Be the Reason: A Message Every Child Needed to Hear
Last week we posted a video on the Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club Instagram page: Mr. Mike shared a message with our kids that every parent wishes their child could hear—and truly feel. It started as a simple conversation about bullying, but it quickly became one of the most honest and eye-opening moments we’ve ever experienced on the mats.
Mr. Mike began by talking about something many kids don’t always think about:
There are children in our community who are “special”—kids with physical disabilities, learning differences, or who are neurodivergent. These are things they cannot control, yet they are often the very things they get teased for the most.
He explained to the students that these differences should never be used to make someone feel small. Ever. Not in school, not at the park, not here, and not anywhere.
The kids listened closely.
The Reality of Hurtful Words
After discussing how important it is to protect and include kids who have challenges or differences, Mr. Mike asked a simple question:
“Do you like being called names?”
Every child immediately answered: “No.”
Then he asked:
“How many of you have been called names… or been called dumb… or stupid?”
This time, almost every kid in the room raised their hand.
It was heartbreaking.
Seeing that many hands go up showed just how common these experiences are—even among kids who smile, laugh, and seem confident on the surface. Nearly all of them have felt the hurt of someone else’s words.
Moments like this remind us just how important it is to talk about kindness directly, clearly, and often.
Be the Reason Someone Wants to Show Up
After stepping into that vulnerable moment with the kids, Mr. Mike shared something powerful:
“Be the reason someone wants to go to school.
Be the reason someone wants to come to Jiu-Jitsu.
Be someone who makes people feel good about themselves.”
It’s simple advice—but it’s life-changing.
One act of kindness can completely change the trajectory of another kid’s day… or week… or even their entire relationship with Jiu-Jitsu.
Because here’s the truth:
Nobody wants to be the reason another kid quits Jiu-Jitsu.
But everyone can be the reason someone loves coming.
What Parents Should Know: Lessons That Go Beyond the Mats
This conversation highlighted something important for every parent to understand:
Your child is learning much more than self-defense here.
They’re learning how to:
Treat others with dignity and compassion
Understand and protect kids who may be different
Stand up for themselves and for their peers
Recognize how powerful their words can be
Create a safe, uplifting environment for others
These are life skills—skills that will serve them in school, in friendships, and far beyond childhood.
A Community That Supports Every Child
At Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club, we strive to build a space where every child feels welcome, seen, and valued.
That means teaching our students to look out for one another—especially for kids who may already feel like the odds are stacked against them.
Jiu-Jitsu gives children confidence.
But it also gives them belonging.
Our mission is to make sure that every child who walks through our doors feels like this is a place where they matter.
Final Thoughts: Kindness Is a Skill Too
Just like Jiu-Jitsu, kindness takes practice.
Awareness takes practice.
Leadership takes practice.
And when these lessons come from trusted coaches and mentors, they sink in deeper and last longer.
We’re incredibly proud of our students for listening, reflecting, and showing vulnerability.
And we’re grateful for leaders like Mr. Mike who can guide these conversations with honesty and heart.
At Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club, we’re building more than athletes.
We’re building good humans.
Let’s keep showing up.
Let’s keep supporting one another.
Let’s keep being the reason.
Ready to Help Your Child Grow On and Off the Mats?
If you’re looking for a place where your child can build confidence, learn self-discipline, make real friends, and train in a safe and uplifting environment, we’d love to have you join the Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club family.
Come try a class, meet our coaches, and experience the difference for yourself.
Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club
📍 2120 Jimmy Durante Blvd #121, Del Mar, CA 92014
📞 (858) 265-8982
🌐 www.delmarjiujitsuclub.com