kids and parents in jiu jitsu
Our founder and head coach felipe balladi, sat down to discuss Why Jiu-Jitsu for Kids and parents.
One of the biggest reasons parents choose Jiu Jitsu for their children is because the benefits go far beyond the mats.
Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids real skills for life. Through training, children develop coordination and motor skills, improve fitness, learn discipline, respect, focus, and how to listen and follow instructions in a positive and structured environment.
But the biggest benefit of all is something that helps them everywhere in life: learning how to solve problems under pressure.
In Jiu-Jitsu, kids are constantly faced with challenges they need to think through calmly. They learn resilience, patience, confidence, and how to stay composed when things don’t go their way. Those lessons carry into school, friendships, sport, and everyday life.
You guys start from age 3 what’s the goal for kids that young in Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes, we start from ages 3 to 4 and honestly, it’s one of the cutest but also one of the most challenging age groups to teach.
At this age, the focus is not on hard techniques or competition. Our main goal is to create a fun, positive environment where kids can learn while playing and moving.
We structure the classes in a way that keeps their attention constantly engaged, because young children learn best when they are active, excited, and having fun. Everything is taught through playful activities and games, but every game has a purpose behind it.
The exercises are designed to develop:
Motor skills
Balance and coordination
Body awareness
Listening and following instructions
Confidence and social interaction
We’re essentially preparing their bodies and minds for the next stages of learning as they grow into the older groups and begin understanding more technical positions and movement.
One of the most rewarding parts is watching how much they improve over the months, not only physically, but emotionally too. Their confidence grows massively, and many parents are surprised at how quickly they become more independent, focused, and comfortable in group environments.
If you could give 3 pieces of advice to parents starting Jiu-Jitsu with their kids, what would they be?
That’s a really good question.
First of all, it’s important to understand that Jiu-Jitsu is a very different sport. It’s not only about strength or speed. Kids need to think fast while reacting at the same time. It’s almost like a physical chess game, where someone is also trying to control or submit you. That’s what makes Jiu-Jitsu so challenging and so valuable.
1. Don’t put pressure or frustration on your child
Every child learns at a different pace. In Jiu-Jitsu, the secret is consistency. Some kids improve quickly, while others take more time to build confidence and understanding. That’s completely normal.
The most important thing is that they keep showing up, enjoying the process, and learning little by little. Progress always comes with time.
2. Support your child regardless of the outcome
Whether they win, lose, struggle, or succeed in training, your support matters the most.
Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids that winning and losing are both part of life and that’s okay. Some of the best lessons come from difficult moments. Helping children understand that failure is part of growth builds resilience and emotional strength for life.
3. Focus on the longterm benefits, not just the results
A lot of the biggest changes happen outside the mats. Over time, parents often notice improvements in confidence, discipline, focus, behaviour, independence, and the way their children handle challenges.
Jiu-Jitsu is not only about creating athletes it’s about helping shape confident, respectful, and resilient young people for the future.
What would you say to parents when kids go through phases where they don’t want to come to Jiu-Jitsu?
Another really good question.
To be honest, Jiu Jitsu is a hard sport. It challenges kids physically, mentally, and emotionally. There will definitely be days when they don’t feel like training.
And honestly, for most kids, it’s much easier to stay home after school playing games or relaxing than coming to class to train, wrestle, and face challenges. That’s completely normal.
But this is also where parenting becomes very important.
One of the biggest lessons children learn through Jiu-Jitsu is consistency.
Keeping a routine and continuing to show up even on the hard days is what helps kids grow the most.
When children learn to face challenges instead of avoiding them, they begin developing resilience, confidence, discipline, and emotional strength. They start understanding that difficult moments are part of growth, not something to run away from.
A lot of the confidence kids build on the mats eventually transfers into everyday life school, friendships, dealing with pressure, solving problems, and handling adversity.
Of course, every child is different, and balance is important. We always want training to stay positive and enjoyable. But in many cases, pushing through those little moments of resistance can become one of the most valuable lessons for their future.
What fascinates you the most about Jiu-Jitsu and teaching kids?
In my opinion, one of the most fascinating things about Jiu-Jitsu is that, even though it’s an individual sport where you are constantly challenging yourself, working hard, and pushing through difficult moments, you are never alone.
At the same time, you are part of a team.
Through training, kids learn how to respect and trust the people around them. They build friendships, support each other, grow together, and create a real sense of community.
That’s something very special about Jiu-Jitsu. You can have kids from completely different personalities and backgrounds all helping each other improve every single day on the mats.
I also love seeing the transformation that happens over time. Watching shy kids become confident, seeing kids learn discipline, learning how to deal with adversity, and becoming better people that’s probably the most rewarding part of teaching.
Jiu-Jitsu is much more than just learning techniques or submissions. It becomes a place where kids feel supported, challenged, and part of something positive.