(5-Minute Read)
Jiu-jitsu is more than a series of techniques or self-defense skills; it’s a journey of self-improvement through disciplined practice in martial arts, where we develop inner strength, humility, and unite within a community rooted in mutual respect. Today, on the eve of Father’s Day, we at Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Lake Travis want to give an early shout-out to all the amazing dads who train with us. We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication you bring to our mats.
For fathers and daughters, the mats are a special place to forge bonds, face challenges, and grow together. This Father’s Day weekend, we’re sharing the inspiring journeys of two fathers, “Dr. Pressure” John and “Mr. 100%” Michael-Scott, and their daughters, Megan and Winter. Their stories motivate our coaching team, and we hope they inspire you too.
John and Megan: A Spark in Defeat
John enrolled his daughter, Megan, in jiu-jitsu at 12, hoping she’d find her own path apart from her brother’s athletic pursuits. In the beginning, John admits, “She dragged her feet to class.” As a frequent traveler for work, he made a pact: after her first year, he’d join her on the mat. That year was tough—Megan found jiu-jitsu challenging and often resisted attending. But at the one-year mark, two things happened: John kept his promise, tying on a gi, and Megan signed up for her first tournament.
The tournament was brutal. Megan faced tough opponents and had some tough losses. John, heart sinking, questioned himself, fearing he’d misjudged the situation. But Megan turned to him and asked, “When’s the next one?” That loss ignited a competitive fire, sparking a six-year journey in jiu-jitsu and wrestling. Their deepest bond wasn’t forged in victories but in car rides home from training or tournaments. “Those talks helped us build trust beyond the usual father-daughter connection,” John says.
Megan has since graduated from high school, where she was an exceptional student and decorated wrestler. Next year, she will attend the University of Arkansas, where she will also continue training in jiu-jitsu.
His advice for parents:
- Build a Strong Bond: Training together fosters trust and communication, creating shared memories through mutual growth and support.
- Focus on Fun and Fundamentals: Emphasize basic techniques and make sessions enjoyable with games or light sparring.
- Encourage Resilience and Confidence: Guide your child through challenges, celebrating small victories to boost self-esteem and teach perseverance.
- Prioritize Safety and Communication: Ensure a safe environment with proper techniques, check your child’s comfort level, and teach them to communicate boundaries.
- Set Realistic Goals Together: Discuss achievable milestones, like mastering a technique or earning a stripe, to keep your child motivated.
Michael-Scott and Winter: Partners in Growth
Michael-Scott introduced his daughter, Winter, to jiu-jitsu at 10, driven to equip her for a tough world. “Self-defense was key, but I also saw it like tennis—a low-impact skill for life,” he says. Winter embraced classes from the start, tackling drills with enthusiasm. Michael-Scott, a recently promoted purple belt, resisted coaching her during class. “The instructors are the experts,” he chuckles. But observing Winter’s mistakes—ones he recognized in his own training—helped sharpen his technique.
Their journey deepened when Winter, at 13, joined adult classes. “Training the same techniques together accelerated our learning,” Michael-Scott says. They drilled moves and discussed them after class. On tough days, swamped by work or feeling drained, Michael-Scott was tempted to skip training. “Winter would say, ‘Let’s go, Dad,’ and I couldn’t let her down,” he adds. “She’s my accountability partner, and every class leaves me refreshed.”
Michael-Scott sees more parents training with their kids now and loves it. “It’s wonderful for both child and parent,” he says. “They gain valuable life lessons and a bond of respect.”
Jiu-jitsu is more than physical discipline—it’s a meditation on survival, a scholastic pursuit, and, above all, a community. Michael-Scott calls it a “meditation on suffering” and a social hour. “I joke I’m here for the hugs, but I’ve found lifelong friends,” he says. His advice? “Train with your daughter—it builds respect through shared struggle. Learn from her mistakes; they’re often yours too. Embrace the community; that’s where growth happens.”
The Power of Jiu-Jitsu for Families
For John, Michael-Scott, Megan, and Winter, jiu-jitsu blends physical grit, mental clarity, and emotional connection. For daughters, it builds confidence and self-defense, a practice they can carry into old age. For fathers, it’s a chance to model resilience and learn from their kids. “Watching my daughter push through teaches me as much as I teach her,” John says.
The mats are a safe space to fail, grow, and bond, guided by instructors who weave fun into fundamentals. As Michael-Scott puts it, “The best moments aren’t taps or stripes—it’s the trust we build.” Jiu-jitsu transforms fathers and daughters through shared goals and many small victories.
At Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Lake Travis, we’re grateful for families like these. John and Michael-Scott set an example not just for their daughters but for our community. We’re blessed to have them on our team.
Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there! We hope you have a wonderful weekend. We’ll see you on the mats next week!
Your Six Blades Lake Travis Team