yOUTH Jiu Jitsu
Age 7+
Building confident, resilient kids through BJJ
As parents, we all want our kids to be tough, confident, and resilient in the face of life’s challenges. Our Youth Program gives kids a safe place to develop a positive sense of self while having fun. With our innovative games-based teaching method, there’s no boring drills or memorizing steps — kids learn real fighting skills through exploration and play.
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In our class, your child will be playing fun Jiu Jitsu “games” from start to finish. Each game encourages problem-solving against resistance 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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Building tolerance to failure is crucial for children to develop resilience, self-confidence, and a growth mindset. Because our lessons are taught through “games,” your child will experience both winning and losing many times throughout each class. Our students are taught to develop a healthy relationship with both outcomes — remaining humble when we win, and maintaining a positive attitude when we lose.
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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 Youth 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 Youth Program is uniquely designed for kids ages 7 and older. We understand exactly how to promote positive socialization, healthy boundaries, and growth for your child.
class schedule
YOUTH BJJ
SUN
12:00-12:45 PM
YOUTH BJJ
WED
5:00-5:45 PM
BEGINS AUG ‘26
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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Youth BJJ is for kids ages 7 and older.
Children who are age 5-7 years old are eligible for Kids Jiu Jitsu.
Children who are age 3-4 years old are eligible for Toddler Jiu Jitsu.
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Parents always tell us how much fun they have watching their kids in our Youth BJJ & MMA 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 go.
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Our classes are designed to fit the attention span of kids. 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 child 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 kids, complete a contact form here.
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Students in our Kids Class wear a uniform (called a “gi”), which consists of a jacket, pants, and a belt.
Your child will be able to borrow a gi for their first lesson. You will want to make sure that they are wearing comfortable clothing to have on underneath the uniform.
We recommend a t-shirt on top (short or long sleeve is ok, but not sleeveless), and shorts on bottom (no long pants, 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 Youth Jiu Jitsu is $180/month. This gives you access to 4 class sessions per month.
Twice-a-week memberships are also available.
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 Kids & Youth 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.