegreatflip.com or through my contact page, click here.
Sharing your faith can be done during physical activity! That’s why I combine my love for martial arts and my faith. The Great Flip is online martial arts for ages six and up! You can teach your children martial arts using my online program. You will teach them self-defense skills, safety tips and faith-filled empowerment. Click here to get started.
Apply The Great Flip When You Read the Bible
Not everything in the Bible is about you, but it’s definitely all for you! Sounds a bit shocking, but it’s true. Everything in the Bible points to Jesus … for you. I tend to read the Bible and insert myself into the story. But when I keep Jesus at the center, everything makes sense. Apply “The Great Flip” when you read the Bible. You’ll need your SON-Glasses! 😎
Share this one-minute devotion with your children and discuss it together.
Click here to watch the video devotion
Put on your SON Glasses!
“I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” Psalm 119:8
It’s time to put on your “SON glasses.” That’s right, your SON glasses will keep your focus on Jesus when you are faced with doubt.
Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible. King David wrote these words to follow God’s instruction blamelessly and obey God’s precepts perfectly.
But less than eight verses into the Psalm, David reveals the weight of these commands. He knows he is not able to do this perfectly. He cries out “do not forsake me.”
Have you ever felt doubt when you fall short of God’s commands? Put on your Son-glasses!
Now read Psalm 119:1-8 and see that these words are not about you, but they are about Jesus … for you!
Jesus walked blamelessly.
Jesus obeyed all the decrees.
Jesus was utterly forsaken.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed by failure, put on your Son glasses and know that all of God’s commands and promises are yes and amen because of Jesus finished work on the cross … for you!
ACTION POINT: Put on some cool sunglasses and read all 176 verses of Psalm 119.
JODY TOKEN is the coach and creator of The Great Flip, faith-filled online martial arts for ages six and up. Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com.
You Can Teach Online Martial Arts.
Request a free self-defense video, lesson plan and a discount code! Click here.
The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance. Coach Jody writes devotions for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.
Shop online martial arts plans
Online Martial Arts for Your Church Youth Group
A great activity for your church youth group is my online martial arts from The Great Flip! I will equip you to teach online martial arts. The Great Flip is online self-defense, safety and faith-filled activities for ages six and up. Let’s do this!
Youth leaders/Adults need to prep with:
A large meeting space.
A large monitor or computer screen.
Strong wifi/internet access to watch martial arts videos streaming from your The Great Flip subscription. Click here to choose a plan.
The youth need to prep by:
Bringing a yoga mat, interlocking mats or gymnastic mats.
Wearing comfortable fitness clothes.
Try this Free Self-Defense Skill. Learn the Wrist Escape.
Feel free to browse my collection of free videos at my Vimeo home page:
https://vimeo.com/thegreatflip
My videos follow this format:
- My videos stream from Vimeo.com;
- Each video is approximately three minutes in length, easy to watch, rewatch and train with students ages six and older (the whole family can get in on the action too);
- I teach one technique per video, you’ll see me teach the technique, then watch students of various ages try the technique. You’ll observe the progression of mastery as the students progress with age and ability.
- No martial arts experience is required! Simply watch the online videos and train! I have designed the videos so anyone can watch, learn and train together.
Now it’s your turn!
Choose an Online Martial Arts Plan
I offer two paths for your training experience. For those who want a quick start “videos-only” training experience, I recommend The Empowered Plan or The Strong Plan.
If you want easy-to-follow lesson plans to guide your experience, you will want the Confident and Courageous plans. These plans offer step-by-step instructions through the training and faith-filled talking points with each lesson plan.
Click here to shop
Want a Discount Code?
Share this devotion.
Put on your “Son” glasses!
I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
{ Psalm 119:8 }
It’s time to put on your “SON glasses.” That’s right, your SON glasses will keep your focus on Jesus when you are faced with doubt. 
Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible. King David wrote these words to follow God’s instruction blamelessly and obey God’s precepts perfectly.
But less than eight verses into the Psalm, David reveals the weight of these commands. He knows he is not able to do this perfectly. He cries out “do not forsake me.”
Have you ever felt doubt when you fall short of God’s commands? Put on your Son-glasses!
Now read Psalm 119:1-8 and see that these words are not about you, but they are about Jesus … for you!
