Children Class Information

Welcome to West River Jiu-Jitsu Children’s program!

We are thrilled to share our passion for Jiu-Jitsu with your child. Children benefit from training in Jiu-Jitsu in many ways including; increased confidence, humility, respect, dealing with failure, as well as self defence. Learn more here: Top 10 Reasons BJJ is Good for Children. 

Our children's classes run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Children are divided into 2 age groups, 4 - 8 year olds and 9 - 14 year olds, with coaches discretion based on size and skill level. We also have a youth Jiu-Jitsu program for 13-18 year olds. Classes are 45 minutes long including a warmup, Jiu-Jitsu technique, Jiu-Jitsu based games, and/or live sparring, which we call “rolling”. Safety is taken very seriously and all children will be expected to conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner. If at any time a child is unwilling to participate or cooperate with the coaches and behave respectfully, the child will be asked to sit off the mats until one of the coaches deems them ready to return to the class. We have found this to be an effective strategy where the child learns to take responsibility for themselves and regulate their behaviour in order to not miss out on the fun! 

All children’s classes will be instructed in the Gi (a traditional Jiu-Jitsu kimono or “Gi” pronounced "ghee", with a hard "g"). Gi's can be purchased online in a range of prices and colours. All children will be required to have their own gi and white belt to participate in classes. It is acceptable for your child to wear athletic clothing for a trial class or while awaiting arrival of a gi. Other do's and don’ts for training are posted on our website under the "More" tab.

All children will begin training with a white belt and will earn promotions as they progress through the program. Promotions are based on class attendance, attitude, effort, and ability. Progress is measured by 4 degrees, or stripes on each coloured belt, before progressing to the next colour. Belt colour progression for children goes from white to gray to yellow to orange, then finally green. When a child turns 16, they will be eligible for an adult blue belt. Our students are always very proud to receive a stripe on their belt and they should be! It is a remarkable achievement. The occasion of receiving a new coloured belt is often a very special and memorable event.

Parents are encouraged to stay and observe classes. We ask that parents support and encourage their children from the sidelines, however, we ask that you leave the coaching to the instructors. Please do not come onto the mat at any time during class. Don’t forget a water bottle for your child, and don’t worry, we can help tie their belt. 

See you soon! 

Madeline & Tyler