What if the biggest benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children have nothing to do with winning a fight?
In Episode 2 of Raising Champions, we explore that question with Amie Stewart from Amy Stewart Physiotherapy.
Amie brings a unique perspective to the conversation. As a physiotherapist, she understands the physical demands and developmental benefits of movement and sport. As a parent of two boys in the QuanWessels youth programmes, she also has first-hand experience of watching children develop through sport and martial arts.
Our conversation explores an important idea:
Sport isn’t simply about making children fitter or better athletes. Done well, it can help develop the whole child.
The Benefits of General Sports Training for Children
Children need opportunities to move, explore, experiment and challenge themselves physically.
Participation in sport can help develop fundamental movement skills, coordination, balance, strength and physical confidence. These abilities form an important foundation for a child’s ongoing physical development.
But the benefits don’t stop at the physical level.
Physical activity also creates opportunities for children to learn how to solve problems, make decisions, adapt to changing situations and persist when something doesn’t work the first time.
Sport gives children challenges that require both their bodies and their minds.
And perhaps most importantly, it gives them opportunities to experience success, failure, frustration and achievement in an environment where they can learn how to respond to each one.
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Particularly Interesting
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a particularly rich environment for this type of development.
Unlike many traditional sports, BJJ doesn’t have a fixed sequence of movements that always produces the same result.
A child has to constantly observe what is happening, make decisions and adapt.
An opponent moves.
A technique doesn’t work.
A position changes.
A plan needs to be abandoned.
The child has to figure out what to do next.
This makes BJJ a physical activity that also demands considerable problem-solving, attention, decision-making and adaptability.
The objective isn’t simply to perform a movement correctly. Children learn to apply what they know to an unpredictable situation.
That process can be enormously valuable for developing confidence and independence.
Learning to Regulate Emotions
One of the most important themes we discuss in this episode is emotional regulation.
Children don’t automatically know how to deal with frustration, disappointment, nervousness or pressure. These are skills that develop over time.
A well-structured martial arts environment can give children regular opportunities to practise those skills.
They might struggle with a technique.
They might lose a sparring round.
They might become frustrated because another child is progressing faster.
They might feel nervous about competing.
They might make a mistake in front of their peers.
These moments are not necessarily problems to be eliminated.
They can become opportunities to learn:
“I am frustrated, but I can keep going.”
“I lost, but I can learn from it.”
“This is difficult, but I can figure it out.”
“I can feel nervous and still participate.”
Over time, children can begin to develop a greater ability to recognise and manage their emotional responses.
The goal isn’t to create children who never become frustrated or upset.
The goal is to help them become children who know what to do when they are frustrated or upset.
BJJ Builds More Than Fighters
At QuanWessels, we often talk about martial arts as a vehicle for personal development.
Learning how to fight is only one small part of what happens on the mats.
Children learn to listen.
They learn to follow instructions.
They learn to work with training partners.
They learn to respect boundaries.
They learn that improvement takes time.
They learn that being good at something today doesn’t mean they can’t get better tomorrow.
They learn how to deal with people who are stronger, faster or more experienced.
And they learn that sometimes the answer to a difficult problem is simply to try again.
These lessons can extend far beyond the academy.
Physical Development and Intellectual Development Are Connected
It is easy to think of physical activity and intellectual development as completely separate.
They aren’t.
Children’s brains and bodies develop together.
Movement provides opportunities for children to practise attention, coordination, planning, decision-making and executive function.
This is one reason why we believe children should have opportunities to participate in a variety of physical activities rather than spending their childhood primarily in sedentary environments.
The objective isn’t necessarily to turn every child into a competitive athlete.
It is to help children become physically capable, confident and comfortable in their own bodies.
The Role of Coaches and the Training Environment
The activity itself is only part of the equation.
The environment matters.
A child can be challenged without being humiliated.
They can experience failure without being made to feel like a failure.
They can be held to high standards while still feeling supported.
They can learn discipline without fear.
This places an enormous responsibility on coaches.
A good youth programme should provide structure and boundaries while creating an environment where children feel safe enough to make mistakes, ask questions and keep learning.
At QuanWessels, this is central to what we are trying to build.