Jesus walked blamelessly.
Jesus obeyed all the decrees.
Jesus was utterly forsaken.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed by failure, put on your Son glasses and know that all of God’s commands and promises are yes and amen because of Jesus finished work on the cross … for you!
ACTION POINT: Put on some cool sunglasses and read all 176 verses of Psalm 119.
Click here to watch and share the video
Have questions?
Feel free to browse my website and blogs.
I look forward to serving you with my online martial arts at The Great Flip.
The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance. Coach Jody writes content for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.
Empowering Parents to Teach the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills
I added two empowering products to every online martial arts plan here at The Great Flip! How can two simple PDFs be so exciting? These two documents will empower you to track your student’s training experience and master the top 12 self-defense skills.
First, shout out to my current customers who have offered feedback and amazing ideas for their online martial arts experience. These two ideas are from and for you!
A Progress Chart and a Certificate of Completion 
Every plan now includes these two downloadable PDFs. The progress chart will encourage your students to practice each skill. It will give you a designated deadline to “test” your student’s progress and ability. Keep in mind each student’s age and development for testing the skill. A six-year-old skill will look different from a sixteen-year-old. Each year, your students can continue to advance in their skills.
The Top 12 self-defense skills will increase your student’s confidence, courage and character. At the end of the training, you can reward your students with a personalized Certificate of Completion.
Win a Free Sticker
And of course, there is a fun incentive at the end of the training. Your students can choose two extra skills. You can video their technique and send the video to me for my evaluation. I will review the skills and reward your students with a free sticker! Yah!
To learn more about the top 12 self-defense skills and to choose a plan, click below. See you on the mat! – Coach Jody
Click Here to Shop Online Martial Arts Plans
Four Tips for Empowering Homeschool Martial Arts
The martial arts will accomplish the health-based and skills-based goals of your physical education requirements in your homeschool. In this blog, you will learn the four tips for an empowering homeschool martial arts class!
Physical education, aka PE, should be an important part of your homeschool routine. Giving your children physical activity of any kind will create a positive attitude toward fitness. This will cause them to value their health. Regular exercise reduces chronic disease and many health problems related to lack of exercise. Physical movement will improve cognitive function which promotes learning in other areas.
PE gives your child a place to explore skill-based activities such as team and individual sports. They will learn sportsmanship and competition while improving their social skills.
But the martial arts check every PE box plus some. Not only does it create positive health and exercise benefits, but it adds strong character development skills such as self-defense, safety awareness, and overall self-confidence. This confidence spills over into all aspects of life, for a lifetime.
Before you jump in the car and head down to your local martial arts academy, you can teach a homeschool martial arts class. Here are four tips to consider:
Choose a Martial Art
Not all martial arts are created equal. If you want a martial art that addresses self-defense, I recommend Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Bjj is a “grappling sport” which means there is a lot of ground movement, much like wrestling. 
The overall strategy of Bjj is to control your opponent. It focuses on skills to take an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission.
Studies show that 95 percent of street fights end on the ground. The techniques learned in Bjj enable participants to escape, attack, or get into a more dominant position.
Bjj is also a martial art designed for a smaller, weaker practitioner to subdue much larger and stronger opponents. Participants use techniques and leveraging skills instead of relying on brute force. All martial arts provide confidence and courage, but only Bjj connects the sport to self-defense in a way that everyone, of all ages, can learn.
Create a Martial Arts Class at Home 
You don’t need a large amount of space to train at home, but to protect the lamp and china, you might want to create a training/fitness space. I purchased interlocking mats. You can also find inexpensive three-fold gymnastic mats. If you want to get fancy and go all out, you can purchase professional BJJ mats. I spent $40 on two sets of interlocking mats. I have a basement/lower level in my house for my exercise space. Some people use their garage or a spare bedroom. Many homeschool families get together in their co-op and/or church to purchase mats and find a communal space to train together.
Here’s a glimpse of my little training space at home.
Here’s an introduction to a homeschool martial arts class structure.
Get a Training Partner
You can begin with a few “no-contact” movements and warm-ups, but in order to get the most benefit from the experience, you need a training buddy. Learning a martial art with your child can be a fun and rewarding experience. Inviting your child’s best friend and a group of friends enhances the experience.
