The previous post highlights perhaps those most obvious to utilize a service like this. Pondering this a bit further though, the list only grows. What about those with severe social anxiety or similar? Eventually joining an academy could be a goal of their therapist, especially if they've already expressed interest in the art, but such a big social step to one truly stricken could be a long way off. What if they could get real, hands-on experience with it in the secure atmosphere of their own home, gradually building confidence in their skill for the day they feel confident enough to walk into their local studio.
Expand this out further now that we've touched on the mental. Those who may fall outside of what one might refer to as a neurotypical disposition may find themselves similarly hesitant to join an academy, but they would benefit immensely from the practice of the art itself. They may be an adult already such as in the example with the socially anxious person, but they could also be the child of someone who has happened across this offering. For an example of what I mean I would like to take this opportunity to link an article that briefly describes a program in Japan that uses Jiu Jitsu as a physical education component as well an after-school sports opportunity at a Secondary special needs school in Tokyo.
https://lnkd.in/eeDPPDna
The choice here isn't random either. Individual sports (as opposed to team sports) have a fairly longstanding relationship as development tools for a variety of special needs youth. Brazilian jiu Jitsu is one of many great options to that end, but one that also includes a component whereby they would also be better equipped to protect themselves. Specific to autism, I've recently been made aware of a term called "Floor Time" and a brief search into the details of the practice reveal even further the logic behind the choice of this school in Tokyo to utilize Jiu Jitsu for their students. BJJ could somewhat aptly be described as "Floor time with a purpose". Of course it utilizes less of a child-led free play component from my understanding, but the interaction, logical approach and problem solving seem to demonstrate a good fit.
To circle back though, perhaps joining an academy is a daunting first step for either child or parent. Additionally, the tailored approach on offer here lends itself more comprehensively if the above were a primary driver for seeking out this activity. For these reasons I decided to attempt to launch this service that can bring the practice to the practitioner.
From Linkedin
Our beginning
From Linkedin
Joseph MartelliniJoseph Martellini • You • YouEntrepeneur at Mobile Mats Jiu JitsuEntrepeneur at Mobile Mats Jiu Jitsu1d • 1d •
Good Afternoon World!
Mobile Mats Jiu Jitsu is now live and serving the public.
First things first: What is this?
To preface this explanation I must first clarify for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy owners, this model is not meant to directly compete with that of brick and mortar schools. I believe if anything this will only further perpetuate the Jiu Jitsu sub-culture in North America which should then have a net positive effect for any current or future academies.
What is being sought here is a bridge to those who may have interest in the art or sport of Jiu Jitsu but for whom regular attendance at an academy is not currently an option (whether temporarily or perpetually). Gym-going BJJ practitioners may not have anyone that comes to mind immediately upon hearing this phrase. As a regular academy student myself I simply would have chalked getting to the location as a natural requisite for practice, and just something one does if they really wish to participate. More recently I've come to realize that there may be large groups of people we could be entirely over-looking. People that represent a myriad of different ages, demographics and life circumstances.
So let's drill that down a bit. First, perhaps the most obvious group will be those who have already been practicing for some time, but for whom circumstances changed. They had to move for work and now the academy they went to may not be completely out of reach, but it's far enough away relative to your commute that regular attendance would take massive sacrifice if it were possible at all. Maybe it's close enough to drive to, but not to reach in time for the posted class relative to when one gets off work. For these people we have one-on-one instruction as well as customized sparring on offer that can be brought to one's own home, lodging, or reasonable third-party location. Sparring is especially important for existing practitioners who don't want their skills to atrophy from time away. Taking it a step further, perhaps an injury rather than life circumstance has taken you off the mat. Coming back from a surgery can be unpredictable in a sport like this sometimes, and in an academy there are many factors one can't necessarily control for. Of course there is inherent risk to practicing any combat sport, but the advertised "tailored sparring" is as it sounds. Should every round start from a grounded position so as to protect your knee from wrestling scrambles? Of course! Arm or shoulder needing to recover from a debilitating sprain or tear? No problem, we'll tailor the rounds so that arm isn't actively engaged but you are still able to practice with good live resistance (while heavily mitigating the likelihood for re-injury).
(More to follow)