A Parent’s Guide to Kids Jiu-Jitsu in Catonsville

If you are a parent in Catonsville, Ellicott City, Arbutus or nearby trying to pick a kids jiu-jitsu class, this page answers the questions parents ask us most, in plain terms. It also covers what to look for in any school, so you can compare fairly. We run the Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy, and every child starts with a free week trial.

Questions parents ask

What age can my child start jiu-jitsu?

We take children from age 3. Classes are split by age so a three-year-old is never on the mat with a ten-year-old. The youngest groups learn listening, taking turns and body control through games. Technique becomes more detailed as children get older. The current age groups and times are on our class schedule.

Is jiu-jitsu safe for kids?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art: children learn to hold, pin and escape rather than strike. That is why we recommend it as a first martial art for most kids. The first skill every child learns is how to fall and get up safely. Classes are on soft mats and takedowns are taught slowly.

Will it make my child aggressive?

Jiu-jitsu teaches children that they can control a situation without hurting anyone, and we are strict about how the skills are used. Our students are taught never to start anything and never to show off. Classes are structured and disciplined without being harsh. We do not yell at children to make a point.

How often are classes?

Most age groups have classes on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings, so families can fit in two or three a week. The youngest group meets on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. See the class schedule for exact days and times. We are closed on Sundays.

How will I know my child is making progress?

Progress is marked with stripes and belt promotions, so effort turns into something your child can see.

Who teaches the kids classes?

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. The program was founded by the school’s owner, Gary Berger, a third-degree black belt under Professor Pimenta, who has taught jiu-jitsu to children here since 1995 and still oversees the program. More than 150 kids train with us today.

What does it cost?

The first week is free. We talk about tuition in person, after your child has tried classes, because we think it is only fair to price something your family has actually experienced. There is no contract to try us.

What to look for in any kids jiu-jitsu school

Whether you choose us or another school, these are the things we would check:

• A real black belt in charge. Ask who the head instructor is, what rank they hold, and who promoted them. Legitimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors can name their lineage.
• Classes split by age. Small children and older kids need different classes, not the same class shouted louder.
• A beginner-friendly start. Look for a trial that lets your child try more than once, so you see how they settle in after the nerves of the first day.
• How rough play is handled. Watch a class. Instructors should be close by, pair children sensibly, and stop anything that gets out of hand.
• Visible progress. A clear stripe and belt system keeps children motivated.
• How long the school has been around. Staying power usually means families are happy. We have been teaching in Catonsville since the 1990s.
• Honest reviews. Read recent Google reviews from other parents. We have more than 300.