Bjj is referred to as the gentle martial art. You and your child can simulate real techniques in real-time with a low risk of injury. Of course, there’s always some risk, but Bjj lends itself to learning real self-defense skills with low risks. My instructional videos focus on escaping, controlling, and submitting techniques inspired by BJJ movements. My teaching style is fun, playful, and empowering for everyone. Click here to request a free video.
Subscribe to a Professional Online Martial Arts Resource
I created an easy-to-follow online martial arts resource called The Great Flip. No experience is required. No high-cost uniforms or belts are needed to participate. Simply download the lesson plans, watch the videos, and train. Everything you need to run a martial arts class is at The Great Flip.
My daughters inspired me to develop an online martial arts experience. After seven years of training BJJ and earning my purple belt, I took a leap of faith to bring the martial arts to everyone with an online learning platform. My daughters appreciated the opportunity to train at home and feel empowered. Children as young as first grade through high school can benefit from my introductory approach. Make your homeschool PE class fun and functional for everyone in the whole family. Request a free video here.
More About the Author:
Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, faith-filled online martial arts. Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com.
Click here to choose a faith-filled online martial arts plan.
Click here to contact Coach Jody and/or request more information.
Click here to see this blog as featured on homeschool.com
The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program partner.
You Can Teach Martial Arts At Home
Welcome to The Great Flip! You can teach martial arts at home!
The martial arts will accomplish the health-based and skills-based goals of your physical education requirements in your homeschool. You can teach martial arts at home with The Great Flip.
Physical education, aka PE, should be an important part of your homeschool routine. Giving your children physical activity of any kind will create a positive attitude toward fitness. This will cause them to value their health.
Regular exercise reduces chronic disease and many health problems related to lack of exercise. Physical movement will improve cognitive function which promotes learning in other areas.
PE gives your child a place to explore skill-based activities such as team and individual sports. They will learn sportsmanship and competition while improving their social skills.
But the martial arts check every PE box plus some. Not only does it create positive health and exercise benefits, but it adds strong character development skills such as self-defense, safety awareness, and overall self-confidence. This confidence spills over into all aspects of life, for a lifetime.
Before you jump in the car and head down to your local martial arts academy, you can teach a homeschool martial arts class. Here are four tips to consider:
Choose a Martial Art
Not all martial arts are created equal. If you want a martial art that addresses self-defense, I recommend Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Bjj is a “grappling sport” which means there is a lot of ground movement, much like wrestling.
The overall strategy of Bjj is to control your opponent. It focuses on skills to take an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission.
Studies show that 95 percent of street fights end on the ground. The techniques learned in Bjj enable participants to escape, attack, or get into a more dominant position.
Bjj is also a martial art designed for a smaller, weaker practitioner to subdue much larger and stronger opponents. Participants use techniques and leveraging skills instead of relying on brute force. All martial arts provide confidence and courage, but only Bjj connects the sport to self-defense in a way that everyone, of all ages, can learn.
Create a Martial Arts Class at Home 
You don’t need a large amount of space to train at home, but to protect the lamp and china, you might want to create a training/fitness space. I purchased interlocking mats. You can also find inexpensive three-fold gymnastic mats. If you want to get fancy and go all out, you can purchase professional BJJ mats. I spent $40 on two sets of interlocking mats. I have a basement/lower level in my house for my exercise space. Some people use their garage or a spare bedroom. Many homeschool families get together in their co-op and/or church to purchase mats and find a communal space to train together.
Here’s a glimpse of my little training space at home.
Here’s an introduction to a homeschool martial arts class structure
Get a Training Partner 
You can begin with a few “no-contact” movements and warm-ups, but in order to get the most benefit from the experience, you need a training buddy. Learning a martial art with your child can be a fun and rewarding experience. Inviting your child’s best friend and a group of friends enhances the experience.
Bjj is referred to as the gentle martial art. You and your child can simulate real techniques in real time with a low risk for injury. Of course, there’s always some risk, but Bjj lends itself to learning real self-defense skills with low risks. In my instructional videos, I focus on escaping, controlling, and submitting techniques inspired by BJJ movements. My teaching style is fun, playful and empowering for everyone. Click here to request a free video.
