Your Child’s First Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class: what to expect
Welcome to the Journey!
If you're reading this, congratulations! You're taking the first steps toward positively impacting your child’s life through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whether you already know about the sport’s benefits—self-defence, discipline, respect, teamwork—or you just stumbled upon it while researching martial arts, there are a few things to know before your child steps on the mats. This guide will help you prepare and set the right expectations for your child's first session.
Getting Ready for the First Class
Your gym should provide you with details on what to bring—be sure to check and follow their instructions! A key reminder: children train barefoot on the mats in BJJ. To keep everything hygienic, make sure they have easy slide-on shoes to wear in all other areas of the gym. Another important step: trim your child’s fingernails and toenails to prevent accidental scratches during training.
What Makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Different?
BJJ is a hands-on, full-contact martial art. Unlike karate, taekwondo, or Matt Fiddes (whatever that even is), Jiu Jitsu involves constant physical engagement. Kids will be in close proximity to their training partners, gripping, holding, and learning to control each other’s movements. This level of contact can be overwhelming at first—some kids love it immediately, while others need time to adjust. Both reactions are completely normal!
Parents, Here’s What to Expect
BJJ is different from many other sports because it doesn’t allow kids to blend into the background. Unlike soccer, where a child can hang back and stay out of the action, Jiu Jitsu puts them right in the middle of it. As a parent, it can be tough to watch at first, triggering that instinct to step in and protect them. However, learning to manage discomfort and problem-solve under pressure is a huge part of their development in the sport. That being said, if a gym environment seems unsafe or poorly structured, it may not be the right place for your child.
Tears Happen – And That’s Okay!
At some point, your child might feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even shed a few tears—and that’s completely normal. As a coach and educator, I’ve seen it time and time again. The key is to reassure them that it’s okay to feel emotional but encourage them to stay on the mats and keep going. If they need a hug from mum or dad, great—give them that support! But the most important thing? Help them build resilience by encouraging them to get back out there. And as a parent, celebrate that effort every single time.
Every Journey Is Unique – Avoid Comparisons
It’s tempting to look at the experienced grey-and-black-belt kid pulling off advanced moves and wonder, "Why isn’t my child doing that?" But remember, that child has likely been training for years, attending multiple sessions a week. Rome wasn’t built in a day and progress in Jiu Jitsu takes time. The best thing you can do is focus on your child’s personal growth rather than comparing them to others. Success comes with consistency, patience, and encouragement.
Support from the Sidelines – The Right Way
One of the best ways to support your child is by letting the coaches do their job. It can be tempting to call out instructions or cheer them on loudly, but too much sideline coaching can actually be distracting and create bad habits. Instead, trust their coaches, allow them to focus, and save your encouragement for after class.
Building a Strong Coach-Student Relationship
A great gym isn’t just about the techniques being taught—it’s also about the people. A quality coach will take the time to make your child (and you) feel welcome. They should check in with you, not just as part of a sales pitch, but because they genuinely care about your child's experience. If you don’t feel that connection, don’t feel pressured to sign up. The right environment makes all the difference.
Ready for the First Class?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an incredible journey that will help your child develop confidence, resilience, and valuable life skills. The first class is just the beginning—stay positive, support their progress, and enjoy watching them grow!