Toddler
Jiu Jitsu
Age 3-4
learning skills through story and play
Looking for a fun, healthy outlet for your active toddler? With our innovative play-based teaching approach, children as young as 3 years old can understand and develop fundamental martial arts skills.
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In our class, your toddler will be playing fun Jiu Jitsu “games” from start to finish. Each game comes with a story and is designed to teach fundamental grappling skills. Unlike traditional martial arts instruction (where kids are expected to memorize and replicate a series of steps), our innovative games-based teaching approach gets kids to learn through play.
It’s non-stop fun with minimal down time or waiting around. The games are exciting, teach real Jiu Jitsu skills, and keep kids engaged throughout the entire class.
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We purposefully keep class sizes small, with a low 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio. This is important to ensure we can give each kid a high level of attention, keep classes running smoothly with minimal down time, and provide quality instruction for your child every class.
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Your child will be learning more than martial arts skills. In our class, toddlers become socialized into how to behave appropriately in a group setting — listening, sharing, waiting your turn, following instructions, and relating to authority figures who are not their parents. We run a classroom that sets and respects healthy boundaries for kids interacting with other kids, as well as the student-teacher relationship.
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As instructors, we make it a priority to build a connection with each kid. As your child starts to get to know and trust us, they will feel secure enough to explore and take on new challenges during class. This level of connection is key to helping kids come out of their shell and build real confidence that shines.
DESIGNED BY A CHILD THERAPIST
Most martial arts programs for kids are not actually designed with children’s developmental needs in mind.
At best, they are run by well-meaning instructors who are skilled at martial arts but do not understand the needs of kids. They try to teach kids as if they are little adults, and don’t have the training or expertise to do it any other way.
At worst, schools “offload” the responsibility of their kids classes onto a lower-ranking student from their adult program, who may have little to no teaching experience at all.
Here at Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena, we take your child’s learning experience seriously.
Our Toddler Program is designed by our black belt head instructor, Alex — who is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist with more than 15 years of experience working in community mental health with children and families.
As a trained clinician, Alex is an expert in the psychological and developmental needs of kids.
Our Toddler Program is uniquely designed to meet 3-4 year olds where they are at.
We understand exactly how to promote positive socialization, healthy boundaries, and growth for your child.
class schedule
SATURDAY
SESSION 1
9:00-9:30AM
SATURDAY
SESSION 2
10:00-10:30AM
SUNDAY
SESSION 3
9:00-9:30AM
SUNDAY
SESSION 4
10:00-10:30AM
More sessions coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
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Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that teaches you how to use your body to control another person. Unlike many traditional martial arts that focus on punches and kicks (such as karate, tae kwon do, etc.), Jiu Jitsu focuses on grappling or wrestling.
The literal translation of Jiu Jitsu is the “gentle” or “yielding" art. Rather than meeting force with force, the promise of Jiu Jitsu is that you can use technical skill to defend yourself against someone who is stronger than you.
It’s called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because the modern art as we practice it today was developed by a family from Brazil, known as the Gracie Family. The Gracies are the most famous martial arts family in the world, and are credited with revolutionizing our understanding of what works in a fight.
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Your child will learn fundamental Jiu Jitsu skills such as how to control a person on the ground, how to escape when you’re being pinned, and how to make someone let go if they are holding onto you. They will become familiar with how to get to the safest, most dominant positions you can be in a fight.
In addition to real martial arts skills, your child will also learn how to behave appropriately in a group setting — listening, sharing, waiting your turn, and following instructions.
We run a classroom that sets and respects healthy boundaries for kids interacting with other kids, as well as the student-teacher relationship.
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Toddler Jiu Jitsu is for kids ages 3-4 years old. Exceptions may be made for toddlers who are 2.5, as long as they are able to follow instructions and participate independently in class.
Once your child reaches age 5, they will be able to “graduate” to our Kids Program (ages 5-12).
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No, your child does not need to be potty-trained. They may participate in class while wearing a diaper.
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No, Toddler Jiu Jitsu is not a “Parent-and-me” class. It is an independent class where students participate on their own, without parent involvement.
We recognize that some kids may need additional support before they feel ready to participate on their own. Parents may sit on the mats together with your child for up to 3 sessions to help them acclimate to class.
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Parents always tell us how much fun they have watching their kids in Toddler Jiu Jitsu class. You are welcome to stay and observe in our comfortable waiting area.
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It’s natural for kids to feel nervous or shy, especially when entering a new environment for the first time. We purposefully provide free-play time before and after class, to facilitate a positive experience for your child.
Doors open 15 minutes prior to the start of class. We recommend that you bring your child in as early as possible, so they have time to ease into free-play and start getting to know the instructors before class begins.
If they’re not ready to participate the first time, that’s okay. Sometimes it takes a couple of sessions to warm up. We offer options for a re-trial in case you’d like to give it another try.
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Our classes are designed to fit the attention span of a toddler. We keep the explanations brief and the engagement level high. If your child’s focus wanders at times, that’s okay. We’re here to provide redirection and reminders as needed to support your child.
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Yes. Whether your toddler would like a little extra preparation and support to begin participating in group class, or prefers to learn in a one-on-one setting, private lessons are an excellent way to meet your child’s needs.
To learn more about private lessons for toddlers, complete a contact form here.
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There’s no uniform required for Toddler Jiu Jitsu. Your child can wear comfortable clothing suitable for play. We recommend a shirt on top (t-shirt or long-sleeve is ok; sleeveless is not permitted) and shorts or leggings on bottom (no dresses or skirts).
For safety, it is important that clothing does not have any zippers, pockets, or buttons. Clothing should be clean and odor-free.
All jewelry must be removed and long hair must be tied back securely. Please also make sure that your child’s hands, feet, and face are clean, and that finger- and toenails are trimmed before class.
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Membership to Toddler Jiu Jitsu is $180/month. This gives you access to 4 class sessions per month.
Memberships are month-to-month and there are no long term contracts.
For parents and siblings, ask about our Family Discount.
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The best way to get started is by completing a Toddler Free Trial Appointment Request here. Requests are reviewed daily. Once we receive your request, we will reach out to you by text to confirm your appointment.