Kids’ BJJ: Gracie Barra Agoura Hills

 

Gracie Barra Agoura Hills offers a dedicated youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program called the “Future Champions Program.” This program is highly structured and focuses on developing character, discipline, and non-violent self-defense, rather than just athletic skill.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the Kids’ BJJ program at the Agoura Hills academy.

 

 🌟 The “Future Champions” Program Philosophy

 

The core mission of the Gracie Barra kids’ curriculum is to use BJJ as a tool for holistic personal growth. The philosophy is best summed up as “Confidence Through Competence.”

 

 Ultimate Goal: To build resilient, respectful, and confident individuals, not just fighters.

 Core Values: Every class reinforces essential life skills that extend off the mat:

     Discipline and Respect: Reinforced through structured class routines, bowing, and learning to respect instructors and peers.

     Perseverance: The difficulty of BJJ teaches the value of consistent effort and delayed gratification (the belt system).

     Focus: Students must pay attention and follow multi-step instructions during technical drilling, which translates to improved concentration in school.

 

 🤝 Anti-Bullying and Self-Defense Focus

 

A critical component of the curriculum is the anti-bullying strategy, which is rooted in a non-violent approach to conflict resolution.

 

1. The Three Pillars of Defense

The program prioritizes the mental and verbal aspects of self-defense before resorting to physical techniques:

 

 Awareness and Prevention: Teaching children to recognize dangerous situations and avoid them.

 Assertiveness: Building confident posture, making eye contact, and using a firm voice to set verbal boundaries.

 Control Technique (Last Resort): Providing physical skills for defense only if prevention and de-escalation fail.

 

2. Non-Violent Physical Defense

The BJJ techniques taught are purely defensive and non-striking.

 

 Leverage over Strength: Children learn how to use an attacker’s size and momentum against them, emphasizing control, neutralization, and escape rather than punching or kicking.

 Bully-Proofing: The goal is to safely control a larger aggressor until an adult intervenes, ensuring the child can defend themselves without causing injury to the other child or risking suspension. The confidence gained is the most powerful deterrent.

 

 📈 Structured Curriculum and Age Groups

 

The program is broken down into specific age-appropriate groups to ensure safe, effective, and developmentally sound instruction.

 

 Age Group  Program Name  Primary Focus  Key Activities & Skills

 

 Ages 4–6  Little Champions  Introduction to BJJ through play; basic body control.  Fun, interactive games, basic movement drills (like shrimping and falling), listening skills, following directions. 

 Ages 7–9  Juniors  Refining foundational BJJ skills and building responsibility.  More detailed techniques, introduction to light, controlled sparring (rolling), teamwork, and problem-solving. 

 Ages 10–15  Teens  Advanced technique, strategy, and emotional regulation.  Complex techniques, positional drilling, live sparring, managing frustration, preparation for adult training. 

 

 👨‍🏫 World-Class Instruction

 

The quality of instruction is ensured through the academy’s leadership and dedicated staff.

 

 Leadership: The entire academy is overseen by Professor Romulo Barral, a BJJ Hall of Famer and world champion, ensuring the curriculum adheres to the highest standards of technical excellence.

 Dedicated Youth Coach: The kids’ program is often led by instructors like Professor Jaeson Bianchi, who has extensive experience mentoring young students and is known for connecting well with children.

 Safe Environment: The facility is modern, meticulously cleaned, and maintains a supportive, “family-like” culture where safety is the top priority during all drills and live training.

 

Would you like to find out the schedule for the age group that applies to your child?

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

 

Contact

(818) 357-4074

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Kids’ BJJ: Gracie Barra Agoura Hills