A focused half hour of movement games, grappling basics, and listening skills — built for how 4–7 year olds actually learn.
First class free. $100 a month after that, no contract.
The Little Kids Program is where grappling starts. Kids 4–7 play structured movement games that quietly build the foundations — balance, coordination, body control, and the confidence to try hard things — while learning to listen, take turns, and work with a partner.
It's the same method we use with every age at the gym, dosed for this one: a 5-year-old's version of problem-solving is a balance game with rules. Real skill grows out of play that's designed on purpose. All training is No-Gi.
Every class is taught by Coach Lior from a curriculum designed and overseen by Head Coach Royce Miller — a black belt under Margot Ciccarelli with a degree in early childhood education. Expectations are clear, progressions fit the age, and nobody gets forced onto the mat. If your kid only watches the first time, their next class is free too.
A focused half hour, twice a week. Short enough to hold attention from the first minute to the last, structured enough that every class builds real coordination and confidence — not just burned energy.
It runs at the same time as the 8–12 class, so siblings train together — one drop-off, one pick-up, one $100 membership for every age. No experience needed, and every kid's first class is free.
Age groups are a starting point, not a wall. A capable 7-year-old can move up to the 8–12 class with coach approval — size, maturity, and experience all factor in. The same goes for the Kids Athlete Track: entry is by coach approval, not age, so a mature, focused 7-year-old can earn a spot.
The GymDesk app for parents — gym updates, class check-ins, and upcoming tournaments. Our own app, with the curriculum and more in one place, is on the way.
At 4–7, attention is the whole game. Thirty focused minutes beats a distracted hour — kids leave while it's still fun, come back wanting more, and every minute on the mat actually counts.
Our adult curriculum scaled for kids — games and live problem-solving in a structured, positive room, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:45 PM with Coach Nora, with belts through the IBJJF system. It overlaps with this class, so siblings are one drop-off.
Kids 8–12 Program
Bring them to a class and see the difference structure makes. $100 a month if they love it — one plan for every kid 4–12.
Downtown Ann Arbor · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Ages 4–7 · Serving Washtenaw County