Six Reasons Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the Best Martial Art for Girls
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 
- 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.
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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 buddy.)
Enroll in The Great Flip online courses
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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techniques must be done in a live drilling situation. Other martial arts like karate and taekwondo tend to simulate movements but not in a real self-defense situation.
experience required. The videos are for beginners of any age. When I started training jiu-jitsu, I was overweight and in my mid-forties. I lost twenty pounds, gained muscle and increased flexibility. My daughters are inspired by the entire process and seek to live healthy lifestyles too. As a matter of fact, I never went back to a fitness club. All my fitness goals are met on the mat training Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The best time to start is now.
