Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu: Safe and Fun Environment for Kids

 

Gracie Barra Agoura Hills has mastered the delicate balance of running a martial arts academy that is rigorous enough to teach real self-defense yet engaging enough to keep children excited to return every week.

 

Located at 5883 Kanan Rd, the academy prioritizes a “Safe and Fun” philosophy. This ensures that while children are learning lethal self-defense skills, the environment remains playful, supportive, and secure.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of how Gracie Barra Agoura Hills creates this environment.

 

1. Safety First: The “Red Shield” Standard

 

Safety is the non-negotiable foundation of the school. The academy operates under the global Gracie Barra “Red Shield” Safety Protocol, which sets the highest standards in the industry.

 

1. Physical Safety (Injury Prevention)

 No Striking Policy: Unlike Karate or Taekwondo, the Kids BJJ program does not involve punching or kicking. By removing strikes from the curriculum, the risk of concussions, black eyes, and bloody noses is virtually eliminated.

 The “Tap” Mechanism: Children are taught on Day 1 that “Tapping” (patting the partner or mat) is the ultimate safety button. If a child feels uncomfortable or trapped, they tap, and the partner must let go immediately. This empowers the child to control their own safety boundaries.

 Strict Supervision: The student-to-instructor ratio is carefully managed. Instructors (like Professor Jaeson Bianchi) are always on the mat, actively monitoring energy levels. If play gets too rough, the whistle blows immediately.

 

1. Hygiene Safety (The Cleanest Mats in Agoura)

 Hospital-Grade Sanitization: The mats are cleaned and sanitized daily with specialized solutions to prevent skin infections (like ringworm), which can be common in lower-quality gyms.

 Uniform Standards: Every child must wear a clean, official Gracie Barra uniform. Instructors perform “Gi checks” to ensure fingernails are trimmed and uniforms are washed, protecting all students from scratches and germs.

 

1. Emotional Safety (Anti-Bullying Zone)

 Zero Tolerance: The academy has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying inside the dojo. The culture is one of Irmandade (Brotherhood | Sisterhood).

 Ego-Free Learning: Children are taught that “losing” in practice is just learning. The environment is designed so that a child never feels humiliated for not knowing a move. Advanced students are assigned to help beginners, not crush them.

 

2. The Fun Factor: Gamified Learning

 

If it isn’t fun, kids won’t stick with it. Gracie Barra Agoura Hills uses “Gamification” to disguise hard work as play, especially for the younger age groups (Little Champions).

 

1. “Jiu-Jitsu Games”

Instead of boring drills, instructors use high-energy games that secretly teach BJJ mechanics:

 “Crazy Horse”: One child acts as the “horse” (on hands and knees) while the other tries to maintain “mount” (riding) without falling off. This teaches balance and control.

 “Bulldog”: A game of tag played on hands and knees that builds upper body strength and crawling speed (essential for groundwork).

 “Toe Tag”: Students try to tap each other’s toes while protecting their own, teaching footwork and agility without full contact.

 

1. High-Energy Classes

 Fast Paced: The classes move quickly—from warm-up to technique to games—so there is no time for boredom or distraction.

 Positive Reinforcement: The instructors radiate energy. High-fives, verbal praise, and public recognition for effort make the atmosphere electric and positive.

 

1. Social Connection

 Friendship: For many kids, the dojo is their “third place” (after home and school). They form deep bonds with training partners because they physically interact and trust one another. The fun comes from seeing their friends every afternoon.

 

3. The Facility: Built for Kids

 

The physical space at 5883 Kanan Rd is designed to be welcoming, not a dungeon-like fight gym.

 

 Open and Bright: The academy is well-lit, clean, and open. It doesn’t feel intimidating.

 Parent Viewing Area: Parents can watch every second of the class comfortably. This transparency ensures parents know exactly how their child is being treated and allows the child to feel safe knowing mom or dad is nearby.

 Soft Mats: The entire training floor is covered in high-density, impact-absorbing mats. Kids can fall, roll, and tumble safely without fear of hurting themselves on a hard floor.

 

4. Instructor Expertise: The “Professors”

 

The “vibe” of the class is set by the leader.

 Certified & Background Checked: All instructors undergo background checks and certification in the Gracie Barra Method. They are trained specifically in child psychology and development, not just fighting.

 Role Models: Instructors like Professor Jaeson are disciplined but approachable. They know how to command a room of 20 energetic kids with a smile, switching instantly from “Teacher Mode” (listen and learn) to “Coach Mode” (let’s play).

 

In summary, Gracie Barra Agoura Hills offers a sanctuary where parents can rest easy knowing their children are physically safe, while the kids have the time of their lives rolling, playing, and learning with their friends.

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

 

Contact

Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu: Safe and Fun Environment for Kids