KIDS At a Tournament
Tournament competition is a great way to help further your child’s jiu-jitsu, as well as build his/her competitive spirit, confidence, and everything else that comes along with jiu-jitsu, if handled correctly. Leading up to the tournament, remember the preparation aspect. Encourage your child to get to class regularly, focus on their technique, be aware of their diet and sleeping routine, and overall, just emphasize positive thoughts, proper preparation, and how much fun jiu-jitsu is supposed to be. Hopefully your child’s instructor will be on hand to coach from the sidelines. If their coach is there, let him coach; you be the supportive parent. And by “supportive” I don’t mean yelling out, “Kill him, Johnny!” Stay calm, no matter how the match is going. It’s hard not to get excited when your child is on the mats, but don’t get too intense because your child might pick up on it, which may cause him to lose focus in his match or ignore his coach. Some kids like hearing their parents cheer for them, and others don’t. So, talk to your child before the match and ask him what he’d like from you. Whatever he tells you, respect it.
