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four no fight tips

Four No-Fight Tips to Overcome Bullies

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You can empower your child to respond with confidence and courage when faced with a bully. I think every child will experience some form of bullying during their childhood. Whether it’s subtle or extreme, bullying is devasting to a child’s self-esteem. Teach your child these four tips to boost confidence and courage to overcome bullies.

no contact self defense

Speak Up!

Your voice is the first line of self-defense. Ask your child to list all the ways his/her voice can be helpful if a bully is approaching.

A voice can:

  • Communicate boundaries.
  • Escalate or de-escalate a situation.
  • Yell for help.
  • Build up or tear down.
  • Express emotions.

Role-play with your child and encourage the development of their voice as a form of self-defense. Help your child choose the right words and correct tone of voice when communicating their feelings based on different situations. Teach them to be direct but not bossy, assertive but not aggressive. Begin with a calm voice, but as a situation changes, teach them it’s okay to be loud if necessary.

(As a self-defense instructor, I encourage children to be loud when counting repetitions in a warm-up exercise. For example, when doing jumping jacks, I will count 1-5, then encourage them to count aloud 6-10. Some children need to control their voice (tone it down, be loud without screaming.) Some children need to be encouraged to be loud. There’s something empowering about letting out a good loud shout! Create space to develop your child’s voice.

Your Inner Voice

A child’s inner voice might dictate the way they express themself outwardly. Talk to your child about the voice inside their head. If they believe things that are not true, give them affirming words to replace the negative voice. Share God’s voice (God’s Word found in the Bible) with your child. Read God’s promises to your child and encourage them to memorize and internalize and recognize God’s voice. What’s your favorite Bible verse? Read it out loud together.

Practice using your voice to speak kind words to each other.

Stand Up!

Taking care of your body is a powerful form of self-defense. Defend your body with posture and healthy habits.

Body language matters

Poor posture can make your child appear weak. Bullies seek victims who look weak. But strong body language can make them appear strong. Even if they don’t feel confident, they can still look confident by standing tall with proper posture.

The ole “place a hardcover book on your head” trick works to improve posture every time. Place a book on your child’s head and walk around the room keeping the book balanced. Make sure their head and eyes are up looking forward. Make a game out of this experiment.

Healthy Habits Matter 

Good nutrition and exercise defend your body against obesity and strengthens your immune system to fight off germs. Personal trainers and nutritionists agree that a healthy body is 80 percent good nutrition and 20 percent exercise.

Here are four healthy habits to defend your body:

  • Drink more water and less sugary drinks.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Eat healthy whole foods and less processed foods.
  • Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes and decrease screen time!

homeschool martial arts

Back-Up!

Manage Your Distance

Prior to COVID, I spent a lot of time explaining “distance management.” Now, I say those two magic words “social distance” and children understand spatial orientation when it comes to the space between people.

Personal Space

Now that children understand the idea of “social distancing,” you can apply self-defense strategies to their personal space and safety. 

Your personal space is typically the space inside your arm span. Extend your arms out in front of you. This is your personal space. When confronted with a bully or someone walking toward you, protecting your personal space will keep you safe (from germs and physical confrontation).

When your child’s voice is not respected, then your child will need to be prepared to defend his/her personal space. Roleplay by stepping toward your child. Teach them to keep their arms up while at the same time stepping back or around to maintain their personal space. Continue to practice a strong voice during the exercise.

If a person gets too close, your child can use their hands to defend themself.  If they don’t want to use their hands, they can learn the push-kick self-defense technique.  Request a free video to learn this skill at www.thegreatflip.com.

Keep this activity fun, playful, and empowering. Carefully balance on one foot and place the other foot just above your training partner’s knee. Now, push your partner away. If you don’t have a training buddy, carefully use your foot to push open a door. This is the push kick.

Anti-bully Handbook

Power Up!

Bullying prevention is complex. Begin with those three tips and your child will experience confidence and courage. Add this fourth and final tip for a complete Bully Prevention Activity with your child.

Order My Anti-Bully Activity Book!

