Youth NoGi Grappling
We believe that behaviors labeled as “challenging” are your child’s superpowers!
Check out our SCHEDULE to find the best day and time for your child to try a class!
Our youth classes are for kids aged 4 and older. We blend Nogi Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Nogi Judo into a modern grappling system. This system builds strong submission skills and helps kids improve in other sports. Grindhouse kids gain coordination, timing, balance, agility, spatial awareness, and strength. They also learn to be coachable, practice self-discipline, and manage their emotions.
Our youth program is inclusive and supportive.
We help kids learn how to manage their behavior and emotions using positive discipline methods.
Grindhouse Youth Program
“From the minute we walked in the door my son felt welcomed and comfortable. We now have 2 kids training, plus myself. My kids are gaining confidence and strength all while having fun.” - Chad Cline
Our Head Youth Coach is the most experienced and knowledgeable youth coach in the area. Coach Denise is a Jiu Jitsu mom who trained alongside her son for over 10 years and they were both active competitors. She has also worked in K12 and university education as a math teacher and teacher trainer. A first degree black belt in both American and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with nearly 20 years of training, her credentials are unmatched in the areas of understanding how kids learn and the support they need for success in both recreational and competitive sport grappling.
The Grindhouse Youth Program is designed to ensure that each child feels like a valued member of the team. Kids receive the right balance of nurturing and nudges outside their comfort zone, providing a safe place to take risks and face challenges.
Our youth program provides numerous benefits to kids of all ages that are needed to be successful in life:
Self-confidence and emotional regulation
Conflict resolution and self defense
Persistence and dedication
Problem solving skills
Teamwork and communication
Growth mindset
“We were very new to jujitsu, and coach Henry has been incredible and welcoming. We are so happy with the academy and our son loves coming.”
- Terrence Birch
Younger students develop core movement movements in fun activities that feel like play. This age group builds the foundations of grappling movement and competition practice is included for kids who are interested.
Younger kids also learn how to follow class rules and how to show respect to themselves, their teammates, and their coaches. They get lots of 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 and spatial awareness
Setting boundaries, getting along, listening, and being a class helper
Older students work through a developmentally appropriate grappling curriculum that mirrors adult classes.
Grappling games and live drills are used to develop skills in fun ways for older kids. Their curriculum includes practice in all positions and submissions that are legal in kids’ tournaments. Every class gives kids opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline.
Curriculum Focus:
Practice beginner through more advanced Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo
Prepare for the mental and physical competition
Build strength and physical literacy
Practice verbal conflict resolution and self-defense
Youth Grappling Classes
Grappling Competitions
Some kids do not have an interest in competition and we don’t require that kids compete. For those who are interested, there are local, regional, and national competitions offered year-round.
Our coaches are competitors who understand the mental and physical aspects of competition preparation. We prepare kids for the performance environment in ways that both challenge them physically and help them learn to manage their stress levels and emotions.
We also support parents who are new to grappling competition. We provide resources for you to connect with your child’s competition experience before, during, and after events.
Uniform Requirements
To maintain a hygienic training environment, please ensure that your child changes into a clean uniform before attending classes.
Belt
Kids: Purchase a white belt of any length with a black bar on it. Keep it in the gym for stripe promotions. Grindhouse provides color belts for all belt promotions at no charge.
Belt rank can be indicated by your rash guard (Google search for “ranked rash guard'') and some tournaments require that your rash guard display your rank.
Top - Females and Males
A shirt that covers your shoulders, armpits, and torso all the way to the waistband of your shorts or spats.
Grappling rash guards made of elastic material are recommended because they are made to fit tight, have some stretch, and can be tucked in. Baggy shirts, shirts that are too short to tuck in, and tank tops are not permitted. Long and short-sleeved tops are acceptable.
Bottom - Females and Males
No pockets or have the pockets stitched completely shut.
No buttons, zippers, or any kind of plastic or metal. Shorts made for grappling can be worn over the top of spats.
Gi pants
Bottom - Females
Squat-proof leggings (aka grappling spats).
Shorts that do not expose your glutes.
Bottom - Males
Mid-thigh length shorts or longer.
Protective Gear
Mouthguards are required for students with braces on their teeth.
Soft headgear with no hard plastic is allowed.
Cups are prohibited.
Purchasing Uniforms
We suggest that you start with reasonably priced Nogi gear then buy more as desired. Sanabul and Elite sell good quality, ranked uniforms and you can find daily deals on all sorts of training gear at BJJHQ.com.
We sell Grindhouse Nogi gear for kids and adults. Please ask us about special orders if you don't see your size in the Grindhouse online store.
Come Train at Grindhouse Grappling Academy Today!
What is NoGi Grappling?
Nogi grappling is a dynamic martial art that combines Nogi Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Nogi Judo. It offers a distinct experience that sets it apart from training in the Kimono. It is highly applicable to self-defense since most people aren’t walking around in Kimonos with nowadays.
Uniforms are far less restricted, more economically priced, and easier to manage. Kids can wear something as simple as a Tshirt and athletic shorts with no pockets to class.
Is Grappling safe for kids?
Yes! Our coaches provide a physically and emotionally safe environment that encourages kids to take risks outside of their comfort zone. Classes are designed by a professional educator to ensure a balance of skill and social-emotional developmnet.
What are the benefits of Grappling for children?
Grappling is an incredibly way for kids to develop physical fitness, coordination, and strength. It is a “donor sport” that builds agility, timing, and spacial awareness for kids who play more than one sport.
We believe that that lessons learned in class should support success off the mat. The youth program is thoughtfully designed to support self-discipline, respect for one’s self and others, problem-solving, and to boosts self-confidence. Through grappling, kids learn that success is built on perseverance and a growth mindset.
How often should kids train Grappling?
For beginners, training 2-3 times a week for at least 3 months will develop foundational skills. We encourage kids in our youth program to play more than one sport to create a healthy balance in life while boosting physical literacy.
What should my child wear to Grappling classes?
Please review the uniform information on the youth grappling program page.
Do kids need to compete in grappling tournaments?
We encourage kids to participate in competition whey they feel ready. We do not require any student to enter tournaments.
Can grappling help with bullying?
Absolutely! Kids practice conflict resolution and self-defense skills in every class. As their grappling skills grow, they become empowered to handle bullying situations.