How BJJ and MMA Help Kids Focus in School
In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, many parents struggle with helping their children develop focus, discipline, and resilience. One of the best ways to enhance these skills is through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Training in these disciplines goes far beyond just learning self-defense; they play a crucial role in shaping a child’s ability to concentrate, regulate emotions, and stay engaged in school.
The Science Behind Martial Arts and Focus
Research has consistently shown that physical activity directly improves cognitive function in children. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that children who participate in regular physical exercise show improved executive functioning, which includes skills like problem-solving, impulse control, and concentration (Hillman et al., 2014). These are the same skills required to excel academically.
Dr. John Ratey, a Harvard psychiatrist and author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, states:
“Exercise turns on the attention system, the so-called executive functions—sequencing, working memory, prioritizing, inhibiting, and sustaining attention.”
BJJ and MMA, which demand high levels of mental engagement and coordination, are particularly effective at strengthening these cognitive abilities.
How BJJ and MMA Improve Focus
1. Structured Discipline Builds Better Study Habits
One of the biggest challenges kids face in school is staying on task and managing their workload. In BJJ and MMA, students must follow structured classes, listen to their coaches, and execute techniques with precision. The discipline learned on the mats naturally carries over into their schoolwork, helping them develop stronger study habits and time management skills.
Chris Haueter, one of the first American black belts in BJJ, famously said:
“It’s not who’s best, it’s who’s left.”
This persistence applies not only to martial arts but also to education—kids who learn to stay committed on the mats develop a growth mindset, making them more likely to push through challenges in school.
2. Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Enhance Classroom Performance
BJJ and MMA require students to stay in the moment, react to opponents, and control their emotions under pressure. This directly translates into the classroom, where children must manage test anxiety, frustration, and distractions.
A study in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine (2017) found that children who practiced martial arts showed significant improvements in self-regulation and attention span, leading to better academic performance.
Dr. Jessica Fraser-Thomas, an expert in youth development through sports, explains:
“Martial arts teach children to regulate emotions, remain calm under pressure, and channel their energy in positive ways—all of which contribute to academic success.”
3. Physical Activity Boosts Brain Function
Engaging in high-intensity, skill-based movement—like grappling in BJJ or drilling combinations in MMA—has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, enhance memory, and boost problem-solving skills.
A 2018 study from the University of Illinois found that children who participated in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity performed better on attention tasks and standardized tests than their sedentary peers.
This means that when kids train at SBG SoCal, they’re not just getting stronger physically—they’re also sharpening their minds for the challenges of school.
SBG SoCal: Helping Kids Succeed On and Off the Mats
At SBG SoCal, we believe that martial arts training should benefit children beyond the gym. Our youth BJJ and MMA programs are designed to instill:
✅ Focus & Discipline – Kids learn to follow instructions, stay engaged, and develop strong study habits.
✅ Confidence & Resilience – Facing challenges on the mats helps kids build self-esteem and overcome academic struggles.
✅ Respect & Teamwork – Training alongside peers teaches cooperation, patience, and leadership.
✅ Healthy Body, Healthy Mind – Physical activity fuels brainpower and improves classroom performance.
We see firsthand how martial arts transforms children into more focused, disciplined, and confident students. If you want to help your child thrive in school and in life, bring them in for a free trial class at SBG SoCal!
BJJ and MMA are more than just sports—they’re tools that help children develop focus, discipline, and mental resilience, all of which contribute to academic success. Science backs up what martial artists have known for years: training in structured, engaging, and challenging environments helps kids excel both on the mats and in the classroom.
If you’re looking for a way to help your child stay engaged in school while building confidence and discipline, come see what makes SBG SoCal different!