Why Filipino Martial Arts May Be a Safer—and Smarter—Alternative for Kids Than Jiu-Jitsu

Parents in Jupiter, Abacoa, and Palm Beach Gardens have no shortage of options when it comes to wanting to build their children’s confidence and resilience—but not joint injuries. While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is popular, there are real risks for growing bodies. Here’s what parents should know.

It might not be the safest or most developmentally appropriate path for young children.

We’re not afraid to say it: at Rising Sun Martial Arts, we believe Filipino Martial Arts (Kali) offers a far superior option—for your child’s safety, mental development, and long-term success.

Let’s explore why.

🚫 The Hidden Risks of Youth Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu is known for its close-contact grappling, submissions, and joint manipulation techniques. While effective in sport, these elements pose real risks to growing kids.

📉 Injury Rates Are High

Studies have shown that up to 66% of BJJ athletes suffer injuries requiring time off. Another review noted that over 90% of students deal with injuries—particularly to fingers, shoulders, and necks.

📚 Source: National Institutes of Health, The Sport Journal

🦴 Stress on Growing Joints

The twisting, torquing, and submission-based nature of Jiu-Jitsu can put significant strain on growth plates—areas of developing cartilage in a child’s bones that are susceptible to long-term damage.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) may seem like a great activity for kids, but for young, developing bodies—especially those still growing—there are serious concerns to consider.

1. High Injury Rates in Pediatric BJJ

Numerous studies confirm that youth practitioners of BJJ face alarmingly high injury rates:

• A study found that 66% of participants suffered injuries requiring weeks off the mat, while another reported over 90% experienced at least one injury within a year, frequently to hands, fingers, elbows, and knees.

• A survey across many gyms showed that the most common injuries occurred in the hands, elbows, knees, and fingers.

2. Dangerous Techniques Target Growing Joints

Standard BJJ moves—that may feel routine to adults—can be dangerous when executed on children:

• Armlocks (armbars, kimuras, Americanas) force hyperextension of the elbow or shoulder, with the potential to damage tendons, ligaments, or even cause dislocation or fractures. Source: Wikipedia

• Takedowns and sweeps often place intense rotational and compressive stress on vulnerable knees, leading to sprains, meniscus tears, or worse. Source: International Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine

• Compression locks, like the Achilles hold, apply concentrated pressure that can tear soft tissue or fracture bones. Source: Wikipedia

3. Growth Plates Are Vulnerable—and Vital

Children’s bones have growth plates—special cartilage areas at the ends of long bones—that determine how tall they’ll grow. These plates are softer and weaker than bone, making them prone to injury.

• Even minor trauma or repetitive stress can result in growth plate injuries that may affect bone length, alignment, or stability. Source: Children’s Hospital

• Because many of these injuries don’t show up on standard X-rays, they can go unnoticed and lead to long-term complications.

4. Real-Life Examples That Matter

Consider two scenarios:

• A youth practitioner applies a tight armlock after a playful roll. Not realizing how much pressure they’re using, they hyperextend the joint—resulting in a sprain or worse.

• During a guard sweep, a child plants a foot awkwardly, twisting the knee under body weight. Without warning, they sustain a severe ligament injury.

Even seemingly gentle sparring can involve enough force to cause long-term damage when children’s joints and bones are still developing.

⚠️ Early Sport Specialization = Burnout & Overuse

Jiu-Jitsu often encourages year-round, high-volume training. Pediatric experts warn this type of early specialization increases the risk of burnout, overuse injuries, and even emotional fatigue.

The Hidden Risks of Youth Jiu-Jitsu

• High Injury Rates: Up to 66% of BJJ students report injuries requiring weeks off training ; others report injury rates as high as 90% for upper body and neck.

• Joint Stress: The sport’s joint locks and takedowns can strain or damage developing bones and growth plates, with common injuries including ACL tears and spinal disc issues.

• Specialization Risks: Participating heavily in one activity increases chances of overuse injuries, burnout, and developmental imbalance.

✅ Why Filipino Martial Arts at Rising Sun Is a Better Fit

Unlike BJJ, Filipino Martial Arts (Kali) emphasizes striking, movement, reflex development, coordination, and real-world self-defense without high-risk submissions.

Here’s why it works so well for kids:

💡 1. It’s Safer on Developing Bodies

Our curriculum avoids harmful joint locks and grappling on hard surfaces. Instead, your child or teen builds speed, precision, and confidence with age-appropriate drills and safe partner work.

🧠 2. It Enhances Cognitive and Emotional Skills

Studies show that martial arts training—especially Kali-style movement—improves working memory, focus, and emotional regulation better than aerobic exercises alone.

📚 Source: PubMed, ResearchGate

🌟 3. It Builds Real Leadership and Character

At Rising Sun, we don’t just teach martial arts—we teach kids to:

• Speak confidently and clearly

• Stand tall and make eye contact

• Lead warmups and mentor younger students

• Persevere when things get hard

This is the heart of our Leadership Program, and it’s something Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t offer.

👎 The Truth About Today’s Jiu-Jitsu “Role Models”

While Jiu-Jitsu and UFC culture has gained popularity, many high-profile figures have made headlines for all the wrong reasons:

• Substance abuse

• Domestic violence

• Legal trouble

• Ego-driven behavior

Is that really who we want our kids looking up to?

At Rising Sun Martial Arts, our instructors are community leaders, family-first, and committed to helping your child become the best version of themselves.

🥋 Rising Sun: A Safer, Smarter Martial Arts School

If you live in Jupiter, Abacoa, or Palm Beach Gardens and are searching for the best martial arts program for your child, consider this:

• ✅ Our classes are safe, structured, and age-appropriate

• ✅ We teach Filipino Martial Arts (Kali) with a focus on movement, agility, and self-protection

• ✅ We build confidence, character, and real-world skills

• ✅ We offer a proven Leadership Program to help kids thrive at home, school, and beyond

Ready to Make the Better Choice?

We’re here to help you raise a strong, respectful, confident child—not a fighter who risks injury for entertainment.

👉 Click here to schedule your child’s first class at Rising Sun Martial Arts

Let’s raise kids who lead with confidence, speak with clarity, and stand tall—on the mat and in life.