Jiu-Jitsu training

last night, Jaden had his very first Jiu-Jitsu training class! :0) we had checked out the local DoJo place a few months ago & then it kind of got put on the back burner....we had researched the local martial arts places, trying to find the right fit for Jaden....we really liked this place (& the sensei) and thought that jiu-jitsu would be great for Jaden....it's more hands on than karate....& not so much about the punching, kicking 'hi-yah' stuff....it teaches kids not only discipline, and how to defend themselves, but also how to learn to control a situation and get away from a bully if need be....it teaches them self-control & confidence....bullying is not something that Jaden has to worry about yet, but we're looking at what may be an issue for him in the future....and with his size (he's waaaay bigger than most 8yr olds! 4'7" & 90lbs to be exact!), we want him to know how to defend himself safely & responsibly, without hurting others....our hope is that Jaden will be able to focus his energy on this and will excel at it....the trouble that he has with being distracted and losing focus easily might hinder his training some, but we hope he'll have the opposite reaction and will really get into it....we've seen how when Jaden is interested in something, he goes ALL the way with it! :0)

it was funny last night, because he kept asking the sensei about all the "Chinese" artifacts & lettering around the office & studio - but DoJo & Jiu-Jitsu are Japanese martial arts....so now, Jaden is learning about Japan & how similar it's culture is to his favorite country - China! ~teehee~

he did really well last night - especially for his very first try......he wasn't as easily distracted as i thought he'd be (except for having to check himself out in the full length mirrors every five minutes or so! ~lol~), and he followed directions well.....i'd of course talked with the sensei several times prior & let him know what might b helpful in working with Jaden, as well as what obstacles he might face in training him.....the sensei is a very calm & relaxed person - but also very authoritative & stern....the class is for ages 7-12....the other boys in the class were respectful & quick to help out without having to be asked....i was so impressed! i think that this will be really great for Jaden! :0)

here's his "kung fu" pose - before class started ~lol~

the class bowing at the beginning

jaden working on one of the grappling drills

the sensei teaching him the forward roll drill