Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Damascus, MD (Ages 7 to 12)

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is our grappling and self-defense class for kids ages 7 to 12. Kids build practical self-defense skills, discipline and confidence in a fun, supportive class.

What your child will learn

• Real self-defense. We teach Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, which focuses on protecting yourself in the real world, not on scoring points.
• Leverage over strength. Kids learn techniques that work even against someone bigger, using position and leverage instead of muscle.
• Standing up to bullies. Lessons are built around anti-bullying themes. Kids practice setting boundaries with eye contact, clear speech and composure, and our first rule is to avoid a fight whenever possible.
• Escapes and staying calm. If a fight can't be avoided, kids learn to get to a safe position first, then control the situation calmly, without striking.
• Discipline and resilience. Kids learn to keep trying when a move is hard, and to learn from mistakes.
• Character. Every class includes our Character Development program, with a take-home sheet so parents can reward good behavior at home.

What a class looks like

Class starts with a warm-up and stretch, followed by a short Character Development talk. Most of class is technique drills: a coach breaks down a technique step by step, and kids practice with a partner while coaches watch closely. Then kids do supervised rolling (live practice) and learn to "tap" to signal stop. Class ends with announcements and a quick game like dodgeball or four corners, so kids leave on a high note.

Students wear a mouth guard for rolling. Any child can choose not to partner with another student and just watch.

We post the topic for every class, and every lesson is pre-recorded, so members can watch it in our app or member site before class for a preview or when reviewing for a test. You can see Youth Jiu-Jitsu class days on our class schedule.

Is it right for us?

Youth Jiu-Jitsu is a good fit for kids ages 7 to 12, whether they're bursting with energy or on the quieter side. No experience is needed, and size doesn't matter. Kids who love to wrestle around get a safe, structured place to do it. Kids who are shy can find confidence in knowing they can handle themselves.

Teens 13 and up join our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Teens and Adults (Fundamentals) class instead.

Families looking for kids BJJ in Damascus, MD, can find us right on Main Street.

Try your first class free

Your child's first class is free, and we'll lend them a uniform for it. Have them wear comfortable athletic clothes and take off any jewelry. There's a water fountain at the school. If your family likes it, you can start a 10-day trial. We ask for a refundable uniform deposit before a uniform goes home. Memberships start at $159 a month.

In the booking form, pick Free Intro – Youth BJJ (7–12).

Questions parents ask

Is jiu-jitsu safe for kids?

Yes. Practice is controlled and supervised by coaches, and kids learn early to tap to signal stop, and to stop right away when their partner taps.

What's the difference between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

They're closely related. Sport BJJ is built around tournament rules and points. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu puts real-world self-defense first, because a bully doesn't follow rules.

Does my child need to be strong or athletic?

No. Jiu-jitsu is built on leverage and technique, which is why smaller kids can do so well with it.