Gracie Barra Agoura: BJJ for Kids’ Development | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

 

At Gracie Barra Agoura, the youth program—known officially as the “Future Champions Program”—is a cornerstone of the academy. Under the structured guidance of Professor Romulo Barral and Professor Jaeson Bianchi, the academy uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a vehicle for holistic child development, focusing far more on character building than fighting.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of how the program is structured to develop kids physically, mentally, and socially.

 

1. The Curriculum Structure (Age-Appropriate Learning)

The program is not a “one size fits all” class. It is segmented by age and maturity to ensure the instruction is relevant.

 

 Little Champions I (3–6 Years Old):

     Focus: Coordination, following instructions, and socialization.

     The Class: It looks like “play” but is structured learning. Kids learn how to fall safely, how to respect boundaries, and basic movements like the “bear crawl” or “crab walk.”

 Little Champions II (7–9 Years Old):

     Focus: Discipline, focus, and fundamental techniques.

     The Class: Introduction to the core self-defense curriculum. They learn how to escape a headlock, how to maintain a dominant position, and the importance of teamwork.

 Juniors & Teens (10–14 Years Old):

     Focus: Confidence, fitness, and real-world self-defense.

     The Class: More physically demanding. Teens learn to manage aggression, handle peer pressure, and execute complex techniques against resisting partners.

 

2. Character Development Pillars

Gracie Barra Agoura explicitly teaches values alongside techniques.

 Respect & Hierarchy: Every class begins and ends with a bow. Students must address instructors as “Professor” or “Coach.” They learn to respect those with higher belts and help those with lower belts.

 Discipline: The “Red Shield” uniform policy (clean Gi, tied belt) teaches kids to take pride in their appearance and preparation.

 Anti-Bullying (Bullyproof): This is a critical component. Kids are taught “Verbal Jiu-Jitsu”—how to de-escalate a confrontation with words and posture. If physical defense is necessary, they learn non-violent control holds (pinning a bully) rather than striking, ensuring they don’t become the aggressor.

 

3. Physical Benefits

In an age of screens and sedentary lifestyles, the program offers essential physical conditioning.

 Motor Skills: BJJ requires complex body movements that build proprioception (body awareness) and balance.

 Healthy Habits: The intense physical activity burns energy positively, often leading to better sleep and focus at school.

 

4. Safety and Environment

 The “Safety First” Rule: Parents are often worried about injury. GB Agoura prioritizes safety. Submission holds (like armbars) are taught with strict supervision, and “tapping out” (surrendering) is taught as a safety tool, not a sign of weakness.

 Positive Reinforcement: Instructors use positive reinforcement to build self-esteem. Earning a stripe on their belt is a major event that teaches kids the value of long-term commitment and goal setting.

 

 Summary

The Gracie Barra Agoura Kids Program is designed to build “Future Champions” not just in tournaments, but in life. It produces children who are physically capable, respectful to their elders, confident in their ability to protect themselves, and disciplined enough to pursue their goals.

 

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: BJJ for Kids’ Development | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681