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With a mission to help people “regardless of age or stage” to live healthier lives throughout New York’s largest borough, Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is taking its charge beyond the dojo walls. During the month of April, the martial arts network recruited its students and instructors to contribute essential items for low-income families on behalf of a local charity, Room to Grow.
Room to Grow, founded in 1998, is committed to helping children born into poverty from birth to age three – a mandate which the Brooklyn martial arts schools say resonates with their own purpose.
“We serve hundreds and hundreds of families here in our schools,” says Professor Josh Skyer, “and we believe very deeply in heading life challenges off at the pass by preparing people well.”
In fact, much of Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s philosophy reflects a notion which has traditionally defined martial arts study: that in order to understand self-defense, a student must first understand how to avoid conflicts before they begin.
“We teach that, no matter who you are, avoidance is a much better course of action than aggressive conflict,” Skyer continues. “To be able to think ahead and plan ahead is a much better strategy.”
Another area which makes the pairing between the two organizations a natural one is the sensitivity to long-term progress. Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s highest belt rank – the coveted martial arts black belt – represents not just mastery of technique, but of a commitment to the long-term physical and mental health of the practitioner.
The instructors say Room to Grow may not award an actual black belt, but the outcome of success is the same: physical health of children, adults and families over a long arc, thanks to early intervention and building great habits.
“We’re honored to be able to play a small part in the mission of such an important group,” says Gene Dunn, chief instructor of the BBJJ organization.
“To us, Room to Grow and Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are an intuitive alliance. We hope our April drive was able to raise awareness of that there are babies in need right here in New York, in our communities. It’s very immediate. And we were grateful for the participation from our students and their families to accomplish our goal.”
About Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu believes that the martial arts are about physical fitness, mental discipline and ethical living. We teach that the martial arts have the power to make profound, positive improvements in the lives of those who practice them.
Our mission is to empower individuals to act as agents of transformation both on the mat and in the world. We believe that the timeless principles of black belt – compassion, generosity, discipline, integrity and involvement – can transform our students, their families and their communities for the better.
