5–8
Little Grapplers
Coordination, listening, and the first real self-defense positions — taught through games that hide how much work they're doing.
See Class Times →
Ages 5–13
ConfidenceThey Can't Fake
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Union, NJ for ages 5 to 13. Real self-defense, real discipline, and a room where trying hard is the normal thing to do.
Why Parents Choose BJJ
Not A Trophy.
Not A Trophy.
A Different Kid.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the rare activity where a child cannot fake progress. They either did the work or they didn't — and they can feel the difference every week.
That honesty is the whole point. A kid who learns to stay calm while someone is trying to control them learns something that follows them into the classroom, the bus, and the rest of their life.
Our classes are split by age so nobody is training against a size mismatch. Coaches watch every drill. And because Jiu Jitsu is grappling — no punching, no kicking — kids learn to control a situation instead of escalating it.
Two Age Groups
The Right Room For The Right Age
Kids train with others at the same size and stage — which is what keeps class safe and keeps every child progressing at the right pace.
9–13
Youth Jiu Jitsu
Full technique curriculum, live training, and the option to compete. This is where kids stop doing an activity and start building a skill.
See Class Times →
What They Take Home
Four Things Every Parent Notices
Usually in this order, usually within the first three months.
-
01
They Stand Differently
Confidence shows up in posture before it shows up in words. Parents mention this one first.
-
02
They Finish Things
Jiu Jitsu rewards the kid who keeps working after it stops being fun. That habit transfers.
-
03
They Handle Losing
Everyone gets caught in this sport. Learning to reset instead of melt down is half the curriculum.
-
04
They Can Protect Themselves
Control without violence. It's why grappling is the system taught to the smaller person in the room.
Competition Team
Compete If They Want To. Never Because They Have To.
Some kids catch the competition bug and want to test themselves at NAGA and local tournaments. We prepare them properly — and we're proud of the medals that come back to Union. Plenty of kids never compete at all and get every bit as much out of the program. Both paths are completely fine here.
Read Our NAGA 2023 Results →- NAGA 2023Medals brought back to Union by our kids team.
- Local CircuitTournaments across New Jersey, close to home.
- Always OptionalCompeting is a choice, never a requirement to train.
- Prepared ProperlyRules, weight classes and match nerves covered before they step on.
Parent Questions
Everything You're
Everything You're
About To Ask
And if it isn't here, call the academy at (908) 578-2522.
Is my child too young to start?
Our youngest group starts at age 5. Classes are split into 5–8 and 9–13 so your child trains with kids at a similar size and stage, which is what makes the class both safe and useful.
Does my child need experience?
No. Every kid in the room started with zero experience. The first class teaches movement and safety — nothing your child needs to prepare for.
What should they wear to the first class?
A t-shirt and athletic shorts or sweatpants with no zippers or pockets. We'll talk about a gi once they've decided they like it. Bare feet on the mat, shoes off at the edge.
Is Jiu Jitsu safe for kids?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is grappling, not striking — there's no punching or kicking in class. Kids learn control, and every drill is supervised and matched by size.
Will this help with bullying?
It's one of the main reasons parents bring their kids in. Children learn how to control a situation without escalating it, and the confidence that comes from knowing they can usually means they never have to.
How often should my child train?
Two classes a week is the sweet spot for most kids. Kids 9–13 can train Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; kids 5–8 train Tuesday and Thursday.
Your First Class Starts Here
Ready To Step Onto The Mats?
Train in a welcoming academy built to help beginners and experienced students develop real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, confidence, and discipline.
- Beginner Friendly
- Kids and Adult Programs
- Professional Instruction
- Union, New Jersey