Kids jiu jitsuYour child's first jiu jitsu class: a parent's guide.
Booking a first martial arts class for your kid brings up a lot of questions. Will they be nervous? Will they get hurt? What do they wear? Here's exactly what happens when your child steps on the mat at Shonen, and how to set them up for a great first day.
Which class is right for my child?
Kids can start at age 4. Our kids program is split into two age groups so every child trains with partners close to their own age and size:
- Ages 4 to 7. A playful, structured introduction to jiu jitsu. The focus is mobility and coordination, with drills and games that build listening skills and confidence.
- Ages 8 to 13. Real grappling technique with more focus on the sport. Older kids build focus and self-defense skills and start learning competition rules and strategy.
Both groups train at the same times, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM, so brothers and sisters can come together. Students 14 and older join our adult classes.
Before you come in
A little prep at home goes a long way, especially for younger kids:
- Tell them what to expect. Kids handle new things better when nothing is a surprise. Let them know there will be a warm-up, a coach who shows them a move, a partner to practice with and games at the end.
- Dress them in athletic clothes. A clean gi is provided for the free class and goes on over a T-shirt and athletic pants or shorts.
- Pack flip-flops or sandals and a water bottle. Footwear is required off the mat, and shoes never go on it.
- Trim their nails and leave the jewelry at home. It keeps everyone on the mat safe.
- Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. That gives you time to meet the staff and Professor Lee, sign a quick waiver and take a tour, so your child isn't rushed straight from the car onto the mat.
What happens in class
Every kids class is 45 minutes, structured from the first warm-up to the final game:
- Warm-up and movement. Rolls, shrimps and agility drills that build coordination.
- Technique of the day. One position or escape, shown step by step at their level.
- Partner drilling. Practicing the move with a partner their size while coaches correct the details.
- Games and supervised live rounds. Jiu jitsu games and supervised sparring that put it all to work.
That rhythm is a big part of why kids settle in quickly. They always know what comes next, and the fun part at the end is something to look forward to.
"Will my child get hurt?"
It's the first question most parents ask, and it's a good one. Jiu jitsu is a control-first art. There are no punches and no kicks, which is exactly why kids can practice against a resisting partner safely. A few things we do every single class:
- Coaches stay on the mat with the kids the entire class, so the instructor-to-student ratio stays high.
- Every student trains with partners close to their age and size.
- Mats are deep-cleaned and sanitized before every kids class.
Kids also learn to tap from day one. Tapping is how a partner says "stop," and respecting it is one of the first lessons on the mat.
Where you fit in
Parents are welcome to watch from the lounge, and most do. One request: let the coaches do the coaching. It's part of our academy etiquette, and it matters more than it sounds. Kids learn faster when they're hearing one voice, and they relax more when they don't feel watched from the sideline. Cheer them on in the car on the way home instead.
A few other house rules to know: no photos or video during class, and our black belt instructor is called "Professor" while every other instructor is "Coach." Your child will pick these up quickly, and they're part of what makes the mat feel like a respectful place.
If they're nervous
Shy kids, quiet kids and kids who've never played a sport all do well in jiu jitsu. Nobody is put on the spot, and every move is broken down before anyone tries it with a partner. Some kids jump right in. Others watch for a few minutes first, and that's fine. Our parents have seen the change for themselves:
"My 10 year old has a quiet temperament… ever since she started training at Shonen she definitely gained confidence and became more secure."
Donna A., parent, Google review
"The kids classes are absolutely amazing. The coaches are very patient and kind."
Anna M., parent, Google review
What to look for after a few weeks
Don't judge it by the first class. Give it a few weeks of steady attendance and watch for the small things: standing a little taller, trying again after something doesn't work the first time, talking about their training partners by name. That's the confidence, persistence and teamwork jiu jitsu builds, and it tends to show up at school and at home before it shows up on the mat.
There's a practical side too. Because kids practice against fully resisting partners, if someone ever puts their hands on them, it won't be the first time. They learn to stay calm, escape bad positions and handle a bully without throwing a punch.
Book their first class
Your child's first class at Shonen is free, and there are no sign-up fees, ever. Classes are overseen by Professor Lee Rosenfield, a Mendes Brothers black belt who coached kids at the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy in California.
Still have questions? Our FAQ covers the rest, or call us at (443) 304-8884. You can also check the full schedule.