BJJ for Kids
Is BJJ safe for kids?
Yes - and here’s why:
No striking means there is less risk of impact injuries commonly associated with other martial arts.
You win by ‘submission’. The kids are taught to ‘tap-out’ when they submit, and are encouraged to do this early. A lot of academies will wait for the kids to be experienced positionally before introducing submissions
Technique over strength. BJJ was developed for a smaller opponent to use leverage to gain control over a larger one. As a student of BJJ, your child would learn techniques and problem solving to handle a larger opponent. This is done through controlled games and drills
Academies should have 1 coach for every 10 under 16s, ensuring kids have appropriate supervision during the class.
Compared to other sports including football and gymnastics, the reported injury rate is much lower.
Coaching quality is important; all gyms should have appropriate safeguarding (see this article for more info), but the curriculum and the philosophy of the gym will impact your child’s experience.
However it should be noted that it is a martial art and accidents can happen.
Benefits of BJJ for kids.
Confidence + self esteem: students experience adversity and overcome it in a supportive and fun environment. They will see progress, recognised with stripes and belts.
Self defence: BJJ teaches you to control a larger opponent calmly and without resorting to striking.
Builds resilience physically and mentally: learning how to remain calm in stressful situations when you are being physically dominated (but in a safe environment).
Fitness: games and sparring improves overall fitness.
Respect: Respecting the coaches, the other students, yourself and the mat is a large part of martial art philosophy.
Humility: There is always someone better than you in the room.
What age should kids start BJJ?
You can start as young as 3. The earlier years are essentially guided play to build physical coordination and get them familiar with the movement and positions of the sport. As they get older, classes adapt to suit their cognitive development, focusing increasingly on technique. The right time for your child really depends on their individual maturity.
What can I expect for my child’s age group?
Ages 3-4: The goal here is for familiarity and confidence. There will be movement and cognitive games, mostly as a group.
Ages 5-7: The goal here is fundamental movements and introduction to parter training. They will learn core positions, movements and concepts.
Ages 8-11: Introduction to specific techniques and constraint led games. They may learn some submissions in this age group.
Ages 12-15: Techniques become a larger part of their learning, and specific games are used to help the students develop their problem solving skillset. Appropriate submissions are taught.
At all ages, respect for team mates and the sport are encouraged. Whilst it is an individual sport, we are all working together to help one another get better.