Author name: Mike Sweeney

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 […]

If you’re a parent in Calgary and you’re looking for a structured sport that can help your child practise focus, self-control, and confidence, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is worth a serious look. Some research suggests BJJ and other martial arts can improve areas like hyperactivity/inattention and parts of executive function, though results vary by child and program

When families think about martial arts, they often picture kids classes or adult training, not both. Yet one of the most powerful and overlooked benefits is what happens when families train together. At our martial arts school in Calgary, we’ve seen how shared training experiences strengthen family dynamics, improve communication, and help parents and kids

What Calgary Adults 30–50 Actually Need to Know Quick answer: Adults aged 30–50 can safely start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at any fitness level, with beginner programs designed to build confidence, self-defence skills, and long-term consistency. January is when a lot of adults finally decide to act on something they have been thinking about for years.

Most children’s activities run in short seasonal bursts. Soccer in the spring. Hockey in the winter. Baseball in the summer. Kids get a few months of effort, then the season ends and everyone moves on to the next thing. At SBG Calgary, we work with families every week who are looking for Jiu Jitsu for

If you are a parent in Calgary looking into martial arts for your child, you are probably thinking about confidence, discipline, fitness, self-defence, and helping your child grow into a capable, resilient young person. Two of the most common options parents look at are boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). They both teach valuable lessons,

In short:Parents play a critical role in their child’s success in kids’ jiu-jitsu, often more than natural ability or athletic talent. The way you support training at home and in the gym directly affects your child’s confidence, consistency, and long-term progress. Below are the most important ways parents can actively support their child’s success in

If you train Jiu Jitsu – or your child does – you probably feel the same tension every December: You want to enjoy the holidays, see family, eat good food, maybe sleep in.You also don’t want to throw away all the progress you’ve made on the mats. Short answer:You don’t need a “perfect” holiday. You

If you live in Calgary and you’re thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu, there’s a good chance this thought has already hit you: “I’m too out of shape for this.”“I’m overweight, I’ll just slow everyone down.”“I’ll be the heaviest, sweatiest person in the room.” Short answer: you can absolutely start Jiu Jitsu even if you’re out

If you’re a parent in Calgary, you’ve probably thought something like: “I just wish my child was more confident.” Maybe they freeze when something gets hard. Maybe they cling to you in new situations. Maybe they would rather hide behind a screen than risk looking silly in front of other kids. In this guide, I’ll