Jiu Jitsu Teaches Observation & Listening Skills, Improves Focus

Being aware of the environment and circumstances around us is essential for survival.

As we mature, generally speaking, our ability to pay attention improves. Being “present” is essential to success in today’s society whether you are a kindergarten student trying to move up to First Grade or a law enforcement officer who is trying to keep people safe.

Jiu Jitsu gives students of all ages, youth and adult, the opportunity to practice making observations, listening and improving focus. This is because the training is more than just working out. When you come to train, you will learn new techniques! Learning new techniques requires that you pay attention otherwise you will be lost when it’s your turn to try…

Following the warm up, the professor will demonstrate a technique or series of techniques from a particular position. Then, students will break into pairs to practice the technique shown by Professor. There is a lot of technical detail to Jiu Jitsu. Even the most accomplished black belt learns something new, like a variation or detail that they were not aware of or overlooked, when they learn a move (even if it is one they have learned many times).

For beginners, it is essential that they watch and listen to the Professor teach the move. Failure to do so means that the student will not know how to properly execute the technique. Usually, they will sit there confused and wait for their partner to reteach it to them. Which is okay, now you know that you need to do a better job paying attention!

Training your mind to observe, listen, and focus while Professor is teaching will further develop these skills which directly translate for use off the mat in school or at work!

Keep training!