Benefits

This 24-page Anti-Bully Handbook (now in Ebook and Print formats) will help girls identify forms of bullying and give them the tools she needs to change the bully culture by engaging their whole self; body, mind, and spirit.

The Great Flip Anti-Bully Handbook features:

  • A Bully Inventory
  • Digital bullies
  • Devotions: God’s Power vs. Girl Power
  • Devotion: Three Ways to Plug into God’s Power
  • Role-Playing
  • Self-Defense Physical Activities
  • No-Fight Self-Defense “Voice, Body & Distance.”
  • Health and Safety Tips
  • Two Online Self-defense Skills Video
    • The Wrist Escape Video
    • The Push Kick Video

The activity book can be done as a family activity or with a group of peers. It’s done best with adult mentors facilitating the activity to help the girls navigate the sensitive topic of bullying. 

 

$14 for Print format – plus bonus FREE Ebook

$9.99 Ebook format only

CLICK HERE To Order

Want a free sneak peek before purchasing?

Click here for a free excerpt download. 

You can teach martial arts with The Great Flip

Take your self-defense training to the next level!

Click here to Learn the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills using The Great Flip videos and lesson plans!

To learn more about self-defense training and create an online martial arts experience at home, contact Jody Token, the creator and coach of The Great Flip, an online martial arts for ages six and up.

Contact Coach Jody

Coach Jody

 

 

 

 

 

PE Class

Three reasons kids don’t like P.E. class

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P.E. class should be the favorite part of a student’s day! It’s the one place where they are not confined to a desk. But the top three reasons kids hate P.E. class are (Their quotes, not mine 😳)

“It’s only welcoming to athletic kids.”
“I don’t like sports and that’s all we do sometimes.”
“It becomes another place I might get bullied either in the locker room or in the gym.”

It’s hard to read these words. How can we make P.E. class fun, playful, and empowering for all children? As a parent and educator, I want children to be able to defend themselves, but I don’t want the experience to be scary or expensive.

This is why I created The Great Flip! It is an online martial arts resource filled with empowering self-defense videos and easy-to-follow lesson plans for students in 1st – 12th grade. You can make physical education fun, playful and empowering by teaching a martial arts unit!

Review Three Online Curriculum Plans 

Educators understand the value-added benefits The Great Flip online martial arts program offers including this feedback:

  • My program gets students moving and active which improves physical and mental health.
  • The self-defense skills give students, parents, and teachers the opportunity to talk about the fears children are experiencing and apply faith in tangible ways. Bullies and bad guys don’t social distance. Students will learn how to apply confidence and courage to every situation.

    6th grader at St. John Lutheran School

  • Adding a self-defense unit to your Physical Education (P.E.) class allows all children to enjoy P.E. class, not just the athletic kids.
  • Adding my program gives you another opportunity to talk about health and safety concerning social distancing, germs, and physical safety.
  • The Great Flip program can be used across ministries including youth events, family nights and PTO functions.
  • Use The Great Flip as an after-school program/club.
  • Use The Great Flip as a community event and a public outreach teaching kids about bully prevention and self-defense skills.

 

Shop all online courses here.

Students from 1st grade through high school are enjoying my program. Here are a few pictures of students at a local YMCA, Lutheran School, after-school club, American Heritage Girls, and a family at home utilizing The Great Flip.

online self defense for girls

Now it’s your turn to enroll in my online curriculum!

Click here to choose a curriculum

Click here to request a Free Video

Contact Coach Jody

 

online self-defense for girls

 

The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls

 

 

 

girl power vs God's power

Four Reasons Parents Love Teaching Martial Arts at Home

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Be the hero in your child’s journey to confidence and courage. When they battle fear, anxiety, bullies, or low self-esteem, you can teach a martial arts class at home. Here are four reasons parents love teaching martial arts at home:

#1. Give the Whole Family Self-Defense Skills.

Middle school students at St. John School warming up to ground skills with The Great Flip martial arts program.

When you teach martial arts at home, you give your family the gift of self-defense. Every child should have basic self-defense skills as part of their overall character development. Why let someone else do this when you can?

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, similar to 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 80-95 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.

