Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Catonsville, Maryland, at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy. Jiu-Jitsu is grappling — no punching, no kicking — which is why it is the martial art we recommend first for most children. Kids learn to stay calm, control a bigger opponent and get up safely, in a room where beginners are the norm. We have taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to children in Catonsville since 1995, longer than any other school we know of in Maryland, and more than 150 kids train with us today. Every new student starts with a free week trial.

Who teaches it

Darnel Harrison leads our children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo classes and has for many years. He is a first-degree black belt under Professor Denilson Pimenta, a GFTeam black belt and world champion, and he teaches children from age three. Parents who have watched him with a nervous first-timer know why he has been trusted with the kids program for so long.

The program was founded by the owner of the school, Gary Berger, who has taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to children here since 1995 and still oversees it. Our kids are part of GFTeam Maryland, so the Jiu-Jitsu they learn is the same authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught in our adult program.

What your child actually learns

• How to fall and get up safely. The first thing every child learns, and the one they use most.
• Positions and escapes. How to get out from under someone bigger without hitting.
• Control, not harm. Holding and pinning so a bully can’t continue, without hurting them.
• Takedowns and throws, taught slowly and on soft mats.
• Rules, respect and self-control. We are strict about how these skills are used. Our students are taught never to start anything and never to show off.
• Stripes and belts. Progress is marked with stripes and belt promotions, so effort turns into something your child can see.

How we teach kids

Classes are structured and disciplined without being harsh. We do not yell at children to make a point. The youngest groups work on listening, taking turns and body control through games; technique comes as they are ready for it. Older groups drill technique with a partner and then practise it live under an instructor’s eye. Shy kids do well here. So do kids with a lot of energy.

Is it safe?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has no strikes, so there is nothing to the head. Children are matched by age and size, every live round is supervised, and a child can stop at any time by tapping. Instructors are on the mat, not watching from the side.

Competition — only if they want it

Our junior competition team travels to tournaments along the East Coast and has won many individual and team titles over the years. Competing is optional. Plenty of our kids never compete and get just as much from training — and for the ones who want it, we make it happen.

Is my child ready?

We start children at three. We take complete beginners in every class, and no prior experience, flexibility or athleticism is required. If you are not sure your child is old enough, call us and describe them — we would rather put your child in the right class than the nearest one.

What to bring to the first class

• Comfortable clothes they can move in — no uniform needed to try.
• A water bottle.
• Arrive about ten minutes early so an instructor can meet your child first.
• Parents are welcome to stay and watch. Most do for the first few weeks.

Questions parents ask

What age can my child start?
Three. Our youngest group is built for three-year-olds, and the lessons are about listening and movement long before technique.

Is there any hitting?
No. Jiu-Jitsu is grappling only. Kids who want to learn striking can add Kids Muay Thai later.

Does my child need to be athletic?
No. Beginners join every class, and the instructors scale the work to the child in front of them.

What is the difference between Kids Jiu-Jitsu and Kids Judo?
Both are grappling arts, and both are taught here by Mr. Darnel. Judo focuses more on throws from standing; Jiu-Jitsu focuses more on what happens on the ground. Many of our kids do both.

Do you teach children to fight?
We teach them how not to get hurt, how to control a situation without hurting anyone, and when to walk away. Those are the rules in our room.

How do I know which class my child belongs in?
By age: 3-year-olds, 4–6, 7–10 and 11–14. The class schedule shows the days and times for each group, and if you are unsure, call 410-465-7799 and we will place your child.

Other programs for kids

Jiu-Jitsu is one of several programs for children here. See also Kids Muay Thai, Kids Judo, Kids Kung Fu and Kids Karate, or the full kids program list. We also run a summer camp and birthday parties. Parents who want to train too can start with adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. More questions? The FAQ covers most of them.

Still comparing schools? Read our parent’s guide to choosing a kids jiu-jitsu class: starting age, safety, schedule and what to look for in any school.