Subscribe to a Professional Online Martial Arts Resource
I created an easy-to-follow online martial arts resource called The Great Flip. No experience is required. No high-cost uniforms or belts are needed to participate. Simply download the lesson plans, watch the videos and train. Everything you need to run a martial arts class is at The Great Flip.
I offer two paths for your training experience. For those who want a quick start “videos-only” training experience, I recommend The Empowered Plan or The Strong Plan.
If you want easy-to-follow lesson plans to guide your experience, you will want the Confident and Courageous plans. These plans offer step-by-step instructions, valuable safety tips, and faith-filled talking points with each lesson plan.
My daughters inspired me to develop an online martial arts experience. After seven years of training BJJ and earning my purple belt, I took a leap of faith to bring martial arts to everyone with an online learning platform. My daughters appreciated the opportunity to train at home and feel empowered. Children as young as first grade through high school can benefit from my introductory approach. Make your homeschool PE class fun and functional for everyone in the whole family. Request a free video here.
Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, faith-filled online martial arts. Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com.
Click here to Request a free video
Click here to choose an online martial arts plan
You Can Teach the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills
Every martial arts plan at The Great Flip will equip you to teach the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills for ages six and up. Click here to learn more about the 12 self-defense skills.
Read these blogs for more resources about teaching martial arts at home!
Four Reasons Parents Love Teaching Martial Arts at Home
Share The Great Flip
Once you have purchased a martial arts plan, you may share it with a homeschool group or co-op. This will allow you to save money and give your children more training buddies.
Christian Homeschool Resources
These affiliates are listed as the Top 10 of Christian Homeschool Curriculum Packages. Click each icon to visit and see if they might be right for you. Blessings! – Coach Jody
Jesus and Jiu-jitsu. Finding Faith and Empowerment.
Where else can you find Jesus and jiu-jitsu in the same blog? Right here at The Great Flip, you will receive faith and empowerment! First, some Jesus, then jiu-jitsu!
- Have you been hurt or confused by the church?
- Do you still watch church online?
- Are you trying to decide if the martial art called, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is right for your family?
You will LOVE this podcast! I discovered my guest, Donavon Riley at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu. Pastor Riley shares his journey from drugs to faith, lies to truth, lost to found, and faith to empowerment. He shares his 12-year-old daughter’s journey away from taekwondo and toward jiu-jitsu. This podcast is for anyone who seeks to strengthen their faith and increase their courage to walk onto the jiu-jitsu mats. Pastor Riley’s intellect and honesty will inspire you to do both. Pastor Riley can be found at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu and at a ministry called 1517. org.
Click on the play button below to listen to this Podcast. Please subscribe to The Great Flip Podcast on your favorite podcast such as Spotify, Google, Apple, Anchor, etc. for more.
Do you go to church to give or get gifts?
I recorded this podcast in 2019. That was Pre-pandemic. That seems like a long time ago, doesn’t it? Many have not returned to church. There are many excuses people give for not returning but I venture to guess one primary reason is their lack of understanding of the true meaning of church according to God’s design.
Church is meant to be a place to receive God’s gifts.
If you go to church to give God your gifts then you are doing it wrong. There is nothing wrong with praising God and giving back to your church community, but that is a secondary response to the primary purpose of the church. Church is meant to be a place to receive God’s gifts. Yes, I know you can experience God in nature, at home, and anywhere you roam, but the Bible specifically promises the gifts of forgiveness of sins and faith nutrition in the church. In my church, we refer to this as the means of grace. God delivers his grace to us through his word and his sacraments. These are unmerited, unconditional gifts given to you through the crucified and risen Jesus. The church is where we can receive the gifts to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone (1517.org)
- I hope the podcast gives you faith and empowerment to return to Jesus at church.
- I hope it gives you the courage to try the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Welcome to The Great Flip!
I’m Coach Jody and I teach online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment. My online instructional videos are designed for children ages 6 and up (yes, mom and dad too).
Here at The Great Flip, you and your children can learn simple self-defense techniques in the comfort of your own home. Simply subscribe to my online instructional videos. Request a free video and lesson plan.
