What Age Can Kids Start BJJ in Australia?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that takes even the most competitive athletes years to learn and apply effectively. Unlike other combat sports that focus on defeating your opponent with superior technique, BJJ is all about applying the right strategy at the right time.

If this sounds like problem-solving rather than a sport, that’s because it is! This is one of the biggest reasons why BJJ is such a popular option for kids to start learning martial arts.

So, what’s the right age to start BJJ for kids? And what exactly does BJJ training for kids look like? Let’s dive into some of the answers to these questions to help you decide if Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training is the right choice for your child. 

What is the right age to start BJJ training for kids?

BJJ is rooted in the fundamental concept of strategy, meaning it’s better suited to children who are old enough to have a basic understanding of problem solving. Most reputable BJJ training academies offer kids programs from as young as 6 years of age right up to 14 years of age.

There’s no real “right age” to start BJJ training — it’s more about how ready (and excited) your child is to learn techniques that combine martial arts and strategy thinking.

What will kids learn in BJJ training?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for kids is designed to teach the basics of the martial art in a controlled and supervised environment — including techniques such as grappling, joint locks, and how to escape wrestling holds. Children are also taught how to execute transitions between positions, maintain balance, and use leverage to overcome larger opponents as part of the sport.

Through the practice of these exercises and friendly sparring sessions, BJJ training also helps kids develop a greater sense of body awareness and enhances their physical coordination, flexibility, and agility.

Apart from the physical benefits, kids will also be taught how to think critically and apply problem-solving skills as part of their training. During each session, they will be faced with new problems and situations that must be tackled using the application of the appropriate techniques. This can often also lead to an increase in their level of confidence and ability to make personal judgements based on the situation, which can be applied outside of a martial arts context.

How practical is BJJ training for kids?

BJJ is widely considered to be one of the most practical martial arts to learn at a young age. BJJ training does not demand a high level of physicality to begin with, making it ideal for children who are still developing their strength. 

Another key aspect that highlights its practicality is the use of ‘tapping out’ to indicate that their opponent has won. This allows children to look at every loss as a learning opportunity instead of being disappointed by the outcome, which can be beneficial in similar life situations.

What to look for in a BJJ training program for kids

Focuses on character development

Ideally BJJ training for children should include a curriculum that helps to develop essential life and character values alongside their technical learnings. This makes a huge impact on ensuring that they can approach conflicts at home or school in a healthy way.

Accredited trainers and mentors 

Look for the skill level and certifications of the BJJ class trainers — this will give you an idea of how effective the training will be and how much your kid will benefit from having an experienced mentor.

Supportive atmosphere 

Most of all, the training program should have an inclusive and supportive environment where kids can feel engaged and motivated. As much as you want your child to get the most out of the training, it’s also important that they have fun while doing it. 

At UMF Academy, we are Townsville’s leading martial arts provider — our BJJ for kids program is open to children between the ages of 6 – 14 and is led by Master Fari, who is the number one rated coach in Asia for 2017. We are also the sole provider of the #1 character development system for kids in Townsville, which helps our students gain invaluable life-skills such as respect and confidence during training sessions.