I picked the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu for these six reasons:

BJJ is best for a child’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 children to movements on the ground which is realistic to self-defense situations.
  • BJJ empowers children to build confidence, and increase mental and physical strength.
  • BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving children a positive martial arts experience.

#2. Give Confidence and Courage.

A child with self-defense skills is a confident child. Parents liked training at home so their children would feel safe to try something new without adding peer pressure to the experience. The children can practice failing and succeeding in a safe place. Safe and successful training builds confidence.

Training at home builds courageous leadership. Parents are motivated to teach their children to defend themselves. But when I asked a group of girls why they like learning self-defense, they are driven by the idea that they can defend others. Martial arts give children the courage to be strong leaders. Here are additional benefits listed by parents:

  • Self Confidence
  • Bully Prevention
  • Positive Body Image
  • Teamwork Trust & Respect
  • Strength & Flexibility
  • Fitness & Conditioning
  • Life Skill & Character Development

#3. Control the Message and Motivation.

Only you know how to motivate your child. You know if they need a little tough love or lots of encouragement. Not every martial arts academy is created equal or meets the needs of every child. If your child has never tried martial arts, you can give them a positive experience at home. Make it fun, playful, and empowering. Your message and motivation will produce positive results.

 

#4. Get Off the Bench.

Extracurricular activities go something like this: Drop your child at their activity. Sit on the bench and watch. By the end of the day, you’ve spent the day sitting in the car or sitting on the bench. Get off the bench! Martial arts are a perfect family activity. Everyone can participate. Everyone can learn a new life skill.

 

Subscribe to a Professional Online Martial Arts Program at The Great Flip!

I created an easy-to-follow online martial arts resource called The Great Flip so you can teach martial arts at home!

No experience is required. No high-cost uniforms or belts are needed to participate. Simply download the lesson plans, watch the videos and train. I have everything you need to run a martial arts class at home. I have downloadable Lesson Plans, Progress Training Charts and Certificates of Completion. I have more than 50 streaming videos depending on the plan you choose.

Click here to shop plans.

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 families with my 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. Train at home or with a group of friends at your Christian school or church. You can teach self-defense skills, give confidence, control the message and get off the bench with The Great Flip! Let’s get started!

 

Request a free video here. 

Be a hero. Create a hero. Teach your children martial arts at home!

Try a free video

Enroll in an online martial arts plan.

Set up your training space.

Watch the videos with your family.

Contact Coach Jody for more information

What parents and educators say about online martial arts with Coach Jody

 

“The classes are easy to follow and worked great for my boys. We had a great time learning these valuable skills together.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The girls really enjoyed the program. My daughter used it as her Community Outreach project to receive the Harriet Tubman Award. She practiced with the videos every day for over a month, then led the girls along with the videos and helped them learn and practice the techniques. Thanks so much for such an awesome program. Everyone enjoyed it!”

– Jennifer, American Heritage Girls Troop Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more testimonials, click here.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody Coach Jody

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program partner. Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. The Great Flip connects Classical Conversations families to martial arts at home. I’d love the opportunity to connect you to my fun, playful and faith-filled program too. Click here. 

 

Best Christian Homeschool Resources!

Click on each image and explore faith-filled homeschool resources!

Teach Them Diligently 2020 Homeschool Conventions Center Around Christian Homeschooling • Parenting • Discipleship • Marriage

Online Martial Arts for Your Church Youth Group

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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.

Contact me.

I look forward to serving you with my online martial arts at The Great Flip.

Coach Jody

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance. Coach Jody writes content for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

homeschool martial arts

 

 

Empowering Parents to Teach the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills

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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!

 

stickers

 

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:

Coach Jody Token

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.

How to Stop Fear with God’s Faithfulness

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I love writing devotions designed to be read and discussed with your children. You can equip your children to fight fear with God’s faithfulness. I wrote this one for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. Stick around to the end of the devotion and learn more about my faith-filled online martial arts at The Great Flip!

The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?

