Noorjahan, future jiu-jitsu champion

Twice a week, the TARA Girls install red and blue mats in their Activity Room and sit with calm and discipline for their Jiu Jitsu Class As their teacher explains, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a "form of Martial arts that promotes the concept of how a smaller/weaker person can successfully defend himself/herself against a much larger, bigger and stronger assailant by using proper technique, leverage and timing".

The TARA Girls patiently learn, practice and repeat the techniques he teaches them to make the best use of their energy and to exploit their potential attacker's own strength against him or her. Indeed, what makes jiu-jitsu so effective is the fact that it is based on the principles of weight distribution, balance, timing and leverage rather than speed or strength. It was designed with the purpose of allowing a smaller person to defend themselves from a larger attackerand to ensure that anyone regardless of their physical ability, could utilize the techniques for self-defense.

Moreover, jiu-jitsu keeps the children healthy by providing them with a safe way to exercise while learning a skill. It also increases their self-confidence as they learn the techniques to defend and develops humility. Submitting others can build confidence, but this comes after countless times of being on the receiving end. These experiences build humility and appreciation.

Finally, Jiu-Jitsu teaches all of its students to never give up and to keep pushing forward. The ability to focus and stay on track is something everyone needs to develop when studying jiu-jitsu. This skill can be learned from jiu-jitsu, but applied in all aspects of life.

Among the TARA Girls, Noorjahan has proved to be particularly dedicated to this art ; further to the regular sessions of all the Girls, she is therefore benefitting from private classes at TARA Girls... Maybe a future champion!

Have a look at her progress here: