Welcome to
Toddler Jiu Jitsu

What to expect

Toddler Jiu Jitsu is a fun-filled class that’s specially designed to meet the needs of kids ages 3-4 years old. Your child will learn martial arts skills through Jiu Jitsu “games” that capture their attention through story, exploration, and play.

Read on for a guide to getting ready for your first day.

Getting Ready at Home

Before leaving home, make sure that your child is wearing clothing that is appropriate for class. Though they will not need a uniform, it is important that your child wears clothes that are suitable for practicing Jiu Jitsu.

We recommend a t-shirt on top (long sleeve or short sleeve is ok, but no sleeveless shirts or tank tops). On bottom they can wear long leggings or pants.

For safety, please make sure that clothing does not have zippers, pockets, or buttons.

During the lesson, your child will be barefoot on the mats with no socks.

Long hair must be tied back securely. Please remove any jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Please also make sure finger- and toenails are trimmed short, and that your child’s hands, feet, and face are clean before you arrive.

Arriving at Renzo Gracie Pasadena

We are located at 464 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91101.

Doors open 15 minutes prior to the start of class. Please make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early on your first day.

There is metered street parking around the school. For more information about additional parking options, see our parking guide here.

Pre-class play time

We intentionally provide “free-play” time before and after every class. This gives new students the opportunity to acclimate to the space, start getting to know the instructors, and ease the transition into class time.

Free-play begins 15 minutes before the start of class.

Especially for kids who are feeling shy or nervous about trying something new, we recommend coming in as early as possible for free-play.

Parents are allowed to be on the mats during free-play time.

Once free-play time is over, all the students help clean up before class begins.

Your Child’s First Class

It is important that your child is self-motivated to participate. If your child is interested but just wants additional support, you may sit together on the mats with them during their first class.

If your child does not want to get onto the mats, that’s ok. It is normal for kids to feel nervous or unsure about trying something new. They may sit with you in the waiting area and watch class. If they become interested in participating, they may join in mid-class.

During class, please refrain from coaxing, cheering on, giving instructions, or otherwise calling out to your child from the sidelines.

Our teaching method encourages kids to problem-solve independently. We ask parents to give your kids the space to struggle, explore, and find their way towards their own solutions.

Enrolling your child

Toddler Jiu Jitsu is a small-group class with a cap on enrollment. Space is very limited. Please be ready to make a decision regarding your child’s enrollment by the end of the trial class.

After class, the manager will speak with you to answer any questions and help you with the enrollment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • No, your child does not need to be potty-trained. They may participate in class while wearing a diaper.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 siblings, ask about our Family Discount.