{ Psalm 27:1 }

light bulb stop fear with faithfulness

What do you do when you are afraid? If it’s dark, you turn on a light. But what if you’re still afraid? What if your fear is something inside and you can’t figure out how to make it go away?

David, the person who wrote this Psalm feared for his life. Bad people were chasing him. He didn’t know what to do. He tried running and hiding, but he was still afraid. Soon his own thoughts made him feel more afraid. 

When you don’t know what to do, you can reduce fear and remember what God has done for you. David began to recall God’s faithfulness. He remembered God’s light and salvation. Then he remembered God’s strength. “The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Sometimes fear is real and it must be addressed. But something fear is caused by lies we believe. Shine the bright light of God’s truth to illuminate fear and create faith. His Word works! Read it and receive faith to fight fear. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

ACTION POINT: What makes you feel fearful? Shine God’s word on that fear and replace it with his faithful promises. Write Psalm 27:1 on a post-it note or in a journal. Memorize the Bible verse and put it in a place you can read when you feel afraid. 

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. This devotion was written for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. 

 

Want another Faith Over Fear Devotion?

Click here to read “Keep Calm and Keep the Faith.”  

Back to school burnout keep calm banner

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. Coach Jody

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 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:

Coach Jody Token

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 an online martial arts plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

homeschool martial arts

You Can Teach Martial Arts At Home

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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.

online self defense for girls

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 online self defense for girls

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 online self defense for girls

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.

Coach Jody

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.

Great Time to join The Great Flip
  online self-defense curriculum  
online self-defense for girls

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
Teach Them Diligently 2020 Homeschool Conventions Center Around Christian Homeschooling • Parenting • Discipleship • Marriage

Jesus and Jiu-jitsu. Finding Faith and Empowerment.

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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! Coach Jody

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-jitsubullying-fear-germs

  • 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.

Request a free video

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. 

  1. Membership Plan with The Great Flip. Click here to find a plan that works for you.
  2. Internet connection to stream the videos from Vimeo.com.
  3. Comfortable exercise clothes
  4. 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 
  5. 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. 

 

Request a free video

Enroll in The Great Flip online courses

Great Time to join The Great FlipPunch Protection 101    

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  

homeschool martial arts

You Can Teach Homeschool Martial Arts

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You can teach a homeschool martial arts class!

Make your homeschool physical education (P.E.) class fun and functional with homeschool martial arts from The Great Flip.

No martial arts experience is required. I will equip you with everything you need!

 

Here’s how it works (It’s easy to follow.)

#1. Subscribe to one of my online plans.

#2. Designate a training area at home. Click here to see my at-home training space.

#3. When it’s time for P.E. class:

  • Sign into your purchased homeschool martial arts account at The Great Flip.
  • Gather your students to watch and train one or two martial arts skills per training session. Remember, no martial arts experience is required. Simply watch, train and have fun!
  • I recommend at least once or twice a week for homeschool martial arts. But you can do it as much as you’d like. Repeat the program each semester and each year to retain knowledge and improve muscle memory (Just like any sport, you need to practice!

You will replicate an authentic martial arts experience, just like going to a big gym, but you are in charge of the message and a positive experience. Each session can include warm-up exercises, stretching and conditioning drills.

Simply watch the streaming video (less than three minutes) practice together and train.

Want to try one now? Click here to request a free martial arts skill video. 

Read this homeschool mom’s review of The Great Flip

 

Homeschool Martial Arts Resources

You Can Teach Homeschool Martial Arts

How to Teach Martial Arts in Homeschool PE Class

Four Tips for Empowering Homeschool Martial Arts

 

 

The Great Flip is an online self-defense, safety and faith-filled resource for the whole family, age six and up.

Hi, I’m Coach Jody and I’m the creator of The Great Flip. When my daughters and I tried a big box martial arts academy, we were overwhelmed by physical contact, rough teaching style, and uncomfortable spiritual influences. So I created an at-home martial arts experience.

Learning a martial art will increase your child’s confidence and inspire courage. And bonus … Online martial arts puts you in control of a safe experience. No martial arts experience is required. I will equip you with everything you need to teach homeschool martial arts to your children.

