Kids ages 7-13

Kids Martial Arts — Lions Program

Real techniques. Real confidence. Real bullyproofing. The structure kids that age need with the energy they want.

Kids martial arts in Union, NJ for ages 7–13. Real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — confidence, discipline, and bullyproofing through actual technique. Renzo Gracie lineage. Classes weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Free 2-week trial, no contract. Call (908) 341-1131 or sign up below.

See it in action

Kids on the Mat

A quick look at our kids program in Union, NJ.

What kids get out of it

Three Things That Show Up at Home

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Confidence under pressure

Not affirmations. Real composure when something hard is happening. Kids who roll on the mat learn that uncomfortable is survivable.

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Discipline that travels

Kids who train BJJ sit better in class. Their teachers notice. Showing up and doing the reps becomes a habit they take into homework, sports, life.

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Bullyproofing

Kids who carry themselves with quiet confidence don't get picked. The skill is the deterrent. We also teach exactly how to de-escalate before it gets physical.

Why BJJ specifically

The Best Martial Art for Kids — Here's Why

Most martial arts for kids are striking-based. The kid throws punches and kicks at pads or in the air. Looks impressive. Doesn't teach much.

BJJ is different. The whole game is leverage, position, and physical control. There's no striking. A kid learns to handle a bigger opponent without hitting them — through technique, timing, and calm decision-making.

That's the lesson that follows them out of the gym. Conflict doesn't have to mean violence. Pressure doesn't have to mean panic. They learn it on the mat first, then everywhere else.

What a class looks like

A Lions Class, Start to Finish

Warm-up · 10 min

Coordination drills, animal walks, energy burn. Kids arrive different speeds — this brings everyone to the same focus level.

Technique · 20 min

One or two specific moves taught and drilled with a partner. Kids learn fastest when the curriculum is structured and reps are consistent.

Live application · 15 min

Apply what they learned in controlled positional rounds. Tapping is normal. Nobody gets hurt. Everybody learns.

Game + cooldown · 10 min

A grappling-themed game to lock in the lesson and end on a high note. Fist bumps. Done.

For the parents

What You'll Notice in 90 Days

✓They walk into rooms differently. More posture. More eye contact.
✓They handle frustration without losing it. Tapping out 50 times a week teaches that the world doesn't end when something hard happens.
✓They sleep better. Real physical exertion three times a week does that.
✓They become someone their younger siblings notice. Older Lions kids start helping younger ones — that pattern shows up at home.
✓They actually want to go to class. After a couple weeks, this becomes the thing they're excited about.

Got questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is the Lions program? +

Ages 7 to 13. We have a separate Cubs program for kids 4–6 — the curriculum and energy are different at those younger ages.

My kid is shy / has a lot of energy / is on the spectrum. Will they be okay? +

Yes. We've worked with every kind of kid. Shy kids find their voice. High-energy kids find a healthy outlet. Kids with sensory differences thrive when the structure is consistent and the coaches are patient — both of which we are.

How is BJJ different from karate or Tae Kwon Do? +

BJJ is grappling-based. No striking. The whole game is leverage, position, and submission. It's the most effective martial art for kids because it teaches conflict de-escalation through physical control — not by hitting people.

Will my kid get hurt? +

BJJ has lower injury rates than soccer, basketball, or football. We don't strike. We supervise rolling closely. The injury rate at our gym is genuinely low.

Will this make my kid more aggressive? +

Opposite. Kids who train BJJ become calmer and more confident. Bullies tend to back down because the kid carries themselves differently. We teach when not to use what we're learning, not just how to use it.

What if my kid doesn't like the first class? +

Try a few. The first class is overwhelming for most kids. By class three, they usually find their footing.

Do they need a uniform? +

Not for the trial. After they commit, they'll need a gi — about $60 and lasts a year or two.

How does the schedule work? +

Lions classes run 5pm and 6pm most weekdays, with Saturday morning options. Built around school pickup and homework time.

Two Weeks Free. No Pressure.

Bring your kid in for two weeks. If it's not the right fit, you owe us nothing. If it is — you'll know.

Claim Your Free 2-Week Trial 📞 (908) 341-1131