Gracie Barra Agoura Brazilian BJJ Self Defense

 

Gracie Barra Agoura is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy and does not offer dedicated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) classes for children. MMA is a full-contact sport that requires training in four distinct pillars (Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and BJJ), including striking. Gracie Barra schools specialize only in the grappling pillar (BJJ) and do not teach striking.

 

However, Gracie Barra Agoura’s BJJ kids program is highly structured and focuses on the most critical component of self-defense: ground control and non-violence.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the BJJ program’s value for children and where to find dedicated MMA or striking options nearby.

 

1. Gracie Barra Agoura: The “Future Champions” Program (BJJ)

 

Gracie Barra Agoura, located at 5883 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, runs the global “Future Champions Program” for children and teens (ages 4–15).

 

 Focus: Anti-Bullying and Non-Violent Control

 Self-Defense Core: The BJJ curriculum is built on the principle of leverage over strength. Children are taught how to safely control a larger aggressor without punching or kicking. Techniques focus on non-violent neutralization and creating space to escape.

 The Psychological Edge: The program emphasizes building unshakable confidence and assertiveness. A confident child with strong posture and clear verbal boundaries is statistically less likely to be targeted by bullies.

 Life Skills: Classes enforce Discipline, Respect, Focus, and Emotional Regulation, skills that are vital for success in school and beyond.

 

 Age Divisions:

 Little Champions (Ages 4-6): Focus on basic motor skills, listening, and BJJ movements through fun, interactive games.

 Juniors (Ages 7-9): Introduction to positional technique, responsibility, and light, controlled sparring.

 Teens (Ages 10-15): Advanced BJJ technique, self-confidence building, and strategic application.

 

2. Dedicated Kids MMA and Hybrid Options Nearby

 

If your goal is specifically a program that combines both striking and grappling (a true MMA foundation), you will need to look at hybrid academies in the surrounding area:

 

 Akxe Academy (Agoura Hills): This local academy offers MMA and Muay Thai classes in addition to BJJ, providing a broader range of martial arts options in one location.

 805-MMA (Thousand Oaks): This gym offers classes in Boxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts, with children’s classes starting at age 5, focusing on a wide variety of skills.

 The Israeli Martial Arts Academy (Westlake Village): This academy teaches effective Israeli Hand-to-Hand combat techniques (Krav Maga, Judo, Jiu Jitsu), focusing on reality-based self-defense that includes striking elements.

 

 Summary: Key Distinction for Parents

 

 Feature  Gracie Barra Agoura (BJJ)  Typical Kids MMA Gym (Hybrid) 

 

 Martial Arts  Pure Grappling/BJJ (Non-Striking)  Striking (Kicks/Punches) + Grappling (BJJ) 

 Equipment  Mats and Gi (Uniform)  Heavy Bags, Pads, Mats 

 Self-Defense Goal  Control and Escape (Minimal Injury)  Aggressive Defense and Striking Counter-Attack 

 

The BJJ program at Gracie Barra offers world-class training in the ground component of MMA, which is the most dominant skill set in a real fight, but you would need a striking gym to complete the MMA curriculum.

 

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

Gracie Barra Agoura Brazilian BJJ Self Defense