Movement, focus, and a little bit of grit.

Confidence, focus, respect, fun — built through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a structured, safe, and genuinely welcoming environment. We're not making little fighters. We're helping kids grow into more confident, coordinated, capable humans.

FOR

Kids - Ages 5-12

CLASS LENGTH

45 min - 1 hr

PER WEEK

The only SafeSport-certified BJJ academy in Philadelphia.

SafeSport is the national standard for safe, age-appropriate youth coaching. We're officially recognized for meeting it — which means our coaches are trained, screened, and held to the same youth-safety standards as Olympic athletes. No other Philly BJJ academy has this.

WHAT WE'RE ACTUALLY BUILDING

Skills that show up outside class.

Body awareness

How to balance, move, fall safely, and react with purpose. The motor skills BJJ teaches transfer to every other sport — and to everyday life.

Focus & attention

Learning to stay present, follow multi-step instructions, and finish what they started — even when it's hard or they'd rather quit.

Grit

Failing, adapting, trying again. Jiu Jitsu is one of the safest places for kids to lose, recover, and keep going — a skill that pays off forever.

Real friendships

Training partners are not opponents. Kids build genuine friendships with the same group week after week — confidence comes from belonging, not just skill.

FOR PARENTS

The same questions you're probably asking.

We get the same questions from new parents every week. Here are honest, complete answers — no marketing-speak.

Is Jiu Jitsu safe for kids?

Yes — when taught properly. BJJ has one of the lowest injury rates of any youth sport because there's no striking. Coaches guide every interaction, and sparring is age-appropriate, supervised, and only introduced when kids are ready.

Will my kid learn to fight?

They'll learn how to not fight — and how to defend themselves if they ever need to. BJJ teaches control without aggression. Our coaches actively model and reinforce respect, problem-solving, and de-escalation.

My kid is shy / has ADHD / is on the spectrum. Will they fit in?

Probably yes. The structure of BJJ — clear steps, immediate feedback, consistent group, predictable rituals — works especially well for neurodivergent kids. We have students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory differences who thrive here.

What do they wear?

For the trial week, athletic clothes (shorts, t-shirt) work fine. If they continue, they'll need a kids gi — we sell them in-house for $70 including the white belt. We can fit them on the spot.

Can I watch class?

Of course. We have viewing space, and we encourage parents to come in. We're a fully transparent operation — what you see in class is exactly what happens when you're not there.

How do classes work with school schedules?

Kids' classes are weekday afternoons (4:30–5:30 PM) plus Saturday morning (11 AM). The schedule works for kids in K through middle school, with multiple time slots, so you can pick what fits.

"The Jiu Jitsu company is amazing for kids. My son (5) has level 1 autism and ADHD, and has struggled to find an outlet to exercise. Coach Angie, Josh, and Emil have been incredibly patient and supportive. He is learning how to move his body, perseverance, and how to communicate respectfully. I feel so fortunate to have found this incredible space for him to learn and develop. He looks forward to every single class."

Parent of two kids in our program

Kids classes this week.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY

1 hr

4:30 PM

FRIDAY

1 hr

4:30 PM

SATURDAY

45 min

11:00 AM

Easy access from across Philly. We're at 31 S 2nd Street in Old City — easy drive or transit from Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Center City, Queen Village, and Bella Vista. Street parking and the 2nd Street El stop are both right outside.

FIRST WEEK IS FREE

Bring them in. See if it clicks.

One week of classes to see if it's a fit — for them and for you. No payment up front, no commitment. We'll show you exactly what we do and let your kid decide.

AGES 5-12 • 31 S 2ND ST • OLD CITY