Tag Archives: focus

Kids Jiu Jitsu

“Focus” by Eliot Kelly: Cultivating Concentration Skills in Children through Engaging Storytelling

In a world brimming with distractions, nurturing the ability to focus and concentrate is paramount for children’s development. Enter “Focus” by Eliot Kelly and illustrated by CP Smith, is a captivating children’s book crafted to help young minds understand and cultivate the power of concentration. Let’s explore why “Focus” is an essential addition to every child’s bookshelf.

Engaging Storytelling:

At the heart of “Focus” is a compelling narrative that follows the journey of a young martial artist. Through a series of events, the martial artist learns the value of concentration and how it can positively impact various aspects of his life. Kelly’s storytelling effortlessly captures the imagination of young readers, making it easy for martial artists to connect their training to everyday experiences.

Interactive Learning:

What sets “Focus” apart is the simple narrative explanation in teaching concentration skills. Throughout the book, readers are encouraged to reinforce the concepts being presented while in martial arts class, school, and home. From mindfulness techniques to simple breathing exercises, each interactive element is designed to engage children and help them develop their focus in a fun and accessible way.

Visual Delight:

Accompanying the engaging narrative are vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life by C.P. Smith. Every page of “Focus” is filled with colorful imagery and charming characters that captivate the attention of young readers. The visual appeal of the book not only enhances the reading experience but also serves as a powerful tool for holding children’s focus and encouraging them to stay engaged with the material.

Practical Tips and Strategies:

Beyond its entertaining storyline and beautiful illustrations, “Focus” provides practical tips and strategies that children can apply in their daily lives. Whether it’s learning how to minimize distractions or practicing mindfulness techniques, the book offers valuable insights that empower children to take control of their focus and concentration.

Empowering Message:

At its core, “Focus” delivers an empowering message to young readers – that they have the ability to harness their concentration skills and achieve their goals. By instilling a sense of confidence and self-awareness, the book equips children with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and determination.

In conclusion, “Focus” by Eliot Kelly is a delightful children’s book that not only entertains but also educates. With its engaging storytelling, interactive learning approach, and empowering message, “Focus” serves as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and children alike. By teaching the importance of concentration skills from an early age, this book lays the foundation for future success and personal growth.

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Cultivating Focus: A Journey Through Our Youth Jiu-Jitsu Program

In a world filled with distractions, teaching focus is a valuable skill that extends far beyond the confines of a jiu-jitsu mat. At our youth jiu-jitsu program, we believe in nurturing not only physical strength but also mental resilience, with a strong emphasis on focus both on and off the mat.

The Power of Focus:

Focus is the cornerstone of success in any endeavor, and martial arts are no exception. In the fast-paced, dynamic environment of jiu-jitsu, the ability to concentrate on the present moment is crucial. Whether executing a technique, defending against an opponent, or sparring, maintaining focus allows our young practitioners to perform at their best.

Integrating Focus into Training:

From the moment students step onto the mat, we instill the importance of focus. Through structured warm-ups, drills, and technique sessions, we guide our students to concentrate their attention on the task at hand. By breaking down complex movements into manageable steps and providing clear instruction, we help them develop laser-like focus, enabling them to absorb new techniques effectively.

Mindfulness Practices:

In addition to physical training, we incorporate mindfulness practices into our program to cultivate mental focus. Before each class, students participate in brief mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or visualization techniques, to center their minds and prepare for training. These practices not only enhance focus but also promote emotional regulation and stress management, valuable skills both on and off the mat.

Translating Focus Beyond the Mat:

While our primary goal is to develop skilled martial artists, we recognize that the lessons learned in jiu-jitsu extend far beyond the confines of the gym. By teaching our students to maintain focus during training, we equip them with a valuable life skill that can be applied to academic pursuits, personal goals, and relationships. Whether tackling a challenging homework assignment or facing adversity in their personal lives, our students draw upon their training to stay focused and resilient.

Fostering a Supportive Community:

At the heart of our youth jiu-jitsu program is a supportive community that reinforces the value of focus. Through team-building activities, collaborative drills, and positive reinforcement, we create an environment where students feel encouraged to push themselves to new heights. By surrounding themselves with like-minded peers and supportive mentors, our students develop the confidence and determination to overcome obstacles both on and off the mat.

In our youth jiu-jitsu program, focus is not just a skill—it’s a way of life. By integrating mindfulness practices, structured training sessions, and a supportive community, we empower our students to cultivate unwavering concentration, resilience, and determination. As they journey through their martial arts training, they not only become skilled practitioners but also resilient individuals equipped to thrive in all aspects of life.

Kids Jiu Jitsu

jiujitsu class for age 4,5,6

PeeWee class at EDH Jiu Jitsu
When I first started coaching I was very intimidated by the peewee class. It seemed like it was going to be so difficult to get a group of four to six year olds to listen and move as a team. That’s because I didn’t understand the goal and expectation of that class.

The goal of that class is that they have fun, exercise, and learn something  new. The expectation of that class is that they are present, not perfect.
When I first started coaching I was a helper in the peewee and kid class. Pee wee jiujitsu felt especially overwhelming to me. The class has a fast pace and kids at that age have much shorter attention spans than the kids jiujitsu class.

When I started leading the peewee class it felt like a huge step up in responsibility. Once I learned the formula and understood the goals and expectation that class became very fun for me to teach. Watching kids at a young age progress every week and learning basic Jiu Jitsu positions while having a fun time feels very rewarding.


In the peewee class we want them learning basic Jiu Jitsu positions and basic movements. We teach these positions by playing games with the coach and with the students paired up, playing games with each other. The games involve significant elements of jiujitsu and are competitions where students work together or against a team mate for the win. With this method we check all of the boxes for that class; they’re having fun, they are learning, and they are getting a work out.


My expectation as a coach isn’t for the student to be perfect. If we expected four to six year olds to behave perfectly in class that would be an unreasonable expectation. We just want them to be present (and mentally checked in) while in class so they can learn and improve.

Something we talk to the kids a lot about is focus. The more they practice focus the easier it is for them to stay present. At the beginning of class we take deep breaths and talk about using our eyes, ears, and body as tools to help us focus. The deep breath is a really helpful tool to help them refocus. Another thing we talk about is hustle. To have hustle they have to be present, if they have good hustle, that means they are moving with focus. I really love seeing all of the students progress every week with their jiujitsu knowledge, their ability to focus, and their hustle. 

Coach Danny