➡︎ PARENTING INSIGHTS

➡︎ UPCOMING EVENTS

➡︎ SOUTHMOUNTAIN JIU-JITSU 2.0 UPDATE

➡︎ JIU-JITSU JEDI: Wisdom for Your Training Journey

➡︎ JIU-JITSU EXCELLENCE: Student Spotlight Series

Newsletter February 2024

PARENTING INSIGHTS

Small hurts, Big reactions?

Would you describe your child as sensitive, delicate, fragile, overreactive, or dramatic when it comes to getting hurt?

It’s important to remember that our child is building a relationship with their own pain that has nothing to do with us. This is a relationship that will last a lifetime and inserting ourselves into this relationship will do more harm than good. Our child needs to spend their time learning to trust themselves when it comes to their pain and no one else.

How can we support our child in feeling and processing their own pain?

Validate their experience: Believe them, Believe them, Believe them. When they express pain, believe them. Over time, their need for reassurance will diminish as they gain trust in themselves and their own interpretation of their experience. Disbelieving them redirects their energy away from understanding their pain and toward seeking validation and being believed.

What to say: “I believe you. It seems like it really hurts” (Validation and Empathy)

Provide a soft nest: Some parents withhold physical comfort for minor pains, fearing it will encourage dependence. The truth is, offering comfort creates a safe space for them to explore their pain and fosters bravery. A child who does not have a “soft nest” to run to will not do brave things, because if they fail they have no place to go for safety, help and comfort. Instead, they will stay safe by staying small. Remember, the softer the nest the braver the child!

What to say “This can be hard to feel. Do you need a hug?” (Comfort)

Exercise patience and trust: Every child’s journey with pain is unique. Resist the urge to dictate their experience based on our fears of fragility or sensitivity. Given time and space, children can effectively navigate their relationship with pain.

What to say: “Take your time.” (Patience and Trust)

By allowing our child space to acknowledge and process their pain, they can:

Develop self-trust
Differentiate between pain and injury
Gauge the severity of pain or injury
Recognize their own limits
Cultivate resilience and confidence
Learn when to push through pain and when to stop

Remember, by honoring our child’s experience and giving them room to process, we empower them to develop resilience, bravery, self-trust, and confidence.

– Coach Sarah –

UPCOMING EVENTS:

🥇 Tournament: 2024 AZ International Open – Feb 10 🥇- No classes at the academy

📅 President’s Day (February 19) – No Classes. Academy will be CLOSED

🥷 Women’s Self Defense Workshop – March 10 -> https://sparkpages.io/?i=_LWbb

SOUTHMOUNTAIN 2.0 UPDATE

Underground Plumbing

Our underground sewer is installed and we have it hooked up and tested. The connection to the city sewer is also complete.

We can now move onto the next phase, which will be electrical work and cleanup.

We will have a total of 7 toilets, 7 sinks, and 5 showers!

JIU-JITSU JEDI: Wisdom for Your Training Journey

10 Essential Pieces of Advice for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Students

If you’ve recently embarked on your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) journey or are a seasoned practitioner looking for some sage advice, you’ve come to the right place. In the world of BJJ, progress is a journey marked by dedication, discipline, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re aiming to dominate the competition or simply seeking personal growth, these 10 essential pieces of advice will guide you on your path to success:

Consistency is Key: Like any skill, mastery in BJJ requires consistent training. Make attending classes regularly a non-negotiable part of your routine to steadily progress.
Focus on Fundamentals: Before diving into advanced techniques, ensure you have a solid grasp of the basics. Fundamentals form the bedrock upon which your game is built.
Be Patient: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your BJJ game. Embrace the journey and understand that progress takes time. Stay patient and persistent.
Stay Relaxed: Tension is the enemy of efficiency in BJJ. Learn to stay relaxed, especially when under pressure, to conserve energy and think more clearly.
Embrace Failure: Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t fear failure; instead, view it as a stepping stone on your path to improvement.

Train with Different Partners: Rolling with a diverse range of training partners exposes you to various styles and techniques, helping you evolve as a well-rounded practitioner.
Listen to Your Body: BJJ can be physically demanding, so pay attention to your body’s signals. Avoid overtraining and listen to your body’s need for rest and recovery.
Focus on Positioning: Position before submission is a mantra often repeated in BJJ circles. Work on establishing and maintaining dominant positions to control your opponent effectively.
Develop a Game Plan: Identify your strengths and weaknesses, then craft a game plan that maximizes your strengths while addressing your weaknesses. Having a strategic approach will enhance your performance.
Stay Humble and Respectful: BJJ is not just about tapping out opponents; it’s a martial art rooted in respect and humility. Treat your training partners and instructors with the utmost respect, both on and off the mats.

In conclusion, BJJ is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and mastery. By adhering to these 10 essential pieces of advice, you’ll not only enhance your skills on the mats but also cultivate a mindset that will serve you well both in BJJ and life beyond.

So, strap on your gi, tie your belt tight, and embark on your BJJ journey with confidence, knowing that with dedication and perseverance, the rewards are limitless!

JIU-JITSU EXCELLENCE: Student Spotlight Series

JOSH WAGNER

1. Can you talk about your motivation to start training Jiu-Jitsu?

I went on a spiritual vacation in Bali, where I was able to spend much of my time in meditation. During that time of reflection and awareness of my past and present, I considered my years competing in Wrestling as a time that clearly had the most influential impact on my character. While Wrestling was an aggressive sport that I enjoyed throughout my youth, I had no interest in returning to the Wrestling arena. However, I began exploring Jiu-Jitsu as an option for my present and future. Studying the nature of Jiu-Jitsu, I saw balance, and in that, I saw change for the better in life. Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport of aggression. It also teaches defense, and a way of life that allows the mind to explore countless possibilities in countless situations. We are not resolved to a one-way, one-option life wherein in any given situation we are stuck. There are countless solutions to any one problem. We can change our ways, ourselves, in any given moment. This is how I found Jiu-Jitsu.

2. Your wife and daughter also train at South Mountain. What has that experience been like?

This experience has changed our entire course as a family. In addition to the fun we enjoy together at the academy, and on the mat, including the life-long friends we have gained, it has brought a common denominator within our household. It is a way of life that we all enjoy together and share harmoniously in the home. It has connected us in communication and thought.

3. How do you manage to balance training with your busy work and family schedule

In addition to, and as part of our spirituality, Jiu-Jitsu has been prioritized as essential for health and development. In that, it is as much as a priority as eating a meal at home, or a restaurant. The more respect we give it, it will give back. In nutshell, it brings improvement to the hectic schedules and/or stressful work-life. Jiu-Jitsu makes doing life easier.

4. What are your jiu-jitsu goals for 2024?

I am looking forward to grasping the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu, and perfecting the basics. It is important for me to realize all possibilities in any given moment on the mat.