Author name: Mike Sweeney

Quick Answer Yes, Brazilian jiu-jitsu can help many children with ADHD because classes combine physical activity, structured learning, and problem solving. Students are constantly engaged rather than waiting on the sidelines. This type of training can support improvements in focus, impulse control, confidence, and emotional regulation for some children. Most articles about ADHD and jiu-jitsu […]

Many parents worry their child may be getting too much screen time. If you’ve ever watched a young child using a phone or tablet, you’ve probably noticed something unsettling. Their eyes lock onto the screen. Their posture freezes. It almost looks like they’re hypnotized. Not long ago I watched a very young child sitting beside

If you have a shy child, choosing the right activity can feel tricky. You want them to become more confident, but you do not want to throw them into something that makes them feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or pressured. A lot of parents in Calgary ask some version of this question: These are good questions. Quick

Every coach has a moment they see over and over. A kid has a tough class. They feel frustrated. They feel tired. Maybe they got stuck. Maybe they were embarrassed. Maybe their friend quit. Maybe something else sounds more fun. And then they say the sentence: “I think I want to quit.” I’ve had this

If you’re thinking about trying Brazilian jiu-jitsu, this is probably the question in the back of your mind: “Am I going to get hurt?” It’s a fair concern. Jiu-jitsu is a contact sport. People are grabbing, pushing, and trying to control each other. So yes, injuries can happen. But here’s the part most people don’t

If you are an adult, you are busy. Work. Family. Commute. Stress. Errands. Something always pops up. Here’s the trap. People tell themselves: “I’ll start when life calms down.” Life does not calm down. So the real question is not “How do I find time?” The real question is “How do I build a plan

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be dinner and a movie. If you train Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Calgary, one of the best “date ideas” is simple: invite your partner to try a class with you. Not because you want them to become a killer grappler overnight. But because training together builds confidence, shared routines, and a

Parents rate everything. Restaurants. Contractors. Schools. Even jiu-jitsu gyms. So let’s flip the system around. A “5-star jiu-jitsu parent” is not a perfect parent. It is a parent who consistently does a few simple things that make their child more likely to succeed. And yes, coaches notice patterns. Kids who thrive usually have similar support

Quick answer: Wash your gi the same day you train, use enough detergent, skip fabric softener, and dry it completely. If the smell is already stuck, soak it in diluted white vinegar or oxygen bleach, then rewash. In Calgary winter, slow indoor drying is the biggest cause of musty gis. How to wash a BJJ

A lot of people start jiu jitsu because they want to get in shape, learn self-defence, or try something new. Then they notice something else. They feel calmer after class. Their stress is lower. They sleep better. They’re more confident at work and at home. They’re not as reactive. So the question comes up: Can