Is BJJ Good for Kids? The Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for Children
More Australian parents are signing their kids up for Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) than ever before. And it’s easy to see why: kids classes are fun, active, and teach skills that go well beyond the mats.
If you’re wondering whether jiu-jitsu is right for your child, here’s what you need to know.
What is BJJ for kids?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art. Instead of punching or kicking, students learn to control a partner using positions, holds and leverage, mostly on the ground.
In kids classes, the focus is on fun, movement and safe technique. Children learn how to escape being held down, how to keep a partner under control, and how to fall safely, all through games, drills and age-appropriate sparring.
The benefits of jiu-jitsu for kids
Confidence
Learning a skill, improving week by week and earning stripes and belts gives kids a real sense of achievement. Many parents notice their child standing a little taller after a few months.
Anti-bullying and self-defence skills
Jiu-jitsu teaches children how to stay calm and control a situation without striking. Kids learn how to escape if someone grabs or pins them, and gain the confidence to walk away from conflict, which often stops bullying before it starts.
Fitness and coordination
Classes are full-body workouts. Kids build strength, balance, flexibility and coordination, all while having so much fun they barely notice they’re exercising.
Focus and discipline
Kids learn to listen to their coach, follow instructions, wait their turn and practise a technique until they get it right. Many parents see this carry over to school and home.
Resilience
In jiu-jitsu, everyone gets caught and everyone taps, including the coaches. Kids learn that losing a round is part of learning, which builds a healthy attitude to setbacks.
Respect and friendship
Kids train closely with partners of different sizes, ages and backgrounds. They learn to look after their training partners, and many make lifelong friends at the gym.
A healthy outlet
For energetic kids, jiu-jitsu is a great way to burn off steam in a safe, structured environment.
What does a kids class look like?
Most kids classes run for 45 minutes to an hour and include:
- Warm-up games like tag-style games, animal movements and rolls
- Technique where the coach teaches a move, then kids practise in pairs
- Drills and games that apply the technique in a fun, competitive way
- Light sparring (often called “rolling”) with partners of a similar size, closely supervised
Classes are usually split by age group, so younger kids focus more on games and movement, while older kids learn more technical jiu-jitsu.
Is jiu-jitsu safe for kids?
Jiu-jitsu is generally considered one of the safer martial arts for children because there’s no striking. Kids learn to “tap” when they want a partner to stop, and coaches closely supervise sparring. Submissions that could be risky for growing bodies are usually restricted in kids classes.
As with any sport, some bumps and bruises can happen. A good coach keeps classes controlled and puts safety first.
How to choose a good kids BJJ gym
- Watch a class first. Most gyms offer a free trial. See whether the kids are engaged, having fun and well supervised.
- Check the coaches. Ask about their experience teaching children. In Australia, anyone coaching kids should hold a current Working With Children Check, so don’t be afraid to ask.
- Look at class structure. Are kids grouped by age and size? Is sparring supervised?
- Check cleanliness. Mats should be cleaned daily.
- Ask about the culture. A good gym is welcoming, inclusive and focused on learning, not just winning.
What does my child need to start?
For a trial class, comfortable clothes without zips or buttons, like a T-shirt and shorts, are fine. If your child sticks with it, they’ll need:
- A kids gi for gi classes
- A rashguard and shorts for no-gi classes
- A drink bottle
- Thongs or slides for walking off the mat
Kids gis are sized differently to adult gis, so check the size guide before buying. Your coach can also help.
The bottom line
Jiu-jitsu gives kids confidence, fitness, focus and resilience, along with practical self-defence skills, all in a fun and supportive environment. Book a trial class, watch how your child responds, and you might just find their new favourite activity.
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