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Kids Jiu-Jitsu

Alamo Heights parents tell us the same things: 'I want my kid to be more confident,' 'I need them to focus,' 'I want them to be able to stand up for themselves.' That's exactly why our kids' program exists. Children from age 3 through 12 train in age-specific groups — Tiny Champions, Little Champions, and Juniors — where they build discipline, confidence, and respect while having fun and making friends they'll keep for life.

At Gracie Barra Alamo Heights, kids as young as three begin learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through age-appropriate classes designed to meet them exactly where they are. Three distinct programs run in parallel — Tiny Champions (ages 3-4), Little Champions (ages 5-9), and Juniors (ages 10-12) — each with its own curriculum, pace, and expectations. Professor Edgar and Professor Zaza work directly with the younger athletes, bringing over 30 years of combined black belt experience to every kids class.

Tiny Champions focuses on coordination, listening, and basic movement patterns through structured games and introductory techniques. Little Champions builds on that foundation with the Gracie Barra kids curriculum: takedowns, guard positions, escapes, and age-appropriate self-defense. Juniors train with increasing intensity and technical depth, bridging toward adult-level Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on discipline, sparring etiquette, and competition readiness.

Every class follows the same structure: warm-up, technique instruction, drilling with a partner, and a controlled activity to close. This consistency gives children a sense of routine and measurable accomplishment. Progress is tracked through the Gracie Barra belt and stripe system, giving kids clear goals to work toward each week.

AHISD families across Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and the surrounding San Antonio neighborhoods choose Gracie Barra because the results go beyond the mats. Children develop focus, respect, and the kind of genuine confidence that only comes from earning something difficult. Kids classes start at 4:45 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM on Saturdays — call (210) 864-7909 to book a free trial class for your child.

Why Kids Love BJJ

  • Three age-specific programs where children train with peers their own size, maturity, and ability level
  • Anti-bullying skills and practical self-defense they can actually use — not theatrical board-breaking demonstrations
  • Improved focus, discipline, and ability to follow instructions that parents notice at home and in the classroom
  • Physical fitness through functional movement — coordination, balance, agility, and core strength built naturally
  • A measurable belt-and-stripe progression system that teaches goal-setting, patience, and persistence
  • A positive, structured after-school environment led by experienced coaches who know every child by name

Kids Schedule

Monday 2 classes
4:45 PM
Little Champions 1 (Ages 5-6)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
Tuesday 2 classes
4:45 PM
Tiny Champions (Ages 3-4)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
Wednesday 1 class
4:45 PM
Little Champions 1 (Ages 5-6)
Kids BJJ
Thursday 2 classes
4:45 PM
Tiny Champions (Ages 3-4)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
Friday 2 classes
4:45 PM
Tiny Champions & Little Champions 1 (Ages 3-6)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
Saturday 1 class
9:00 AM
Little Champions 1 & Juniors (Ages 5-12)
Kids BJJ
Sunday Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can my child start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights?
Gracie Barra Alamo Heights offers kids classes for children ages 3 through 15. Classes are divided into age-appropriate groups so younger children train with peers their own size, and older kids are challenged at the right level. Professor Zaza and the coaching staff tailor every session to each age group's physical and social development.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu safe for kids?
Safety is the foundation of every kids class at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights. Professor Zaza runs a structured warm-up, teaches controlled technique drills, and supervises all live training. There is no striking in BJJ — the focus is on leverage and positioning, which makes it one of the safest martial arts for children. Our mats, equipment, and instructor-to-student ratios are designed to keep every child protected while they learn.
My child has never done martial arts before — will they be able to keep up?
Absolutely. Most kids who walk through the door at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights are complete beginners. The Gracie Barra curriculum is built so that new students learn fundamentals step by step before progressing. Professor Zaza and the instructors pair beginners with experienced training partners who help them learn. Your child will feel welcome from day one.
How does BJJ help with bullying and confidence?
Jiu-Jitsu teaches children how to stay calm under pressure and resolve conflict without aggression. At Gracie Barra Alamo Heights, students build genuine confidence through measurable progress — earning stripes, advancing belts, and mastering techniques they could not do a month earlier. Parents consistently tell us their children carry that confidence into school, friendships, and everyday situations. If you have questions, call us at (210) 864-7909.
How do I enroll my child and what should they bring to their first class?
You can book a free trial class at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights through our website or by calling (210) 864-7909. For the first class, your child just needs comfortable athletic clothing — shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt. If they continue, we will help you get fitted for a Gracie Barra gi. Professor Zaza encourages every family to come watch a class before signing up so you can see the environment firsthand.

Ready To Get Started?

Your first class is free. No experience needed.