Getting Kids Started with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

It depends a little on each child. The youngest we recommend is ~3 ½ yrs old. That said, some kids are ready then and sometimes it takes a little longer for them to have the focus to make it through a class. With a little individual work we can get them there.

For older kids, what we have found is that after around 12-13 yrs it becomes really important to keep them in a closely related peer group. Then, by the time they are ~16 we find an adult class that fits them well.

So we have rough guidelines but it almost always comes down to the individual. We break down ages in the following groups;

~ 3 ½ to ~ 6 ½

7 to 9 (ish)

9 (ish) to 11 (ish)

Teens

The kids choose to get on the mat. This may seem obvious to adults, but we have found that it is pretty empowering to kids. From the first visit our goal is to help the child understand and navigate their environment.

Formalities, (such as taking off your shoes, putting on your gi, and bowing on the mat), all represent little decisions to participate in class. What we have found is that when this is presented correctly and followed through on, the kids do a great job of deciding they want to participate, and then doing so, (or not).

This is one of the main goals of self defense, (do I wish to be here - if not, how do I leave). We believe that the sooner the child is given, (and accepts), agency over decisions, the sooner they thrive.

If you are worried about your child not engaging with the class, know that that is a common concern and one we are almost always able to overcome when the child has time and context to understand.

There is no punching or kicking in our kids program. Jiu Jitsu is a grappling based martial art, similar to wrestling, however Jiu Jitsu allows more options and opportunities to win and is thus more technique driven. While this gives less athletic students more tools to succeed, we are always working to increase the athleticism of the kids while helping them learn how to balance technique with physicality.

These guard rails help direct the training. Since there is no striking and we remove techniques that might injure, the kids get a chance to spar/wrestle with the technique and truly make it their own. It is hard to do that with most traditional martial arts or those that are under the umbrella of functional striking arts; (Boxing, Muay Thai, etc.).

We teach kids a blend of old school Jiu Jitsu, (positional defense first), with modern style - more competition based Jiu Jitsu. It is taught in a manner that allows the kids to effectively spar. This combination allows kids to develop skill and confidence fairly quickly.

All of this combined means that the Jiu JItsu kid will be exposed to productive sparring much earlier in their path to becoming a martial artist. The sooner, and more productively they can spar - the better they will be.

The trial is free. Two weeks to see if your child or children enjoy training Jiu Jitsu, and if you the parent think it is a good fit.

Sign up using the kids trial form, and our team will contact you to help you get started.