The lesson plans and videos will introduce students to fundamental movements and techniques inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You will introduce elements of a martial arts experience to your students including bowing, teamwork, discipline and respect.

The primary objective of The Great Flip homeschool martial arts curriculum is the exploration of physical movement for self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They will grow mentally, physically and emotionally with this curriculum.

Who is using the homeschool martial arts lesson plans?

The online self-defense curriculum is now available for 1st – 12th grades. The curriculum is being used by educators to meet physical education and extra-curricular goals in the public, private, parochial and home school environments:

  • Mom & Dad
  • Physical education (PE) teachers
  • Athletic directors
  • After-school program directors
  • Homeschool educators
  • Youth leaders
  • Directors of Christian education
  • Camp directors
  • Team-building directors
  • Self-defense instructors

online self defense for girls

The Great Flip Online Martial Arts Curriculum includes:

  • A total of 32 videos
  • Online curriculum PDF
  • Eight lesson plans PDF
  • Eight Talking Points PDF
  • Class Structure Video
  • Warm-up Exercises Video
  • Stretches Video
  • Animal-inspired Conditioning Drills Video
  • Jiu-jitsu-inspired Games Video
  • 20 Self-Defense Technique Videos
  • Seven Bonus Self-Defense Technique Videos
  • A total of 27 Self-Defense Technique Videos

The homeschool martial arts curriculum is complete with downloadable lesson plans, talking points, and online videos for every segment of your class experience including warm-up exercises, stretches, conditioning drills, jiu-jitsu-inspired games and of course, empowering self-defense techniques and movements.

There’s a plan for every budget. Click here to pick a plan.

What you need to provide:

  • Mats
  • Training space
  • Strong WiFi
  • No experience is required
  • A teachable spirit

 

 

Click here to see what you’ll need for your homeschool martial arts training space. 

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan

 

The Great Flip Approach

The Great Flip Curriculum is a non-combative approach to self-defense. The student will not be taught to strike, kick or use aggression or force. They will explore movements in a safe and positive environment. They will learn life skills such as falling safely to the ground. They will learn discipline, teamwork and trust. They will learn about distance management, situational awareness, punch protection, and techniques to de-escalate and escape situations. They will be challenged mentally and physically while learning foundational Bjj movements without fear.

Check out all my podcasts, especially the one called “Homeschool Martial Arts” at KFUO Radio. Click here.

 

 

Educational Outcomes

online self defense for girls

  • Introduction to, and basic understanding of the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
  • Introduction to, and basic understanding of a typical martial art class experience.
  • Introduction to self-defense techniques and physical movements inspired by Bjj.
  • Improved physical fitness by learning and executing movements and techniques.
  • Improved confidence and courage in executing self-defense techniques.
  • Increased control of physical, emotional and mental self.
  • Increased confidence in gaining positive body language skills.
  • Improved situational awareness learning how to assert, assess and take action.
  • Improved character development skills understanding self-defense as a holistic approach to life.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan

 

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is best for children’s first exposure to martial arts, 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 children 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 children 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?

self defense from the ground up

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.

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.

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.

A brief history.

In the last days of the 19th century, some jiu-jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to other continents. Mitsuyo Maeda was one such master. Maeda arrived in Brazil in 1915, and settled in Belem do Para, where he met a man named Gastao Gracie. The father of eight children, among them five boys and three girls, Gastao became a jiu-jitsu enthusiast and brought his oldest son, Carlos, to learn from the Japanese master.

For a naturally frail fifteen-year-old Carlos Gracie, jiu-jitsu became a method not simply for fighting, but for personal improvement. At nineteen, he moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family and began teaching and fighting. In his travels, Carlos would teach classes, and also proved the efficiency of the art by beating opponents who were physically stronger. In 1925, he returned to Rio and opened the first school, known as the “Academia Gracie de Jiu-Jitsu.”

Faith-Filled Empowerment.

Coach Jody equips parents to teach unique faith-filled empowerment resources to connect physical activities to social, emotional and spiritual growth. Children will discover their true source of power comes from God’s power (not girl power).