Why Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the best martial art for your children
If you are not familiar with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, that’s okay. It was a new concept to me too. But after a lot of research, my husband and I discovered jiu-jitsu and learned it was the best martial art for our daughters because it addresses the ground game situation like no other martial art. Don’t get me wrong, karate and taekwondo are fun, but are not real to life when it comes to self-defense. And Krav Maga looks good in theory, but you better be bigger and stronger and probably faster if you want to be successful at it.
Six reasons BJJ is best for a children’s first exposure to self-defense, because:
- BJJ allows students to live drill techniques with success.
- BJJ empowers smaller-framed people to use techniques and leveraging versus force to overcome a larger opponent.
- BJJ introduces children to physical contact in a safe environment.
- BJJ is a “grappling sport” introducing girls to movements on the ground which is realistic to real self-defense situations. Most self-defense altercations (more than 80 percent) end up on the ground. No other martial art addresses ground situations like Bjj.
- BJJ empowers, builds confidence, and increases mental and physical strength.
- BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving girls a positive martial arts experience.
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
- Self Confidence
- Bully Prevention
- Positive Body Image
- Teamwork
- Trust & Respect
- Strength & Flexibility
- Fitness & Conditioning
- Life Skill & Character Development
What is Brazilian jiu-jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art where the main objective is to control a resisting opponent. Since gaining control over an opponent has been proven to be easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the techniques of BJJ is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions. In its application in self-defense, I focus on control, defense and escapes for girls using BJJ principles. There is no striking or kicking in BJJ, but there is training to defend yourself from these attacks at an age-appropriate level. BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique. And students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body. The Great Flip online curriculum will introduce students to foundational Bjj movements and techniques. Students who participate in the curriculum (and continue to revisit the movements year after year) will gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness. My coaching style is fun, playful and empowering.
Enroll in The Great Flip online courses
The Gentle Art.
“Jiu-jitsu” translates from the Japanese as “the gentle art.” The idea here is that practitioners can execute moves realistically and at full speed without having to worry they will injure their partner. If caught in a submission, practitioners are taught to “tap” their partner to signify discomfort, and the submitter will release the submission. Jiu-jitsu does not believe in strength, it believes in technique. It uses leverage to overcome muscle and weight.
What you will need to train BJJ from The Great Flip:
Whether you are training at home, at school or after school, you will need these items to get started.
- Membership Plan with The Great Flip. Click here to find a plan that works for you.
- Internet connection to stream the videos from Vimeo.com.
- Comfortable exercise clothes
- A designated training space with mats (interlocking mats, gymnastics mats and/or yoga mats.) Here is my workout space at home: https://vimeo.com/289726478
- A training partner. (I do have a few “no-contact” modifications to get started, but eventually, you’ll need a training partner.)
Teach Martial Arts in your Homeschool PE Class. Click here.
Enroll in The Great Flip online courses
The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls.
Here’s one of the devotions I wrote for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. Share it with your children!
New Strength
Learning self-defense is fun. It strengthens the body. But God’s power strengthens the body, mind and spirit. 
“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 My daughters are small-framed young ladies. Girls, in general, are smaller and less muscular than our male counterparts. If my daughters were to find themselves in a self-defense situation and their adversary is stronger, no amount of their strength will win the fight. My husband and I chose a martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The training method in jiu-jitsu says a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using leverage and weight distribution, taking the fight to the ground and using a number of holds and submissions to defeat them. Jiu-jitsu trains the body and mind to not grow weary, outsmart the opponent and overcome the situation. When God spoke these words to Isaiah, his people were in exile. They had rebelled against God and overcome by a stronger advisory because of their sin. Yet, God in his mercy promised to rescue, redeem and revive them. Not because of their strength or ability, but because of his power, mercy and love toward them. When you feel weak, powerless, tired and exhausted, God has good news for you. Romans 5:6 says, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Wow! His death and resurrection power gives you new strength to overcome your toughest battles. Remember your identity and your power comes from Jesus!
Activity Point: Pretend and fly around the room like a soaring eagle thanking God for new strength through Jesus! To learn more about your identity and power in Christ, read Colossians 2. To learn about Brazilian jiu-jitsu contact Coach Jody at her online program www.thegreatflip.com. Contact me and I’ll send you a free video!
