Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent martial art for children ages 6-14 for many reasons:

• BJJ is based on leverage and technique rather than strength or athleticism, making it accessible to children of all body types and natural abilities.
• It provides a full-body workout that improves coordination, flexibility, and cardiovascular health in growing bodies.
• BJJ teaches practical self-defense skills that build confidence without encouraging violent confrontation.
• The problem-solving nature of BJJ engages children mentally as well as physically.
• Our curriculum is specifically designed for school-age children, with age-appropriate techniques and teaching methods.

Our instructors are experienced in working with children and create a positive, encouraging environment where every child can thrive regardless of their starting point.

Children who train BJJ consistently develop numerous physical, mental, and social benefits:

Physical Benefits:

• Improved coordination, balance, and body awareness
• Increased strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance
• Healthy weight management and improved overall fitness
• Better posture and movement patterns

Mental Benefits:

• Enhanced focus, concentration, and listening skills
• Improved problem-solving abilities
• Greater resilience and perseverance
• Stress reduction and emotional regulation
• Boosted confidence and self-esteem

Character Development:

• Discipline and respect for self and others
• Responsibility and commitment
• Sportsmanship and humility
• Goal-setting and achievement mindset

Social Benefits:

• Making friends with shared interests
• Learning to work cooperatively with partners
• Developing communication skills
• Building a sense of community and belonging

Our 6-14 program is specifically designed for school-age children with more developed attention spans, physical abilities, and learning capacity compared to our younger programs:

• Increased Technical Focus: We teach a broader range of authentic BJJ techniques with greater detail and precision.
• Structured Skill Development: Children follow a progressive curriculum with clear benchmarks for advancement.
• Longer Training Sessions: Classes are longer to allow for more comprehensive training and skill development.
• More Partner Work: Children spend more time working with training partners, developing their ability to apply techniques with appropriate control.
• Higher Expectations: We expect greater discipline, focus, and responsibility from children in this age group.
• Competition Preparation: For interested students, we offer preparation for age-appropriate competitions.

While still maintaining a fun, engaging atmosphere, our 6-14 program places greater emphasis on developing real BJJ skills and the mental attributes that will serve children well both on and off the mats.

Safety is our top priority at New Wave Jiu Jitsu. We've implemented numerous measures to ensure children can train safely:

• Professional Supervision: All classes are taught by certified instructors with specific training in teaching children.
• Age-Appropriate Techniques: We modify techniques to be suitable for developing bodies and exclude moves that pose unnecessary risk.
• Proper Grouping: Children are paired by size, age, and experience level during partner work.
• Progressive Training: Skills are taught in a progressive manner, building fundamentals before advancing to more complex movements.
• Emphasis on Control: Children learn the importance of control and respecting training partners.
• Clean Facilities: Our mats and training areas are cleaned and disinfected regularly to maintain proper hygiene.
• Clear Rules: Safety rules are clearly communicated and consistently enforced.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is generally considered one of the safer martial arts because it doesn't involve striking, and training can be done at full effort with minimal risk of injury when proper guidelines are followed.

Children can begin BJJ training successfully at any point within the 6-14 age range:

For younger children (6-8): Starting earlier provides more time to build fundamental skills and develop body awareness during formative years. These children often develop exceptional technical precision over time.

For middle-age children (9-11): This is often considered an ideal age to start, as children have developed good listening skills and physical coordination but are still very receptive to learning new movement patterns.

For older children (12-14): Teens and pre-teens can progress extremely quickly due to their more developed physical abilities and cognitive understanding. Many champions started at this age or even later.

Our experienced instructors are skilled at integrating new students of all ages into appropriate training groups and adapting instruction to their developmental level.

Remember that BJJ is a lifelong journey, and there's no "perfect" age to start. Each age has its unique advantages, and our program is designed to meet children where they are in their development.

We take a comprehensive approach to injury prevention in our children's classes:

• Proper Warm-ups: All classes begin with age-appropriate warm-up exercises to prepare bodies for training.
• Technique Before Power: We emphasize proper technique over strength or force, teaching children that BJJ is about leverage and skill.
• Gradual Progression: Skills are introduced progressively, ensuring children master fundamentals before attempting more advanced movements.
• Careful Partner Selection: Instructors pair children thoughtfully based on size, skill level, and temperament.
• Close Supervision: Our instructor-to-student ratio ensures all training is closely monitored.
• Mat Awareness: Children learn spatial awareness and how to share the training space safely with others.
• Tap Early, Tap Often: We create a culture where tapping (signaling submission) is respected as a learning tool, not seen as defeat.
• No Ego Training: We discourage competitive attitudes that might lead to unsafe training practices.

Our injury prevention approach has resulted in an excellent safety record, with most children training for years without experiencing anything more serious than the occasional minor mat burn or muscle soreness.

