Close
Limited Time & Availability
10:00
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
VIEW OUR SCHEDULE & PRICING OPTIONS

Secure your spot & get started today with our EXCLUSIVE online offer!

By opting into the web form above you are providing consent for Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center to send you periodic text messages. Standard rates may apply. You can reply HELP at anytime to learn more. You may opt-out anytime by replying STOP.
Jessica Brosnan
via Google

We joined Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center right before Thanksgiving. It’s the best decision we have made for our son. The dojo is spotless. And the instructors are professional, supportive and very welcoming. The moment you step through the door you are treated like part of the family. Three months in and my son's confidence has already skyrocketed. He absolutely loves his time in the dojo. I’m pretty sure he’d live there if he could. His behavior at home has greatly improved as well. His every day responsibilities are taken care of without being asked and when I ask him to do something for me I only have to ask once (unless he doesn’t hear me ?).

Debra W
via Google

My daughter has been coming to Popkin-Brogna twice a week for over a year. They not only have taught her martial arts, but they have taught her very important life skills. She has become more confident, has learned patience, determination, responsibility and self-discipline. The instructors balance the classes between serious instruction and “fun” activities. The sensais and sempais are great role models and are there to listen to the students and guide them or provide advice or help when needed. I would highly recommend PBJJC to anyone looking for an enriching activity for their children.

Koshy Mathai
via Google

My 2, pre-teen sons and younger daughter have been attending the Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center for the past several months and I can't say enough positive things about the Dojo! Everyone is very knowledgeable, caring, kind, and welcoming. The environment is full of inspiration and motivation for young one's to invest in themselves and to do their very best- at the Dojo, at home, in school, and in their community. The Senseis value family involvement and participation and I really enjoy attending at least 1x/week and watching my children literally shout "positivity".

Craig Baumohl
via Google

My son had been going to this Jujitsu school on and off for about 5 yrs. The training has been amazing for his mental, emotional, and physical well being. The sensais are phenomenal teachers, mentors and guides. They not only teach what is needed on the mat but are even more so focused on what happens outside the dojo. They are always there for him and helping with any issues in school and at home, always willing to support and guide him and us. As parents, it means so much to have such a great support system and team backing you up and showing your kids what theyare truly capable of. Thank you Sesai Popkin, Sensai Joe, Sempai Nick and, of course, Sempai Nick (No that's not a typo. There are two Sempai Nicks, both always there serving the kids and helping them reach their next level of ultimate potential ).

Juri Chillseyzn
via Google

I absolutely love taking my kids to PBJC! I take my 6yr old son and 4 yr old daughter there. My son is not only learning to defend himself but also learning skills that he could use in daily life. My daughter is in the mini ninja class and she loves it! The instructors keep the class fun and engaging. The facility is clean and the equipment is cleaned after every class. I highly recommend this dojo!

Adina Goldberg
via Google

The senseis and senpais are so good at what they do.

Yesterday I partook in a special mother's day class and before then, I think I knew intellectually that the jujitsu center was more than just an extracurricular. But yesterday, I really got to experience and internalize what they are imparting to our kids; leadership, confidence, accountability, focus, respect, communication. And it's more than just a credence on the wall. The recitations and affirmations are incorporated into action, daily.

Really really so impressed with and feeling fortunate to be a part of PBJJC.

Request information today to learn more about our programs!
516-489-1278
Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center
West Hempstead Martial Arts & Fitness for All Ages!
Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center

Beyond the Dojo: How Popkin-Brogna Builds Mental Resilience in Children

May 7, 2025

Beyond the Dojo: How Popkin-Brogna Builds Mental Resilience in Children

In today’s fast-moving world, our children are facing challenges we never imagined at their age—academic pressure, social comparison, screen addiction, and growing anxiety. At Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center, we believe there’s one powerful solution to help them thrive, not just survive: mental resilience. And one of the best places to develop it? Right here on the mat.

What Is Mental Resilience—And Why Does It Matter?

Mental resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, keep going when things get tough, and stay calm under pressure. It’s what helps a child try again after failing a test, stand up for themselves on the playground, or keep their cool during a conflict. In a world filled with stress, this quality is essential for long-term happiness and success.

How Jujitsu Builds Mental Strength

Every time a child steps onto our mat, they’re doing more than learning self-defense techniques. They’re learning how to stay focused even when they’re tired, how to get back up after falling down, and how to believe in themselves—especially when they’re outside their comfort zone.

At Popkin-Brogna, we train our students to:

  • Push through frustration and failure

  • Celebrate progress, not just perfection

  • Handle feedback without shutting down

  • Stay composed under pressure

  • Speak up and advocate for themselves

These skills go far beyond martial arts. They become life tools.

Stories from the Mat

One of our students, a quiet 9-year-old named Mia, used to struggle with anxiety and shutting down when things didn’t go her way. Over time, through consistent training and encouragement, she began to change. She started volunteering for leadership activities in class, making friends more easily, and even stood up to a peer who was picking on her at school. Her mother told us, “Jujitsu gave her confidence, but more importantly—it gave her courage.”

The Role of the Dojo Community

Mental resilience doesn’t grow in isolation. It takes a team. Our instructors serve as mentors and role models, helping kids push through their limits while feeling supported every step of the way. Students cheer each other on, hold one another accountable, and learn that effort and attitude matter just as much as skill.

What Parents Can Do at Home

You don’t need to be a martial artist to help build resilience at home. Here are some simple ways:

  • Encourage effort over outcome (“You worked so hard!” vs. “You’re the best!”)

  • Let your child face age-appropriate struggles without rushing in to fix everything.

  • Model calm responses to frustration and mistakes.

  • Ask about class wins and challenges to spark reflection and growth.

Final Thoughts

At Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center, our mission goes beyond punches and pins. We’re here to raise strong, kind, resilient kids who can face life with confidence—on and off the mat. When a child learns to stand tall in the dojo, they learn to stand tall in the world.

CALL US
SCHEDULE
Web Special
Skip to content