TJ, the owner of EFL gym in Shanghai and founder of what may be the largest children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program in China, sat down with Ramsey Dewey in a recent podcast to talk about how he got BJJ written into school curricula across multiple institutions.
“We are running a Jiu-Jitsu program in several schools,” TJ said. “And we put the Jiu-Jitsu curriculum to become a mandatory course in school from kindergarten all the way to the university.”
The schools include Meigao International School in Shanghai, a school in Suzhou, and Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. “We’re sending the coach to the school every day, teaching there from the morning to the evening every day.”
Unlike elective clubs, students must earn passing grades. “It’s just like other subjects,” TJ explained. “You have to go fulfill all the grade every year, and then you can level up to the next grade. So it’s a big step in China. I think the only similar program is in Abu Dhabi.”
The program grew out of TJ’s personal interest. “It all begins with my interest. I have children. I train them Jiu-Jitsu.” When he first tried to bring martial arts into schools, MMA and kickboxing were difficult to pitch. “The only contact sport that we think is pretty safe is Jiu-Jitsu, and maybe wrestling also.”
He also recognized a business case for schools themselves. “That’s maybe also one setting point for putting this subject into the school as a win-win. Not only we promote the Jiu-Jitsu, but also for the school, they can also be getting more students, more attractive.”
Running the program has not come without challenges. “It’s difficult to let everyone like something,” TJ said. To manage the range of student ability and interest, EFL deploys three coaches per class.
“One head coach, and then two assistant coaches. Those two assistant coaches can separate some small group of people to help them.” TJ also described how he measures class quality: “I check every class the lowest level kids. If the lowest level kids is pretty okay, then I think the whole class is okay.”
On the bigger picture, championships are not the primary goal. “Not everyone will be the world champion. In our school, there are thousands of children, or maybe only one or two become world champion.”
For the remaining 90% who never compete, “jiu-jitsu for them is pure exercise plus maybe the education purpose.” His focus is character: “We try to educate them and become a good person. Humble and brave, respect. Those things we put heavy emphasis.”
After six years running the program, TJ has an open invitation for anyone interested: “If somebody listens to our podcast and wants to introduce jiu-jitsu in your school, just contact us.”