We recognize the significant physical and developmental differences that exist among children between 6 and 14 years old. Our approach includes:

• Age/Size Sub-grouping: Within our program, we often create smaller sub-groups based on age, size, and physical development for partner work and specific drills.
• Individualized Expectations: Instructors adjust expectations for each child based on their specific abilities and development level.
• Scaled Exercises: Physical conditioning is scaled appropriately, with modifications available for children who need them.
• Multiple Learning Paths: We offer different ways to learn and practice techniques to accommodate various learning styles and physical capabilities.
• Progressive Challenge: As children demonstrate mastery of basic skills, they are gradually introduced to more challenging variations appropriate for their development.
• Positive Reinforcement: We celebrate individual progress rather than comparing children to one another.

This approach ensures that every child is appropriately challenged while experiencing success and progress at their own pace, regardless of their starting point or natural physical attributes.

Yes, there are many age-appropriate BJJ competitions available for children who are interested. Here's our approach to competition:

• Optional Participation: Competition is entirely optional—many of our students train solely for fun, fitness, and self-defense.
• Age and Weight Divisions: Competitions are carefully structured with appropriate age and weight divisions to ensure fair matches.
• Preparation Classes: Children interested in competing receive additional preparation to ensure they're physically and mentally ready.
• Coach Support: Our instructors attend competitions to coach, support, and ensure a positive experience.
• Emphasis on Learning: We frame competition as a learning experience rather than focusing solely on winning or losing.
• Appropriate Timing: We recommend when a child is ready for their first competition based on their individual progress and temperament.

Competition can provide valuable life lessons about preparation, performing under pressure, sportsmanship, and resilience. However, we believe these benefits can also be gained through regular training, and we never pressure children to compete.

We're proud of all our students, whether they choose to compete or not, and we celebrate effort and improvement above medals and trophies.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training provides numerous benefits that transfer directly to academic success:

• Improved Focus and Attention: The concentration required during BJJ training helps children develop longer attention spans and better focus during classroom activities.
• Discipline and Routine: Regular training instills discipline and helps children establish productive routines that carry over to homework and study habits.
• Growth Mindset: BJJ teaches children that improvement comes through effort and perseverance—the same mindset needed for academic challenges.
• Stress Management: Physical activity and the mindfulness aspects of martial arts training help reduce stress and anxiety that can interfere with learning.
• Confidence Building: As children master new skills on the mat, they develop confidence that transfers to the classroom, making them more willing to participate and take on challenges.
• Executive Function: BJJ involves planning, problem-solving, and adapting strategies—all key executive function skills that support academic performance.
• Energy Regulation: Regular physical activity helps children better regulate their energy levels, reducing restlessness in the classroom.

Many parents report significant improvements in their children's academic performance after beginning BJJ training. The structure, discipline, and confidence gained on the mats often translate directly to better focus, participation, and achievement in school.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers unique benefits for children with different temperaments:

For shy or reserved children:

• Builds confidence through progressive skill development
• Provides structured social interaction in a supportive environment
• Creates opportunities for appropriate assertiveness
• Develops self-efficacy through overcoming challenges
• Offers individual achievement within a team atmosphere

For energetic or highly active children:

• Provides a positive outlet for physical energy
• Teaches focus and controlled movement
• Develops self-regulation and impulse control
• Offers structure and clear boundaries
• Channels enthusiasm into productive learning

We've seen remarkable transformations in children at both ends of the temperament spectrum. Shy children often blossom with new confidence, while energetic children develop better focus and self-control. Our instructors are trained to recognize and work with different personality types, adapting their teaching approach to help each child thrive.

Preparing for BJJ class is simple. Here's what your child will need:

Essential Items:

• BJJ gi (uniform) – we can help you select the right size when you start
• Water bottle with their name on it
• Flip flops or slides (for walking to and from the mats)
• Hair ties for long hair

Optional Items:

• Mouthguard (recommended for older children)
• Small towel
• Change of clothes for after class

For the First Few Classes:

• Athletic clothing (t-shirt and shorts/sweatpants) until you purchase a gi
• Nothing with zippers, buttons, or hard objects
• No jewelry or watches

For hygiene and safety, we ask that all students:

• Keep nails trimmed short
• Remove all jewelry before class
• Arrive with clean feet and a freshly washed gi
• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated

Parents play a crucial role in their child's BJJ development. Here are ways you can support their journey:

• Consistent Attendance: Help establish BJJ as a regular part of your child's routine by maintaining consistent attendance.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate effort, improvement, and good sportsmanship rather than focusing solely on victories or promotions.
• Patience: Understand that progress in BJJ is not always linear—there will be plateaus and breakthroughs.
• Home Support: Create space at home for safe practice of movements and stretching.
• Proper Rest and Nutrition: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep and nutrition to support their training.
• Communication: Keep an open dialogue with instructors about your child's progress and any concerns.
• Respect the Process: Trust the instructors' curriculum and promotion timeline.
• Appropriate Expectations: Set realistic expectations based on your child's age, experience level, and individual abilities.
• Model Good Attitude: Demonstrate good sportsmanship and a positive attitude toward learning and challenges.

Remember that BJJ is ultimately your child's journey. Your supportive presence and encouragement are invaluable, but allowing them to develop their own relationship with the art will foster intrinsic motivation and a lifelong love for learning.