BJJ for Kids: Gracie Barra Agoura

 

Gracie Barra Agoura offers a highly structured and specialized program for children and teens called the “Future Champions Program.” This is a holistic martial arts curriculum that uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a tool to instill core values, build confidence, and teach non-violent self-defense.

 

The program is broken down into specific age groups to ensure the training is developmentally appropriate and safe.

 

 🥋 Program Philosophy: Confidence Through Competence

 

The ultimate goal of the “Future Champions Program” is not to create professional fighters, but to build resilient, respectful, and confident individuals. The belief is that true, long-lasting confidence stems from competence—the demonstrable ability to handle oneself.

 

 Core Values Reinforced

Every class is used to teach life skills that carry over into school and home life:

 Discipline and Respect: Students learn proper mat etiquette, following instructions, and respect for instructors and peers.

 Perseverance: The structured belt system teaches children goal-setting and delayed gratification, showing them that mastery is achieved through consistent hard work.

 Focus and Concentration: The technical nature of BJJ drills naturally improves a child’s attention span and focus.

 

 🛡️ The Anti-Bullying Focus

 

A crucial component of the Gracie Barra curriculum is the non-violent anti-bullying strategy.

 

 Non-Striking Defense: Children are taught purely defensive, leverage-based techniques that utilize no punches or kicks. This allows a smaller child to safely control and neutralize a larger aggressor until an adult intervenes, minimizing the risk of escalation or becoming a bully themselves.

 The Three Pillars of Defense (Mindset): The curriculum prioritizes the mental aspect of self-defense:

1. Awareness and Prevention: Teaching children to recognize dangerous situations and avoid them.
2. Assertiveness: Building confident posture, making eye contact, and using a firm voice to set boundaries.
3. Control Technique (Last Resort): Providing the physical skills only if prevention and de-escalation fail.

 

 👶 Structured Curriculum and Age Divisions

 

The program is subdivided to cater to the specific physical and mental needs of each age group:

 

 Program Name  Ages  Primary Focus  Training Style

 

 Little Champions I  4–6  Basic motor skills, listening, and developing coordination.  Fun, interactive games, basic movement drills (like shrimping), and safety protocols. No live rolling. 

 Juniors  7–9  Refining fundamental BJJ movements, teamwork, and responsibility.  Introduction to more detailed techniques and light, controlled sparring (“rolling”) in a safe environment. 

 Teens  10–15  Advanced technical skill, strategic application, and emotional regulation.  Focus on managing pressure, leadership, and technical complexity, preparing them for a smooth transition to the adult program. 

 

 🌟 Instruction and Environment

 

 High-Caliber Instructors: Classes are led by experienced black belts, such as Professor Jaeson Bianchi, who is renowned for his ability to connect with and mentor young students. The staff prioritizes safety and adapts teaching to every child’s pace.

 Safe Facility: The academy maintains a meticulously cleaned, state-of-the-art facility, which is essential for a grappling school.

 Getting Started: Gracie Barra Agoura typically offers a free trial class, allowing children and parents to experience the environment and instruction risk-free.

 

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

BJJ for Kids: Gracie Barra Agoura