About
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids and teens:
Confidence
Self-Esteem
Direction
Fitness
Coordination
Self-Defense
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
As a method for self-defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners seek to avoid exchanging punches and kicks with an opponent. Instead, we use one of our many takedown techniques to bring the match to the ground. Once on the ground, we strategically advance to superior positions until we reach a position where we can choose to hold, submit, or punch.
In the day-to-day classes, we take the punching/kicking element out of the equation and focus mainly on grappling. Through demonstration, students learn a series of techniques each day. After thorough preparation, our students implement the new technique in a controlled and supervised sparring session, where they have the opportunity to practice techniques against a resisting opponent. Because we have removed dangerous punches and kicks from our training, students can spar during each training session, increasing their proficiency in the sport with each class.
Kids of every age enjoy grappling and learning how to use their moves with their peers.
Basic Jiu-Jitsu Positions
Mount Position We teach students how to assume this position, but also how to escape from it if an opponent is on top of them. Getting to this position is always our goal. From here we have the most control over our opponent.
Side Mount This is another position that we try to reach while grappling. Again, we also teach a variety of strategies to escape from this position. We typically find 
ourselves in this position after we pass the guard.
Guard Position This is crucial position in Jiu-Jitsu because the participants are largely neutral here. The Guard is an extensive series of techniques designed for a person who finds themselves on the bottom during a match. This position employs the strength of the lower and upper body to achieve a superior position or submission. Using the guard, a small person can learn to defeat a larger person using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique.
Takedowns We practice extensive rolling and falling in Jiu-Jitsu in order to learn how to fall safely during takedowns. We borrow techniques from both Judo and American wrestling to find the best possible methods for taking the match to the ground.
What to expect on the first day
Many children (and some teens too!) may feel very reserved, nervous, and shy on their first day, as is the case with many new activities. There will be many new movements and positions that are completely foreign to them. It is completely 
natural to feel timid, but after a few minutes of instruction, participants are encouraged by the supportive environment and tend to relax.
Our goal at the beginning of class is to make the warm-ups fast-paced and fun. We encourage every child join in, with or without the uniform, to get a feel for the class. Some children prefer to watch at first, which they are welcome to do.
We do not require sparring or competition in the class, but most kids look forward to trying their new techniques. We end each class with fun, cooperative games, which are always a hit with the kids.