We aren’t simply trying to produce better competitors.
We want to help develop capable, resilient young people who are prepared to face challenges.
Raising Champions
Being a champion isn’t simply about standing on the top step of a podium.
Competition medals are temporary.
The ability to handle adversity, regulate emotions, solve problems, communicate with others and continue working when things become difficult can stay with a child for life.
That is the bigger picture behind Raising Champions.
Through conversations with coaches, parents, professionals and other members of our community, we want to explore what it really means to raise children who are strong, capable, confident and resilient.
And Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be one of the tools that helps us do it.
Watch Episode 2 of Raising Champions
In this episode, Coach Guy and Coach Lindsay sit down with Amy Stewart of Amy Stewart Physiotherapy to explore the physical, intellectual and emotional benefits of sport and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children.
About Amy Stewart Physiotherapy
Stewart Physiotherapy is a sport, spinal and orthopaedic rehabilitation practice. We aim to treat the cause of the patient’s problem and not only the symptoms concerned. Patients are given the “tools” and means to re-gain their pre-injury and functional status as well as to maintain and make long-term improvements.
About QuanWessels Martial Arts Academy
QuanWessels Martial Arts Academy provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling and martial arts programmes for children, teens and adults.
Our youth programmes are designed to develop more than physical skills. Through structured training, children learn discipline, confidence, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving and the ability to deal with challenges.
Strength. Honour. Courage. Mastery. Tribe.
Join the Conversation
If you’re a parent wondering whether Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts could benefit your child, we invite you to come and experience the QuanWessels environment for yourself.
Book your child’s 7-day FREE TRIAL
Raising Champions is a QuanWessels series exploring the challenges, opportunities and lessons involved in helping the next generation become stronger, more capable and more resilient.
Research & References
The discussion in this episode is informed by research covering physical activity, child development, executive function, emotional regulation, youth sport, martial arts, resilience and athletic development.
For the full list of research and reference sources used in this episode:
References
- Bueno J, Andreato LV, Silva R, Andrade A.
Effects of a school-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu programme on mental health and classroom behaviour of children from Abu Dhabi: a randomised trial.
International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 2022. - Pujari V et al.
Martial Arts as a Tool for Enhancing Attention and Executive Function.
2024 review article. - Costanza C et al.
Martial Arts and ADHD: A Narrative Review of Cognitive Function and Behavioral Outcomes. - 4.
- Pan Q, Zheng S, He P.
Bayesian dose-response meta-analysis of exercise on executive function in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Pediatric Research. 2025. - Cerrillo-Urbina AJ et al.
Physical Activity and Executive Function in Children with ADHD: A Systematic Review. - Zou L et al.
Martial arts for health benefits in children and youth with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.
Archives of Budo. 2017. - Fu X et al.
The intervention effect of structured martial arts games on behavioral and motor disorders in children with ASD.
Frontiers in Psychology. 2025. - Zheng C et al.
Martial arts training as a psychological self-regulation intervention.
Frontiers in Psychology. 2026. - Effects of Martial Arts Exercise on Aggressive Behaviors in Youth: A Network Meta-analysis.
SAGE Journals. 2026. - Hou Y et al.
Effects of different exercise interventions on executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2024. - Carcelén-Fraile MC et al.
Effects of Physical Activity on Executive Function and Emotional Regulation in Children.
Healthcare. 2025. - World Health Organization
Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour for Children and Adolescents. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Physical Activity Guidelines for School-Aged Children and Adolescents. - National Strength and Conditioning Association
Youth Resistance Training Position Statement. - American Academy of Pediatrics
Research and policy statements regarding:
- physical literacy
- youth sport participation
- physical activity and child development
- exercise and mental health in children.
General Physical Activity & Child Development
- World Health Organization
WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (2020)
Recommendations for children and adolescents regarding:
- daily movement
- sedentary behaviour
- health outcomes
- cognitive and emotional benefits
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Physical Activity Facts for Children and Adolescents
Evidence on:
- cognitive performance
- emotional wellbeing
- physical development
- academic outcomes
- American Academy of Pediatrics
The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children
Discusses:
- free play
- motor development
- emotional development
- social regulation
- Donnelly JE et al.
