The Parent's Guide to the First Class

Your child's first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class can feel like a big step — for both of you. This guide covers everything you need to know so the experience goes smoothly.

Before Class

Book Online

Schedule your child's free class through our online booking system. This lets us know you're coming and gives the coach a head count.

Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early

This gives you time to:

• Fill out a waiver
• Meet the coach
• Get a quick tour
• Let your child acclimate to the space
• Ask any questions

What to Bring

• Your child — in comfortable athletic clothes
• Water bottle — for your child
• Flip-flops or slides — for walking to/from the mat
• Any ID the academy requires — for the waiver

What Your Child Should Wear

Comfortable athletic clothes — a t-shirt and shorts. No gi needed. Specific rules:

• No zippers, buttons, or metal
• No jewelry
• Trim finger and toenails
• Tie back long hair
• Cover any cuts or scrapes

During Class

Can I Watch?

Check with the academy about parent viewing arrangements. Most academies have a space for parents to watch. Ask when you arrive.

What Happens

A typical kids class (45 minutes) looks like this:

1. Warm-up — fun movement drills
2. Technique — coach demonstrates a fundamental
3. Drilling — kids practice with partners
4. Games — jiu-jitsu-based games
5. Cool-down — stretch and bow out

What If My Child Is Nervous?

Completely normal. Coaches are experienced with nervous kids. Your child can:

• Watch from the side for the first class
• Participate at their own pace
• Take breaks whenever needed
• Sit with you if they want

There's no pressure to participate. Many kids watch the first class and join the second. That's fine.

What If My Child Doesn't Like It?

Some kids try it and decide it's not for them. That's completely okay. The class is free — you haven't lost anything. Better to find out now than after signing up.

After Class

The Coach Will Check In

After class, the coach will talk to you and your child. This is a good time to ask questions about:

• How your child did
• Class schedules
• Membership options
• Any concerns you have

Talk to Your Child

Ask them what they thought. Some questions that help:

• "What was the most fun part?"
• "What did you learn?"
• "Would you want to do it again?"

No Pressure to Sign Up

Your child's first class is free. If they want to continue, great. If not, that's fine. We won't pressure you.

How to Help Your Child Succeed

• Be positive but don't push. "That looked fun!" beats "You need to do this."
• Don't compare to other kids. Every child progresses differently.
• Be consistent. If you sign up, bring them regularly. Consistency matters more than intensity.
• Trust the coaches. They're experienced with kids of all personalities.
• Ask questions. Coaches want to help.

Common Questions

What if my child is the smallest in class?

Kids classes are grouped by age (5-8 and 9-12), so your child trains with similar-sized kids. Jiu-jitsu also works because of technique, not size — smaller kids often thrive.

Will my child get hurt?

Kids BJJ classes focus on fundamentals and controlled drilling, not hard sparring. Like any physical activity, there's some risk of minor injuries (bumps, bruises, tweaked joints). Talk to the coach if you have specific safety concerns.

How many days a week should my child train?

Most kids do well with 2-3 classes per week. At RBJJ, kids can train up to 5 days a week (Monday through Friday evening classes). Choose the schedule that works best for your family.

Does my child need to compete?

No. Competition is completely optional. Some kids love it; others have no interest. Both are fine.

What's the cost?

Kids membership at RBJJ is $140/month for up to 5 days per week. The first class is free. Ask about contract terms when you visit.

Book Your Child's Free Class

The easiest way to find out if jiu-jitsu is right for your child is to bring them in. The first class is free, there's no pressure, and you can watch the whole thing.