If you’re tired of wrapping your children in cotton wool, Danielle Wright has found ways to give them some rough and tumble, in a safe environment

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students at the Submission Martial Arts school in Takapuna.

Much has been made of the trend for overly protective parents who shelter their children from experiences that might harm them.

Whether you agree or disagree with this approach, the fact is that the world does seem a more dangerous place for this generation.

There’s help at hand, and all around Auckland, clubs are catering for little warriors, giving them skills that may protect them one day, as well as being a way to let off steam and build self-confidence.

A fighting spirit will stand them in good stead to face the modern world.

Rough and tumble

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art, a combat sport and self-defence system, which looks to me like the ground-fighting many dads and sons do on the living-room floor.

Take a closer look and BJJ, as it’s known, is teaching the skill of a smaller, weaker person taking on a much bigger competitor – the perfect wrestling scenario for children.

“It takes a couple of years learning BJJ to be able to defend yourself,” says Warren Lambert, who teaches a class in a Takapuna hall on Friday evenings.

“It’s about giving the kids the tools in a fun way,” says Lambert, whose own children attend the classes. “We can always fix technique when they are a bit older, unlike more traditional karate. “Their cardio is incredible,” he says, as half a dozen kids run excitedly around him. “It’s awesome for fitness and these kids could go on forever. They definitely sleep well afterwards.”

There’s also an element of discipline, and at the end they delight in saying thank you, clapping and shaking hands, before heading home for the weekend.

Submission Martial Arts North Shore, 11 Killarney St, Takapuna, $10 per lesson. submissionmartialarts.co.nz

FULL STORY HERE

With a few technical issues the womens class now has a fixed spot on Fridays.

Two classes down which have been very successful with the girls wanting more.

Lots of laughter and fun come along and see us on a Friday night first class is free so you have nothing to lose if you want to check it out.

See you next Friday 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Contact Serina or Melodie for more details or message us.

Serina Cole
serina@submissionmartialarts.co.nz
027 – 87 22 551

Melodie McDonald
melodie@submissionmartialarts.co.nz
021-261-8563

30th of April will see Submission Takapuna run there first Women’s BJJ class.
Run by Serina Cole and Melodie McDonald

Start time will be 7pm

Where:  Church Hall, 11 Killarney Street, Takapuna

Contact Serina Cole
serina@submissionmartialarts.co.nz
027 – 87 22 551

Melodie McDonald
melodie@submissionmartialarts.co.nz
021-261-8563

Womens Class is will now be permanently on a Friday 6.30pm till 8pm

The early hours of this morning saw Leyla arrive in Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi World Cup.  This will be Leylas’s second year of competing and we wish her well!

Mark, Warren, Leyla and John

Melodie is a Blue Belt on our mat and has been a part of Submission for the last 4 years. She is co-owner of Industry of Combat events.

6 months ago she embarked on a weight loss journey, with the help of Selby Devereux (Personal Trainer) from Netfit Training Room she has been successful in loosing 25kgs.

When she first started on this journey she could only just manage to do body weight squats 6 months later she is squatting 50kgs.  Her diet was pretty bad with her using the excuse she has no time to cook.

Selby recommended she try the Paleo Lifestyle which means no grains or processed food. 6 months later she still survives on Chicken, Salad, Nuts and Berry smoothies.

She still has a way to go in her journey but she is determined! We hope to see her on the competition circuit by the end of the year.

Here is a photo of Melodie and her Personal Trainer after his MMA win at ICNZ 16.

Here is a before and after pic when she has lost 25kgs

Congratulations to Mark on his marriage to Erin.

Warren was lucky enough to head to Geelong with GroundControl Coach Andrew Craven to learn some goodness from Head Coach John B Will.

He has bought back some awesome treats for us all.  Big thanks to John Will for sharing the treats!

Here is a photo of Warren with Jimmy from the Geelong Cats

Saturday saw a team from Takapuna Submission venture out to the wild west to compete at the NZ Grappler competition held at the Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre,

Our Team had a hugely successful day with nearly everyone taking something home.  Nick Allan fought in one of the most skilled divisions on Saturday having his first match against a Brown Belt Gareth Burke.

We were lucky enough to witness Southern Tribes head Pina Simpson receive his Black Belt as well.

Thanks to Steve and the crew for hosting a great comp.

Results:

Serina Cole 3rd Womens Absolute, and 2nd Womens Intermediate

Dane Crosby: 1st Mens Intermediate under 105kgs, 1st Mens Intermediate open

Campbell Dickie: 3rd Mens Intermediate under 83ks, 2nd Mens Intermediate open

Bevan Brooking: 1st Mens Advanced under 73kgs

Nick Ovens: 1st Mens Advance under 77kgs

A great day was had by everyone!

After many months of ducking us and Geoff Grant Bevan finally was awarded his Blue Belt by Warren on behalf on Geoff Grant.

Congratulations Bevan

4 years ago Glen Tarrant left the shores of Auckland and ventured down to Porirua and set up shop.  Wednesday evening Porirua had a celebration of sorts which saw Geoff Grant (GSW Black Belt) head out to this occaision and presented Andrew Douglas with his Purple Belt (First one for Porirua) and David Savage with his Blue Belt.  A great night was had by all.