Kids who grow up with physical challenges can suffer feelings of inadequacy or low self esteem. Bullying is widespread for these children. We've had many of these kids join our academy and we are witness to many of their transformations. When a child facing adversity becomes confident about themselves, miracles happen. We have a brave student, named Graham, who has Cerebral Palsey. Watching his adaptation and improvement in Jiu Jitsu is proof that being impaired does not mean you are broken or inadequate.
Graham's parents discovered from the advice of friends that Jiu Jitsu was a martial art like no other for their child. Much of Jiu Jitsu is fighting from your back or from your knees. Very few kid's activities provide this form of training. Graham has a specific type of Cerebral Palsey called "Spastic Diplegia" which is a chronic neuromuscular condition of the hypertonia and spasticity-Manifested as an especially high and constant "tightness" or "stiffness" - in the muscles of the lower extremities of the human body, usually those of the legs, hips and pelvis.
Graham comes to class regularly and has a few students he likes to drill with. Much of what we do in class is repetition and that seems to be very beneficial for him. He is training his body to learn new ways to move. He is improving daily and this is why Jiu Jitsu is his preferred activity.
Read below how others with Cerebral Palsey are joining Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academies all around the world.
"I imagine few people can pinpoint the exact moment that changed their life, but for me, it came down to a single conversation":
Luke Gavin: “G'day, G'day! It's a great day at Toronto BJJ. How may I help you?”
Me: “Uh ... hi? I'm calling because I'm looking to sign up for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.”
Gavin: “Well, you've called the right place. We can certainly sign you up for a free introductory lesson and get you started on our 30-day free trial. What day would you like to come in?”
Me: “Wait! I have a disability. It's cerebral palsy. I mean ... I can walk and everything, but is that going to be an issue?”
Gavin: “No, why don't you just come down? I'm sure it will be fine.”
