Your Complete Guide to Princeton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kids Classes

By Matthew Neiditch

While we all come to BJJ for a variety of reasons, be it for self-defense, exercise, or confidence-building, jiu jitsu can have a marked effect on our holistic self-development long term. As parents, we undoubtedly want to expose and equip our children with tools that will help them successfully navigate the peaks and valleys of life. At Princeton BJJ, we structure our learning around theory and practice, creating the proper environment to help our students embody what they experience. It is here that we teach our children how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. BJJ is far beyond a martial art to us – it is a life tool. 

The guide

While jiu jitsu has entered the mainstream, this guide assumes the reader is a parent/guardian or youth athlete with little or no familiarity with BJJ. Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and sport, and we refer to them interchangeably below. This document will aim to provide you with helpful context about our beautiful practice.

Basic introduction to jiu jitsu

• Jiu jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and submissions. 
• Jiu jitsu is a self-defense martial art and a rapidly growing sport. Your child will learn how to defend themselves as well as how to play the sport.
• Benefits of training jiu jitsu include physical fitness, perseverance, and self-confidence.
• Jiu jitsu is particularly challenging, and, therefore, uniquely rewarding. Let your athlete develop their game at their own pace and, above all, keep it fun. 
• While jiu jitsu is an individual sport, it is highly social, and your athlete is part of a team. It is an excellent opportunity to make new friends! 

Class schedule and structure

• Familiarize yourself with the class schedule. It varies based on your child’s age, size, and skill level. The front desk staff and coaches will help you determine the classes that are right for your athlete.
• A waiver and emergency contact form must be completed before your child’s first class.
• Please arrive a few minutes early for class and sign in. 
• Youth classes typically consist of warm-ups/conditioning, technique instruction, drills, and sparring, which is also known as rolling.
• Regular attendance is key to building a jiu jitsu game.
• Good sportsmanship and respect for our teammates are expected.

What to bring to class

• For gi class – a clean gi, rashguard, and belt. If your child is taking a gi trial class and does not own a gi, they should wear workout attire. Clothing should not have zippers or buttons, which can injure others and damage the mats. Long sleeves and pants offer better skin protection.
• For no gi class – shorts (without pockets) and rashguard.
• A filled metal or plastic water bottle.
• Mouthguards are optional but recommended.

Safety guidelines

• If your athlete has any medical conditions or injuries, please inform the instructors before class.
• The mats are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Athletes are prohibited from training with contagious skin conditions such as ringworm. It must be treated before returning to the mats and not simply covered/concealed. 
• Showering immediately after class (and, if possible, prior to class) are recommended.
• Launder training attire immediately after class. 
• For their safety and that of their teammates, please encourage your child to listen to instructions from their coaches.
• Youth athletes should not practice jiu jitsu without their coaches’ supervision.
• Only bare feet are permitted on the mats, and only shoed feet are permitted off the mats. These rules are designed to keep the mats as clean as possible. 
• No earrings, jewelry, watches, or glasses should be worn during class.
• Fingernails and toenails should be trimmed short to prevent accidental scratches.

Competition

• Participation in jiu jitsu competitions is encouraged but not mandatory. 
• Please consult with the coaches before registering for competitions. The coaches can offer insight into the jiu jitsu leagues that host competitions. We regularly advertise the best-run competitions.

Parental involvement and positive reinforcement

• Parents are welcome to observe classes through the windows or on the monitor in the lobby.  
• Parents of youth athletes in their first few classes are welcome to observe from inside the training room. 
• Remember that jiu jitsu is challenging. Remind your children that their jiu jitsu will get better with time and practice. 
• Encourage your child to be patient with themselves as they develop their game.
• Parents are encouraged to speak with the coaches regularly.

Welcome to our community, we look forward to working with your family!