Kids
Jiu-Jitsu
Age-specific BJJ tracks for children 3–13. Building confidence, discipline, and anti-bullying skills through the world's most child-friendly martial art.
The Right Program
for Every Age
Every child learns differently. Our three tracks are specifically designed for each developmental stage — so your child is always in a class built for them.
Tiny Champs
Our youngest program introduces children to movement, coordination, and the basics of Jiu-Jitsu through play-based learning. Fun, safe, and confidence-building.
- Play-based learning format
- Balance and coordination focus
- Listening, focus, and taking turns
Mon / Wed / Fri · 4:00 PM
Little Champs
Structured Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals with age-appropriate techniques, drilling, and partner work. Kids earn stripes and belts as they progress through the GB curriculum.
- GB Kids Curriculum with belt system
- Fundamental positions and escapes
- Anti-bullying principles included
Tue / Thu 4:00 PM · Sat 10:00 AM
Juniors
More technical and physically demanding — designed for tweens ready to take their Jiu-Jitsu seriously. Live drilling, light sparring, and competition prep available.
- Full GB curriculum Gi and No-Gi
- Live drilling and supervised sparring
- Competition team option available
Mon / Wed / Fri · 5:00 PM · Sat 11:00 AM
Why Kids BJJ Builds More Than Self-Defense
BJJ is widely considered the best martial art for children because it teaches them how to control a physical confrontation without striking — making it uniquely effective for anti-bullying situations. Unlike striking arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses grappling, leverage, and positional control, which means children can defend themselves without harming anyone.
The research backs it up. A 2022 systematic review published in BMC Sports Science found that martial arts training in children produces consistent improvements in cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, self-esteem, and anxiety reduction. A 2025 study specifically on Muay Thai and related striking/grappling arts found that structured training significantly improved self-control — one of the strongest predictors of school success and healthy relationships. At Gracie Barra Davenport, we've watched hundreds of children in Davenport, FL develop these qualities through consistent BJJ training.
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Teaches discipline and focus (great for school!)
- Anti-bullying and conflict resolution skills
- Physical fitness without the impact risk
- Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship
- A structured goal system (belts and stripes)
What Parents in Davenport Say
The results above aren't abstract — they show up at home, in school, and on the mat.
"My son started at 4 in Tiny Champs. Two years later he's in Little Champs, has his first stripe, and asks to go to class every day. The confidence boost has been incredible."
— Davenport parent
"We enrolled our daughter because of the anti-bullying focus. She's learned to carry herself differently — more confident, more calm. The instructors are amazing with kids."
— Champions Gate parent
A Typical Kids BJJ Class
Each 45-minute class follows a consistent structure designed for kids' attention spans — active, fun, and progressively more technical as children advance through the age tracks.
Warm-up (5 min)
Animal walks, tumbling, coordination games
Technique (15 min)
Age-appropriate positions and movements demonstrated and practiced
Partner Drills (10 min)
Controlled technique practice with a same-size partner
Games/Rolling (10 min)
Positional games for younger kids, controlled rolling for older kids
Circle-up (5 min)
Instructor recap, character lesson, high-fives
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading for Parents
7 Life-Changing Benefits of BJJ for Kids
Confidence, discipline, anti-bullying skills, and more.
How BJJ Helps Kids Handle Bullying
Why martial arts builds the mindset to de-escalate conflict.
Kids BJJ Belt Order: All 13 Ranks Explained
From white to green belt — what your child earns at every stage.
Best Age to Start Martial Arts for Kids
What age is right, and how programs adapt by development stage.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Kids & Adults · Gi and No-Gi · Ages 3 and up
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Teens & AdultsEarly Bird · Gi | Teens & AdultsEarly Bird · Gi | ||||
| 10:30 AM | HomeschoolersAges 6–13 · Gi | HomeschoolersAges 6–13 · Gi | ||||
| 11:00 AM | Kids CompetitionBJJ · Ages 6–13 | |||||
| 12:00 PM | Teens & AdultsGi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsNo-Gi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsGi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsNo-Gi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsGi · Ages 14+ | Teens & Adults CompetitionAges 14+ |
| 2:00 PM | HomeschoolersAges 6–13 · Gi | HomeschoolersAges 6–13 · Gi | ||||
| 4:00 PM | Tiny Champs · GiAges 3–5 | Tiny Champs · GiAges 3–5 | Tiny Champs · No-GiAges 3–5 | |||
| 4:50 PM | Little Champs · GiAges 6–9 | Little Champs · No-GiAges 6–9 | Little Champs · GiAges 6–9 | Little Champs · No-GiAges 6–9 | Little Champs · GiAges 6–9 | |
| 5:40 PM | Juniors · GiAges 10–13 | Juniors · No-GiAges 10–13 | Juniors · GiAges 10–13 | Juniors · No-GiAges 10–13 | Juniors · GiAges 10–13 | |
| 6:30 PM | Teens & AdultsGi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsNo-Gi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsGi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsNo-Gi · Ages 14+ | Teens & Adults CompetitionAges 14+ | |
| 7:30 PM | Teens & AdultsGi · Ages 14+ | Teens & AdultsGi · Ages 14+ |
Ready to Start Training?
No experience needed. Fill out the form and we'll reach out within 24 hours to help you get on the mat.
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