Jody Token is the coach and creator of The Great Flip, a self-defense, safety and faith-filled online curriculum for girls age six and up. Jody has spent twenty years working in the nonprofit industry inspiring young women to be tomorrow’s leaders. Jody intends to counter the culture by exposing “girl power” lies and proclaiming the good news of God’s power. The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls (AHG). Jody writes content for AHG, True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh and various Christian ministries.  Jody’s daughters inspired her to develop an online self-defense experience to gain a basic understanding of the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu and improve overall health and wellness.

Download a free excerpt of My Anti-Bully Ebook.

Request a free lesson plan.

Read blogs to enrich your experience.

Listen to my podcasts to connect you to like-minded Christian leaders.

Gather your family and your friends and train together! Yes, you can share a subscription with a group of families or co-op. But please do not share outside of your group to protect your password and my hard work. Let’s get started!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Click here to shop all plans

Request a free video and lesson plan

 

 

Anti-bully Handbook Coach Jody bullying-fear-germs

 

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance

To learn more about The Great Flip, click here for the home page

 

 

 

online self-defense for girls

Six Reasons Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the Best Martial Art for Girls

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Parents tell their daughters to play nice. We instruct them to never hit, kick or hurt people. But the minute she faces a bully, panic sets in. And for that matter, panic strikes the heart of every parent. How should we teach our daughters to defend themselves? Here are six reasons Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the best martial art for girls.

Don’t worry, I couldn’t pronounce it either. Most practitioners go with “BJJ.” Go with it. Now back to my story.

A common reaction to fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, and bullies is a bee-line to a martial arts academy. But which martial art is best?

When my daughters were in high school and soon into college, panic hit my heart. Soon, daddy nor I would be near our little girls. We began to research martial arts.

First, we researched Krav Maga which is a military self-defense and fighting system developed for the Israeli military. It requires a lot of strength, precision, and aggression. Three attributes many girls do not possess especially at a young age. And when confronted by a larger opponent, a girl will not be able to out-muscle the opponent. This style of training might be okay for adults, but not for children.

Two popular martial arts are Karate and Tae Kwon Do. These sports focus on movements and high kicks. These martial arts are fun and will definitely improve coordination skills, but they are not realistic in situational self-defense, especially when the fight goes to the ground. In these martial arts, the “game” is over when someone hits the ground. And in real life, the game is won or lost on the ground. Research reveals that more than 80 percent of altercations land on the ground. A high karate kick might be cool on the mat, but not on the streets.

Then we found Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).

I discovered the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’ve been a fan ever since. The resources and training at The Great Flip are inspired by BJJ.

Six reasons BJJ is best for a child’s first exposure to self-defense, because:

#1 BJJ allows students to live drill techniques with success.

#2 BJJ empowers smaller-framed people to use techniques and leveraging versus force to overcome a larger opponent.

#3 BJJ introduces children to physical contact in a safe environment.

#4 BJJ is a “grappling sport” introducing girls to movements on the ground which is realistic to self-defense situations.

#5 BJJ empowers girls to build confidence, and increase mental and physical strength.

#6 BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving girls a positive martial arts experience.

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu online self defense for girls

  • 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. 

Request a free video

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:

  1. Membership Plan with The Great Flip. Click here to find a plan that works for you.
  2. Internet connection to stream the videos from Vimeo.com.
  3. Comfortable exercise clothes
  4. 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 
  5. A training partner. (I do have a few “no-contact” modifications to get started, but eventually, you’ll need a training buddy.)

Request a free video

Enroll in The Great Flip online courses

Great Time to join The Great FlipPunch Protection 101

 

online self-defense for girls

The Great Flip offers faith-filled empowerment interviews, blogs, and podcasts! Click here. 

The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls.

Coach Jody is a contributing writer to True Girl, a Dannah Gresh ministry, Christian Parenting.org, and Homeschool.com.

New Strength

Learning self-defense is fun. It strengthens the body. But God’s power strengthens the body, mind and spirit. Enjoy this devotion and activity with your daughter. (As featured in the True Girl subscription box.)

“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

 

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