Physical Activity, Fitness, Cognitive Function, and Academic Achievement in Children
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2016. - Hillman CH, Erickson KI, Kramer AF.
Be smart, exercise your heart: Exercise effects on brain and cognition.
Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2008. - Diamond A.
Executive Functions.
Annual Review of Psychology. 2013.
Foundational review on:
- inhibitory control
- working memory
- cognitive flexibility
- developmental importance
Movement, Coordination & Neurological Development
- Adolph KE, Hoch JE.
Motor Development: Embodied, Embedded, Enculturated, and Enabling.
Annual Review of Psychology. 2019. - Haapala EA.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and motor skills in relation to cognition and academic performance in children.
Journal of Human Kinetics. 2013. - Lubans DR et al.
Fundamental Movement Skills in Children and Adolescents.
Sports Medicine. 2010. - Robinson LE et al.
Motor Competence and its Effect on Positive Developmental Trajectories of Health.
Sports Medicine. 2015. - Piek JP et al.
The relationship between motor coordination, executive functioning and attention in school aged children.
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology. 2004. - Cameron CE et al.
Fine Motor Skills and Executive Function Both Contribute to Kindergarten Achievement.
Child Development. 2012.
Sedentary Behaviour & Modern Childhood
- Tremblay MS et al.
Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) – Terminology Consensus Project.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2017. - Carson V et al.
Systematic review of sedentary behaviour and health indicators in school-aged children and youth.
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 2016. - Stiglic N, Viner RM.
Effects of screentime on the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
BMJ Open. 2019.
Martial Arts, BJJ & Child Development
- Lakes KD, Hoyt WT.
Promoting self-regulation through school-based martial arts training.
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. 2004.
Found improvements in:
- self-regulation
- cognitive control
- classroom conduct
- Vertonghen J, Theeboom M.
The social-psychological outcomes of martial arts practise among youth.
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2010. - Diamond A, Lee K.
Interventions shown to aid executive function development in children 4–12 years old.
Science. 2011.
Includes discussion of martial arts and movement training. - Moore B et al.
Martial arts training improves balance and neuromuscular function in children. - Ortega FB et al.
Physical fitness levels among European children and adolescents.
British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Resilience, Confidence & Emotional Regulation
- Masten AS.
Ordinary Magic: Resilience Processes in Development.
American Psychologist. 2001. - Bandura A.
Self-efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change.
Psychological Review. 1977. - Vella SA et al.
Sports participation and mental health in children and adolescents.
Journal of Pediatrics. 2014. - Eime RM et al.
A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2013. - Bailey R.
Physical education and sport in schools: A review of benefits and outcomes.
Journal of School Health. 2006.
Strength, Injury Prevention & Athletic Development
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
Youth Resistance Training Position Statement - Faigenbaum AD et al.
Youth Resistance Training: Updated Position Statement Paper from the NSCA.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2009. - Lloyd RS et al.
Long-Term Athletic Development Model: Physiological Evidence and Application.
Journal of Sports Sciences. 2015. - Myer GD et al.
Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Injury Prevention in Youth Sports. - Emery CA et al.
Risk factors for injury in child and adolescent sport.
Neurodivergence, ADHD & Autism
- Cerrillo-Urbina AJ et al.
The Effects of Physical Exercise in Children with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Child: Care, Health and Development. 2015. - Den Heijer AE et al.
Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive and academic performance in children and adolescents with ADHD. - Bremer E et al.
Physical activity interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. - Tan BWZ et al.
The effects of martial arts on cognitive and psychological health outcomes in youth.
Bilateral Coordination & Motor Learning
- Ayres AJ.
Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders. - Shumway-Cook A, Woollacott MH.
Motor Control: Translating Research into Clinical Practice. - Schmidt RA, Lee TD.
Motor Learning and Performance.
Psychological Safety, Coaching & Child Sport Culture
- Côté J, Fraser-Thomas J.
Youth Involvement in Sport. - Smoll FL, Smith RE.
Children and Youth in Sport: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. - Dweck CS.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. - Siegel DJ, Bryson TP.
The Whole-Brain Child. - Ginsburg KR.
The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds.
Pediatrics. 2007.