The Guidance Principle - Talking to Your Kids and Raising Them Right
- Jason Hunt
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
In Jiu-Jitsu, the Guidance Principle is about leading your opponent where you want them to go. A skilled grappler doesn’t just react—they set the pace, control the flow, and guide the roll toward victory. It’s not about forcing; it’s about directing with intention.
What if we applied this to raising our kids—talking to them and guiding them toward God’s path?
Jiu-Jitsu and Guidance: Setting the Path
On the mat, you don’t let your opponent dictate the fight. You use grips, angles, and timing to guide their movements, keeping them off balance while you stay in control. Parenting works the same way—kids need direction, not domination. The Guidance Principle teaches us to lead with purpose, not just react to chaos.
Raising Kids in Faith: The Biblical Call
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” That’s the Guidance Principle in scripture—pointing kids toward Christ through consistent, intentional teaching. It’s not about barking orders; it’s about showing them the path through your words, actions, and love.
Pitfalls to Avoid:
Over-Control – Like muscling a submission, forcing faith on kids can backfire, pushing them away.
Neglect – Too much distance leaves them vulnerable to the world’s influence.
Inconsistency – Mixed signals confuse them, like a grappler who doesn’t commit to a game plan.
Survival and Leadership: Guiding the Next Generation
In the wild, teaching kids survival skills—fire-making, tracking, shelter-building—requires patience and example. You guide their hands, explain the why, and let them try, stepping in when they stray. Raising them in faith and life is no different: model resilience, show them God’s creation, and prepare them for storms.
Applying the Guidance Principle
Set the Tone – Lead with calm authority, like a black belt guiding a roll.
Teach by Doing – Kids learn more from your walk with Christ than your words alone.
Adjust the Grip – Every child’s unique—guide them according to their bent, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Point to the Source – Direct them to God’s Word and Spirit, not just your rules.
Jesus guided His disciples with parables, questions, and example—not force. Be the coach your kids need, guiding them to thrive in faith and life.
Life Application Questions:
Am I guiding my kids toward Christ, or just reacting to their behavior?
Do my actions match the faith I want them to embrace?
How can I better talk to my kids about God and life’s challenges?
Am I adapting my guidance to each child’s unique needs?
What legacy am I building for the next generation through my leadership?
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