Courtesy and Constructive Criticism: Building Stronger Kids through Jiu-Jitsu

From Professor Trevor Lewis at Gracie Humaitá Barrie

"Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought."

– Margaret Chase Smith

At Gracie Humaitá Barrie, our Kids Jiu-Jitsu program teaches children more than just techniques on the mats—it fosters life skills like respect, discipline, and resilience. An essential part of this journey is learning how to embrace constructive criticism and use it to grow stronger, both in Jiu-Jitsu and in life.

Why Constructive Criticism Matters in Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that thrives on precision, practice, and problem-solving. When an instructor corrects your child’s grip or adjusts their position during a roll, it’s not about pointing out flaws. It’s about showing them how to improve, build confidence, and ultimately succeed.

Learning to accept constructive feedback is a vital skill for young martial artists. It teaches them to approach challenges with humility and a growth mindset—key traits for success on and off the mats.

Courtesy: The Foundation of Jiu-Jitsu

In Jiu-Jitsu, courtesy is more than just politeness; it’s a core principle that governs how we interact with our training partners, instructors, and community. Here’s how we teach courtesy and the value of constructive criticism at Gracie Humaitá Barrie:

1. Respecting Feedback: Students learn to see corrections as opportunities to grow, not as criticism to fear.
2. Gratitude on the Mats: Saying “thank you” to a partner after a roll or to an instructor for their guidance shows respect and humility.
3. Staying Open-Minded: Jiu-Jitsu is an art of constant learning. Accepting guidance with a positive attitude is the path to mastery.
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Questions to Help Your Child Reflect

To reinforce these lessons, we encourage students to think about the following:

1. What does being courteous to your training partners mean to you?
2. How do you feel when someone offers advice or correction—do you welcome it or resist it?
3. Can you remember a time when constructive criticism helped you improve on the mats?
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Kids Jiu-Jitsu in Barrie: A Path to Growth

At Gracie Humaitá Barrie, we are committed to developing more than just great Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Our mission is to help children grow into respectful, confident, and resilient individuals. Courtesy and the ability to accept constructive feedback are invaluable life skills that we nurture in every class.

Jiu-Jitsu is about progress, not perfection. With every adjustment and piece of guidance, our students learn to become better versions of themselves. They build character, gain confidence, and understand that success often comes from the willingness to learn and grow.

If you’re looking for a program that will equip your child with valuable life skills while keeping them active and engaged, Gracie Humaitá Barrie’s Kids Jiu-Jitsu classes are the perfect fit. Join us in helping your child become stronger—both on and off the mats.

Sincerely,

Professor Trevor Lewis

Gracie Humaitá Barrie

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