The “Future Champions” Curriculum at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu

 

The “Future Champions” Curriculum at Gracie Barra Agoura Hills is the academic backbone of the youth martial arts program. It is not merely a collection of fighting moves; it is a globally standardized, pedagogical framework designed to take a child from their very first day on the mat all the way to adulthood, developing them physically, mentally, and socially.

 

Located at 5883 Kanan Rd, the academy strictly adheres to the Gracie Barra Method, ensuring that every class is organized, safe, and aligned with specific developmental milestones.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the Future Champions Curriculum.

 

1. The Core Philosophy: “Champions in Life”

 

The curriculum is built on the belief that what a child learns on the mats—resilience, respect, and discipline—must translate to their life off the mats.

 

 Holistic Approach: The curriculum balances Self-Defense (street safety), Sport Jiu-Jitsu (competition rules), and Character Development (values).

 Standardization: Unlike many martial arts schools where instructors teach whatever they feel like that day, GBAH follows a rotating weekly syllabus. This ensures no gaps in learning; every child learns the same core techniques regardless of which day they attend.

 

2. The Three Developmental Tiers

 

The curriculum is divided into three distinct programs based on age and maturity. This segmentation allows instructors to tailor their teaching style to the cognitive and physical abilities of the students.

 

1. Little Champions I (Typically Ages 3–6)

 Curriculum Goal: “Learning to Learn.”

 The Focus: At this stage, BJJ techniques are disguised as play. The curriculum focuses on gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and following instructions.

 Key Movements:

     Animal Drills: Bear crawls, crab walks, and kangaroo hops to build strength and mobility.

     Safety: The primary technical goal is mastering the Breakfall—learning how to fall backward without hitting their head.

     Social Skills: Learning to line up, bow, and listen to the instructor.

 

1. Little Champions II & Juniors (Typically Ages 7–9)

 Curriculum Goal: “Foundational Technique & Cooperation.”

 The Focus: The curriculum shifts from play to disciplined practice. Students begin to learn the mechanics of leverage and control.

 Key Techniques:

     Self-Defense: Escaping wrist grabs, headlocks, and bear hugs.

     Ground Control: Maintaining the “Mount” and “Guard” positions.

     Submission Introduction: Learning basic submissions (like the armbar) with a heavy emphasis on control and safety (the “Tap”).

     Cooperation: Learning to be a good partner—offering the right amount of resistance so their peer can learn.

 

1. Teens Program (Typically Ages 10–15)

 Curriculum Goal: “Functional Application & Athleticism.”

 The Focus: This is the bridge to the adult program. The curriculum increases in complexity and intensity.

 Key Elements:

     Complex Sequences: Chaining moves together (e.g., Takedown $\rightarrow$ Guard Pass $\rightarrow$ Mount $\rightarrow$ Submission).

     Live Rolling: Full sparring sessions where students test their techniques against fully resisting partners.

     Strategy: Learning not just how to do a move, but when to do it based on the opponent’s reaction.

 

3. The Class Structure (The Routine)

 

Every Future Champions class at Gracie Barra Agoura Hills follows the same 60-minute structure. This consistency reduces anxiety for children, as they always know what comes next.

 

1. Attendance & Bow-In: Students swipe their attendance cards (teaching responsibility) and line up by rank. They bow to the Grandmaster and the Instructor (teaching respect).
2. Warm-Up: 10–15 minutes of BJJ-specific calisthenics (shrimping, bridging, running).
3. Technique Instruction: The Professor demonstrates the technique of the week (e.g., “Hip Throw” or “Guard Escape”).
4. Drilling: Students pair up to practice the technique. Instructors circulate to correct details.
5. Specific Training | Games:

     Younger Kids: Play “Jiu-Jitsu Games” (e.g., “Crazy Horse”).

     Older Kids: Engage in “Positional Sparring” (starting from a specific hold and trying to escape or submit).

6. Mat Chat: The instructor sits the class down to discuss a specific value (e.g., “Why is it important to listen to your parents?”).
7. Bow-Out: A formal dismissal where students shake hands with instructors.

 

4. The Belt & Stripe System (Progression)

 

The Future Champions curriculum uses a visual ranking system to teach goal setting and perseverance.

 

 The Attendance Card: Students must attend a specific number of classes to be eligible for promotion. This teaches that showing up is half the battle.

 Stripes: Every month (or set period based on attendance/behavior), students can earn a stripe on their belt. This provides short-term gratification and motivation.

 Belts: Moving from a White Belt to a Grey, Yellow, Orange, or Green Belt takes years. This teaches long-term commitment. The Grey Belt is often the first major milestone, signifying a transition from a beginner to a student with foundational knowledge.

 

5. The “Red Shield” Values

 

Embedded in the curriculum are the non-physical lessons that define Gracie Barra.

 

 Brotherhood (Irmandade): The curriculum teaches that your training partner is your friend, not your enemy. You cannot learn BJJ alone.

 Integrity: Students are expected to follow the rules even when the instructor isn’t looking.

 Discipline: From keeping their Gi clean to standing still during instruction, the curriculum enforces high standards of personal conduct.

 

By following the Future Champions Curriculum, Gracie Barra Agoura Hills ensures that every child receives a complete martial arts education that is safe, structured, and geared toward their specific developmental stage.

 

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

The “Future Champions” Curriculum at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu