08/27/2026
It’s common to hear people say that today’s youth have “grown soft.” I think that’s an unfair assessment.
The world our kids are growing up in has changed dramatically. Physical education programs in our public schools have been reduced and watered down. Public and neighborhood youth centers have become increasingly rare. The era of “latchkey kids,” where you went outside, played with the neighborhood kids, solved problems on your own, and simply knew to be home when the streetlights came on, is largely behind us.
As a result, many kids have fewer opportunities for unstructured play, healthy struggle, problem-solving, risk-taking, and the kind of adversity that naturally develops courage and resilience.
I believe JiuJitsu can provide a rare opportunity to experience some of those things again.
The kids in the PRAXXIS Jiu Jitsu Little Warriors and Young Warriors programs may not realize it yet, but they are far from soft. Every time they step onto the mats, they are choosing to do something difficult. They willingly put themselves in uncomfortable positions, struggle against resistance, solve problems under pressure, and learn to keep going when things don’t go their way.
JiuJitsu isn’t easy.
And that’s exactly what makes their participation so significant.
These are youngsters choosing to do a HARD THING.
That choice builds something inside them that extends far beyond the mats, confidence, resilience, discipline, courage, perseverance, and the ability to remain calm when things get difficult.
I’m incredibly thankful to play even a small part in their journeys and to watch each of them grow, one hard earned step at a time.
At PRAXXIS, we ALL grow together. 🥋
