At Grindhouse, we believe that grappling is a powerful activity that benefits youth both physically and mentally. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to develop the skills and dispositions that create a foundation for success on and off the mat. Our behavior management system teaches youth of all ages to regulate their own behavior using developmentally appropriate strategies.

Youth Classes for Ages 3.5+

We pride ourselves on offering an unparralled youth program grounded in two decades of experience. Our Youth Program Lead, Professora Denise, has been a Jiu Jitsu mom since 2005, created and coached numerous camps and special events for youth of all ages, and competed alongside her son for many years. She is a professional educator by day, serving 20 years in mathematics education and currently works at CSU Pueblo in the Center for Teaching & Learning.

Designed to go beyond technique, our innovative program focuses on empowering youth to become skilled martial artists while developing life skills. Our mat is a learning environment with age appropriate expectations and behavior management strategies.

Classes

Classes designed for specific age ranges ensure that kids have training partners closer their age and physical size in classes. Their willingness to try different movements is boosted by seeing the successes and challenges other kids in their age range experience. 

Ages 3.5-6ish

Younger students develop core movements movements in fun activities that feel like play. They learn how to follow class rules and how to show respect to themselves, their teammates, and their coaches. They also practice using their words to resolve conflict, being class helpers, sharing, and taking turns. 

Curriculum Focus

• Practice core movements of Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo
• Develop coordination, agility, and spatial awareness
• Learn direction words and body part words
  

Life Skills

- Communication and conflict resolution
- Teamwork 
- Being a helper and taking personal responsibility

Ages 6ish -12

Older kids practice a wide range of level Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Wrestling techniques. They participate in coordination drills and interactive games to build a strong understanding of core concepts and principles. They also develop and practice strategies to resolve verbal and physical confrontations.

Curriculum Focus

• Practice beginner to advanced techniques as they show readiness
• Learn the vocabulary of Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo
• Develop higher levels of coordination, agility, and spatial awareness
  
• Discuss and develop anti-bullying and self defense strategies

Life Skills

• Communication, conflict resolution and setting boundaries
• Self-discipline, confidence, showing and earning respect, and growth mindset
• Leadership and problem-solving

Uniform Purchasing Guide      Hygiene & Etiquette Guide 

Youth who are interested are able to compete in local, regional, and national tournaments. Students learn competition rules and strategy in simulated matches to round out their knowledge of the sport and we will never pressure students to compete. Our coaches frame the competition experience as something that is fun, a way to make new friends, and to get better at grappling. Our students learn to frame the competition experience around growth mindset principles - focus on learning and value mistakes as part of the learning process.