Parents & Kids Day at Jiu Jitsu

On Saturday, November 7, we went to the Parents & Kids class at Willie's jiu jitsu school, Gracie Barra. At first, Zahra was really apprehensive about participating. She wanted to sit in Auntie Sis' lap and just watch. Willie was positive and encouraged her to join in. He got her the smallest gi that was available and helped her put it on. Once Zahra saw other kids joining in, she seemed a little more curious about getting on the mat.

During warm-ups, Zahra jumped right in and started following along with her dad. Here they're doing push-ups.

Zahra's version of jumping jacks are sooooo cute. She kind of jumps up and down in one place (not moving the legs in and out as you're supposed to) and waves her hands up and down. It's really a kick to watch her do them.

sit-ups

stretches

listening to the professor's instructions

listening to Dad's instructions about a move

after being pushed gently down,

the move was to teach one how to brace during a fall

practicing the same move again

This was Zahra's turn to push Dad down...

Dad fixing Zahra's gi

At one point, Zahra was getting a little preoccupied and wanted to run over to the snack table for some treats intended for after the class. She was quickly returned to the mat by Dad.

more practicing...

Not the best picture (sorry!),

but this was Zahra and Willie playing a game

with the rest of the class.

I forgot what it was called...

listening to more instructions

Giving the professor a high-five at the end of class.

Zahra had such a great time at jiu jitsu, she kept asking when she could go again. Once a month, the school has a parent and kids day on the first Saturday. We were thinking we'd bring her back every month for a few more months and if she's still interested, we'd enroll her in one of the kids classes.