Kids Jiu-Jitsu GI (Ages 4-5)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is THE BEST non-violent self defense for children and teens. Children learn takedowns, falling, controls, and at the older ages, “tap-outs.” In the day-to-day classes, we take the punching/kicking element out of the equation and focus mainly on grappling. Through demonstration, students learn a series of techniques each day. After thorough preparation, our students implement the new technique in a controlled and supervised sparring session, where they have the opportunity to practice techniques against a resisting opponent. Because we have removed dangerous punches and kicks from our training, students can spar during each training session, increasing their proficiency in the sport with each class. Kids of every age enjoy grappling and learning how to use their moves with their peers.

The first thing students will learn is the basic positions of Jiu-Jitsu.

• Mount Position:
  Kids learn how to assume this position, but also how to escape from it if an opponent is on top of them. Getting to this position is always our goal.
• Side Mount:
  Kids learn a variety of strategies to reach and escape from this position. We typically find ourselves in this position after we pass the guard.
• Back Position:
  Kids will learn how to get the back and how to escape from it. This is arguably the best position to be in both in self defense and in competition.
• Guard Position:
  Guard employs the strength of the lower and upper body to achieve a superior position or submission. A small person can learn to defeat a larger person with this position.

What to Expect on the First Day

Many children (and some teens too!) may feel very reserved, nervous, and shy on their first day, as is the case with many new activities. There will be many new movements and positions that are completely foreign to them. It is completely natural to feel timid, but after a few minutes of instruction, participants are encouraged by the supportive environment and tend to relax. Our goal at the beginning of class is to make the warm-ups fast-paced and fun. We encourage every child join in, with or without the uniform, to get a feel for the class. Some children prefer to watch at first, which they are welcome to do. We do not require sparring or competition in the class, but most kids look forward to trying their new techniques. We end each class with fun, cooperative games, which are always a hit with the kids.

Stephan Goyne is the Bay Jiu-Jitsu Kids Head Coach.

Stephan has been training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1998. He received his black belt in 2010 from Professor Eduardo Rocha after winning 6 gold medals at brown belt level in various national and international tournaments (2010 IBJJF Houston International: Gold, 2009 California Classic: Gold, 2009 NAGA East Coast: Gold, 2010 Copa Pacifica: Gold, 2009 IBJJF American Nationals: Gold, 2009 American Cup: Gold). He has 15 solid years of adult teaching experience as well as developing radically different models for teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu to children. His personal philosophy regarding martial arts is that it should be accessible and inviting to all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or fitness level. He also coached gymnastics for children and adults at Head over Heels, Santa Cruz Gymnastics and Kid in Motion for nearly 8 years from 1996-2004. In addition, he is a California Certified classroom teacher having taught in Oakland Unified School District for six years and Katherine Burke School for Girls.

Benefits of Our Kids Program

• Fitness
• Self-defense
• Confidence
• Teamwork
• Focus/Attentiveness
• Self-esteem
• Coordination
• Friendships
• Gross Motor Skills
• Community
• Accomplishments