Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) gives kids a rare mix of confidence, discipline, problem solving, and plain old fun. They get to wrestle around, burn energy, make friends, and learn how to stay calm under pressure — all while thinking through problems in real time.

It’s also one of the few activities where smaller or quieter kids can really shine. Progress comes from consistency, teamwork, and learning, not just being the biggest or fastest kid in the room. Kids will quickly lose an ego they previously had. Others will find a new sense of confidence. It can be transformative on many levels.

And honestly? Most kids just love it because it’s fun. They get to move, play games, learn cool techniques, and leave class tired in the best possible way.

The ultimate goal is to create lifelong grapplers. With an emphasis on fun we feel we can make the gym a place kids want to be. We want kids moving, learning real Jiu-Jitsu, playing grappling games, sparring, getting good exercise, and building confidence without feeling like they’re stuck in a super serious bootcamp.

There is focus on technique, defense, attacking, but we also provide leadership opportunities such as giving kids chances to lead warmups, help teammates, and grow into confident leaders on and off the mats.

A lot of kids sports are lines, laps, and waiting around. We keep kids active and engaged the whole class. There’s structure, but also a lot of fun, movement, teamwork, and games mixed into real Jiu-Jitsu training.

Kids learn discipline and respect while still getting to laugh, wrestle around, and burn off that endless kid energy. Kids learn from other kids and have the opportunities to teach things they know to a full class.

Our classes are currently combined for all ages. Generally speaking ages 4-15 are what we’d typically recommend. The cut off for ages is based on a case by case and related to size and ability to grasp the concepts being given. On the higher end ages 14-16 can be a time that we start transitioning to adult class. Sometimes that means we keep them in kids class to give them a good base before sending them on up. If you are on the fence then let’s start in a kids class and assess.

We run a tight schedule throughout class. In a 45 minute class we stay moving. A general schedule would consist of a warm up, a grappling game, technique, sparring, then after class we can have a game if the class was well behaved. More experienced kids are expected to help the less experienced in ways that make sense for both. This allows class to move smoothly while providing teaching opportunities for kids. Sample class:

• Warm ups with basic movements for about 5 minutes. Often student led.

• A grappling game such as dirty feet. This is where one student is on their back and their partner is standing. The goal is for the standing partner to stop the bottom partner from controlling their legs. The bottom partner is looking to make connections. This teaches the guard in a natural and engaging way.

• We teach some technique. This would typically tie into what we just played so for this we may teach a tripod sweep.

• Students then drill the technique.

• We then finish with positional rounds. We start in the position we were drilling and try to do what we just learned.

Like any physical activity, there’s some risk—but Jiu-Jitsu is generally very safe when trained properly.

• You’re always in control of how hard you go

• You can “tap” (submit) at any time to stop a technique

• Coaches and training partners prioritize safety

Most injuries happen when people go too hard or don’t tap early. We begin training safety on day one. We are also monitoring all sparring to be sure kids are training in safe ways.

Yes. Belts are meant to show growth, consistency, and effort — not just who wins the most rounds. Most kids will spend around 1 year at each belt level if training 3 days a week consistently.

We follow the IBJJF standard for belt promotions. Check that out here.

3 days tend to yield great results. We want kids to be excited to come to class. Not frequent enough and they tend to fall behind on concepts being taught. Too frequent and they may get burned out.

Every kid is different and schedules can change. Any time training is better than no time training.

Like our adult classes we alternate one week of gi followed by a full week of no-gi. This means uniform for a week and athletic clothes for the next. By staying on one type of class for a week at a time we can hone in on specific concepts. History has shown that grapplers who train in both find more success than focusing on one or the other. For Gi we do not require Marmalade Jiu Jitsu uniforms, although we do sell them. There are many affordable options online. For nogi we recommend some tight fitting athletic clothing. No need for anything expensive. We don’t allow jeans or typical “street clothes” in class. We find that putting on the appropriate clothing tends to motivate kids to show up ready to train hard.

No. Some kids will find more interest in competing than others and we fully support and encourage that. However, others may find Jiu-Jitsu to be more beneficial without that stress. This is also completely supported.

If a kid is interested in competing then we are with them all the way. We will give competition specific training leading up to the event. We will also be there on the day coaching them through the whole thing.

Competition is a safe way for kids to push themselves and learn to operate under pressure. It also teaches kids an extremely important skill which is how to lose. It will happen eventually and we will be there to support them through the highs and the lows.

Jiu-Jitsu is often difficult for kids. At the same time it can be difficult for parents. Watching your kids get smashed by a bigger kid can, understandably, create some emotion.

At MJJ we are a team. Everyone is helping everyone in the different ways they can. We will always do our best to create a safe environment. Where there can be difficulty is when parents emotion creates unneeded pressure, stress, and negative energy.

For parents we have a few general asks:

• During sparring we ask you don’t cheer your child on. During breaks we love a little positive enforcement and feel free to tell them what they did well and support them in that way. The issue is at times with the emotion involved the support of your student can come off as a negative towards their training partners, especially when those partners don’t have parents present.

• Generally speaking, no yelling. For example imagine your student is not participating. As coaches that is our problem to solve. We don’t want you to feel compelled to yell across the room to try to motivate your student. If we ever need additional parental help we will communicate that.

• Be kind to other students inside and outside of the gym. When you leave the gym it can be easy to want you talk down about your student’s partners. This is common as a way to cushion losses your student had. However, your student absorbs that and then comes back with that mindset. It discourages accountability and also helps foster a negative culture towards teammates.

• Jiu-Jitsu is a team sport. The students look to their parents as the example of how to act. Show other students the same appreciation you show your own. Your student will only ever be as capable as their training partners. If we build all students up then everyone stands to gain.