Bio: Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up at www.thegreatflip.com
A Homeschool Mom’s Review of The Great Flip
I was blessed to share The Great Flip with Abby Banks, the host of Homeschooling with Moxie Podcast. If you are a homeschooler, you will LOVE Abby’s resources at 4OneMore.
Her criteria for any homeschool resource is that it must be easy to follow for homeschool families. The Great Flip met her standards.
Abby is a former classroom teacher, and now a homeschooling mom of five. She loves to equip and encourage homeschooling families. Her goals on her website and on her podcast Homeschool with Moxie Podcast are to inspire and encourage with actionable strategies to take you from overwhelmed to confident in your homeschool adventure. Her podcast is a great place to listen to interviews with amazing influencers in the homeschool world and beyond.
Abby’s goal was to make sure The Great Flip is easy to use by homeschool parents and worth your time and investment. Here’s what she said in her blog over at 4OneMore.
Jody’s program comes with easy-to-follow lesson plans that you can use at home with your immediate family. Or gather other families from your local homeschool group and use the video lessons together. Another great idea that Jody shared in today’s episode was for your older teen girls to work through the lessons on their own and then use Jody’s plans to teach the curriculum to the younger girls.
Of course, your boys can join in The Great Flip program too even though it was originally created specifically for girls.
In the podcast, you’ll learn about The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment;
- how it works for a homeschool PE class,
- how easy it is to teach (no martial arts experience is required),
- how it gives your children usable self-defense skills and
- how you can weave your Christian worldview in homeschool PE class!
Click here and listen to the podcast for more fun details!
HOW TO TEACH MARTIAL ARTS IN HOMESCHOOL PE
Learn more about The Great Flip and watch some of Jody’s videos to get a feel for how you could teach martial arts and self-defense in homeschool PE.
Self-defense not only is a great skill for your girls (and boys!) to learn but working a Christian worldview into the curriculum is what sets Jody’s program apart from others. If this is important to you in your homeschool, you’ll love The Great Flip.
Click here for more information about “Homeschool Martial Arts.”
Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.
Click here to review costs.
Abby wrote an excellent blog featuring practical tips for making your homeschool PE easy and structured whether you do it yourself or outsource it according to your child’s interests. This is a must-read!
WHAT SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN A PE CLASS?
PE, or physical education, can be thought of in two broad categories. PE instruction can be health-based or skill-based. If you think of these aspects, it will be more clear as to what you can plan to teach in a homeschool PE class.
Of course, PE includes things like:
- developing motor skills
- learning sportsmanship
- physical fitness
- working up endurance
- growing coordination, speed, and strength
Sometimes it is easiest to have your kids join a local sports team to “cover” homeschool PE easily. Other times, your child might enjoy a more independent sport, like ice skating or gymnastics. Many high school boys enjoy weight lifting to fulfill their homeschool PE requirements.
For many years, we joined the homeschool gym and swim class at our local YMCA to have that organized “gym class” time with other kids and then to enjoy a splash in the pool.
HOW TO TEACH HOMESCHOOL P.E.
Of course, when you think of the aspects of health and skills that homeschool PE targets, you can also just do homeschool PE in your backyard.
You can set up obstacle courses and have your kids work to improve their time. Go on family bike rides to increase motor skills and endurance. Organize a weekly kickball game with your homeschool co-op. All of these things are easy ways to teach homeschool PE.
Another simple way to teach homeschool PE is to find online fitness videos to use in your own home with your kids.
HOMESCHOOL PE IDEAS
Think of the team sports that your children might join as they grow older. Now work on individual skills related to those team sports.
For example, if your kids might like to join a basketball team, figure out the foundational skills they need to learn and use your homeschool PE time to practice things like dribbling, shooting lay-ups, passing the ball, and such.
HOMESCHOOL PE CURRICULUM
I know that sometimes it’s just easier to have a homeschool PE curriculum planned out for you. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to today’s guest on episode 175 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast.
Jody Token is the creator and coach of an online curriculum for girls called The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith. Homeschool and Christian school families subscribe to her online training videos and learn fun, playful and empowering self-defense skills.
The Great Flip is part of the National Program Alliance with American Heritage Girls.
Listen to my conversation with Jody on episode 175 of the HWM Podcast.
Click here to get started with Homeschool Martial Arts from The Great Flip!
Follow
