Kids program
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Grappling for ages 4 to 13, split into Minis and Juniors.
What it is
Our kids program teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in two age bands so children train with kids their own size and stage. Minis learn to move, listen, and control their bodies. Juniors build real technique and start rolling with control. The whole thing is built to make a nervous first-timer comfortable and a confident kid better.
What “the gi” means
Kids train in the gi — the traditional jiu jitsu uniform of a heavy cotton jacket, drawstring pants, and a colored belt that marks rank. The jacket gives training partners something to grip, which slows the game down and teaches control and patience before speed. It is also how belt progress is tracked as your child develops.
What a class looks like
A class opens with a warm-up the kids can actually do — movement games that double as jiu jitsu fundamentals. A coach then teaches one position or one escape, slowly, and every child drills it with a partner while coaches walk the mat and correct. The last stretch is controlled, supervised rolling against a partner of similar size. Nobody gets thrown into the deep end. Kids line up, bow off, and leave having learned one specific thing they can name.
Is it safe?
Jiu Jitsu is grappling, not striking — there is no punching or kicking in this class. Kids are matched by size and skill, coaches supervise every roll, and sparring is controlled. The point is control, not collisions.
What it builds
Parents come for confidence and discipline and they get both, because both are trained the same way an armbar is: one rep at a time. Kids learn to stay calm under pressure, to solve a problem with their head instead of panic, and to show up even when it is hard.
On the schedule
When we run it
- Monday5:30 PM – 6:30 PMImmortals Juniors (No-Gi)
- Tuesday5:00 PM – 5:30 PMImmortals Minis (Gi) · 4-6 yrs
- Tuesday5:30 PM – 6:30 PMImmortals Juniors (Gi) · 7-13
- Wednesday5:30 PM – 6:30 PMImmortals Juniors (Gi) · 7-13
- Thursday5:30 PM – 6:30 PMImmortals Juniors (No-Gi) · 7-13
- Saturday9:00 AM – 10:00 AMImmortals Minis · 4-6 yrs
- Saturday10:00 AM – 11:00 AMImmortals Juniors · 7-13 yrs
Your coach
Mike Rakshan
2x ADCC Open Champion · IBJJF Pan American Champion · 2x IBJJF Worlds Silver
Full bioCommon questions
Before your first Kids Jiu Jitsu class
Arrive 15 minutes early. Your child can train in a t-shirt and shorts — no gi needed for a first class. A coach pairs them with someone who will look after them, and you are welcome to watch from the side the whole time.
No. The Minis and beginner Juniors classes are built for exactly that child. The first goal is simply that they have a good time and want to come back.
Immortals Minis are ages 4-6 and Immortals Juniors are ages 7-13. [AGE BANDS - CONFIRM: the old schedule lists both 7-13 and 6-15 for Juniors.]
Not for the first class. We run both Gi and No-Gi kids sessions during the week; a coach will tell you what to get once your child decides to keep training.
The first class is free. [KIDS MEMBERSHIP PRICING - TBC]
Try Kids Jiu Jitsu free
Your first class is on us — no experience or gear required. Book online or call (201) 815-7066.
199 Scoles Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012 · (201) 815-7066