Paradigm Martial Arts kicks off the holidays with festive party (4 photos)

Paradigm Martial Arts Academy held their 2019 Holiday event on Saturday for the community. There was lots of free food, giveaways, kids activities as well as discounts on merchandise and program lessons. 

Minerva MacIsaac from Minerva’s Creations provided face painting and balloon creations. The event brought out many families in the community to support the local martial arts school.

This is just one of the many events Paradigm hosts throughout the year. They also host a number of camps and parties, including a parent's night out.

“We really want to build a community of people who support each other and help each other out and by doing these events allows the students and parents to socialize," says Paradigm coach Jason Stephenson. 

Paradigm opens its doors to all ages with its main focus on introducing Jiu-Jitsu to children so they are able to build the skills needed to stand up for themselves in a non-violent and confident way, which can also help a child's ability to prevent fights as well as improve their mental health. 

The academy teaches students to focus on multiple small goals that helps confidence building, in a fun, effective way.

“We are providing an alternative education for things like leadership skills, character education and bullying prevention. In schools a lot of these things aren’t taught, and we want to make our community a better place by passing on those skills," says Paradigm coach Kyle Stephenson. 

So why Jiu-Jitsu? What sets it apart from other martial arts disciplines?

Jiu-Jitsu is a hands-on martial art as opposed to martial arts that focuses on striking motions like punches or kicks. 

A student is put into a position that requires them to break free from a struggle. When repeatedly put into that position, the stresses of a struggle become easier to overcome. This is translates into problem solving situations used in everyday life.

Paradigm is in the process of creating events and workshops for the new year, which include their bully proof seminars “Rise Above Bullying” and "Stranger Danger” as well as women’s self-defence course that gives women the skills and confidence to fend off potential attackers. 

Paradigm coaches hope to see more women utilizing this martial art to give them a secure sense of confidence when in a dangerous situation.