Choosing the Right Activity for Your Child

Picking the right activity for your child can feel overwhelming. At McMahon Training Center, we know parents want something fun and physical, but also safe and confidence-building. If you’ve ever searched “martial arts for kids near me” or wondered whether self-defense for kids is worth it, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the best choices you can make, and it’s statistically far safer than football and other youth sports.

Football vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Safety

Football has been a staple in Fort Collins for years, but its injury risks are well-documented. The American Academy of Pediatrics shows that football has the highest concussion rate among youth sports, and most of these injuries occur during practice, not games.

BJJ, on the other hand, has significantly lower injury rates, according to studies in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. BJJ involves controlled movement, tapping out early and often, while teaching kids to reduce impact to the head, making concussions extremely uncommon. Most injuries are minor strains, not traumatic collisions.

For parents who want their kids active without excessive risk, BJJ is one of the safest options available.

BJJ Builds Confidence Through Individual Progress

Unlike team sports, where playing time depends on coaches or team dynamics, BJJ allows kids to see the direct results of their own hard work. Every stripe, developed technique, and small win builds confidence. Kids feel proud of themselves, and that confidence shows up at school, at home, and in friendships.

Practical Self-Defense Skills Kids Can Use

While football teaches teamwork and athleticism, it does not provide practical safety or conflict resolution. BJJ was built for real-world self-defense with a goal of teaching smaller individuals to learn leverage and control. At McMahon Training Center, kids learn awareness, boundary-setting, and emotional regulation while they practice handling stress in a calm, safe environment.

Our coaches build kids’ self-defense lessons that focus on de-escalating confrontation, staying calm under pressure, using technique instead of strength, and respecting themselves and others. Kids who try BJJ become more confident, not more aggressive.

Improved Focus, Attention, and Discipline

In a world filled with screens, attention is becoming harder for kids. BJJ teaches structure, respect, and disciplined routine while keeping kids’ attention. Instructors guide students step-by-step, rewarding effort over perfection. Kids learn patience, listening skills, and self-control — habits that benefit homework, behavior, and emotional regulation.

Fun, Engaging Fitness That Feels Like Play

BJJ is a full-body movement disguised as play. Kids roll, balance, grapple, and solve physical problems while building coordination, strength, and agility. It burns energy, boosts confidence, and keeps them active in a fun, engaging way.

For a couple of years before trying BJJ for themselves, parents watch their child grow and develop in unimaginable ways. Eventually, they see the outstanding fitness benefits of jiu-jitsu impacting their kids’ lives, and they decide to try a class themselves, making it a family-friendly and connecting experience for everyone!

Personalized Instruction and Mentorship

At McMahon Training Center, instructors become mentors to help kids feel seen and supported. Manageable class sizes with numerous coaches ensure personal attention, and every child is encouraged to grow at their own pace.

Why BJJ Beats High-Contact Sports Like Football

When your child participates in high-contact sports like football, there is a lot of wear and tear, as well as the chance of a concussion.

In contrast, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is full-body fitness where kids build balance, core strength, flexibility, coordination, and agility. The training is playful through rolling, grappling, and problem-solving movement, so kids stay engaged and excited. It’s the healthiest outlet for energy you can give them.

Building Empathy, Teamwork, and Lifelong Friendships

Beyond the safety comparison to more injury-prone sports, every BJJ class pairs students up to practice together, teaching teamwork and empathy. Shy kids find confidence; energetic kids learn patience.

The McMahon community focuses on encouragement, not comparison, and students cheer each other on, celebrate effort, while building friendships that make every class something to look forward to.

Why Families Choose McMahon Training Center

Families searching “martial arts for kids near me” choose McMahon because of its proven reputation for results and community.

Our programs prioritize confidence, respect, and character over competition. Each belt represents discipline, humility, and growth, not just skill. Parents often tell us it’s the one activity their kids never want to skip.

Help Your Child Become Their Best Self

The right activity does more than fill your child’s schedule; it helps shape who they become. Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu build confidence, discipline, empathy, and resilience that last a lifetime. If you’re ready to help your child grow into a confident, focused, respectful young leader, we invite you to try a free introductory class at McMahon Training Center.

See firsthand why families choose us over football and so many other youth activities, and why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remains one of the safest, most empowering options for kids today.

– Coach Dave Glaser