Discipline and Follow-Through
Structured classes teach students to listen, follow directions, and keep working when a movement does not go right the first time.
Ages 4 to 13
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Vaughan
Give your child real confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills that stay with them. Our program has separate groups for ages 4–6 and 7–13, so students learn in a structured setting with children close to their own age and size.
Your child's first week on the mat is free.
Does This Sound Familiar?
Your child is a good kid, but focus can be a struggle. Maybe they are shy around other children, need a physical outlet, or have tried activities that never quite held their interest.
You are not alone. Families often come to jiu-jitsu looking for an activity that offers more than exercise. They want a place where their child can learn to listen, handle frustration, and become more comfortable in their own skin.
United Grappling Club gives children a clear structure, positive role models, and challenges they can work through one step at a time.
Growth That Extends Beyond the Mat
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Works for Kids
Most sports teach children to compete. Jiu-jitsu also teaches them to problem-solve, adapt, and stay composed when something is difficult.
Focus and Problem-Solving
Jiu-jitsu asks kids to think, adapt, and stay calm instead of relying only on speed, size, or strength.
Calm, Earned Confidence
Every technique, stripe, and belt gives children a meaningful goal and confidence built through their own effort.
Respect and Teamwork
Partner training reinforces sportsmanship, clear boundaries, and respect for coaches, teammates, and themselves.
Fitness That Feels Like Fun
Games, movement drills, and grappling build strength, balance, agility, coordination, and healthy activity habits.
Control Without Aggression
Students learn how to manage pressure, protect themselves, and make safe choices without punching or kicking.
These qualities are not taught through a lecture. They are built into every warmup, every drill, every partnership, and every opportunity to reset and try again.
Self-Defense Without Punching or Kicking
Learn to Control a Situation, Not Escalate It
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based martial art. In the kids program, students learn how to stay balanced, escape difficult positions, control a partner, and return safely to their feet.
Children practise what to do when someone grabs them and how to remain calm under pressure. Just as importantly, they learn that these skills belong in supervised training and that walking away is often the best choice.
A child who can manage pressure without immediately striking has more options, more awareness, and greater confidence.
What Kids Learn
Students begin with the movements that make Brazilian jiu-jitsu work: balance, posture, bridging, shrimping, breakfalls, and technical stand-ups.
They learn the main positions of jiu-jitsu, including guard, mount, side control, and back control. From there, they practise takedowns, escapes, sweeps, guard passing, and positional control.
Techniques are adjusted to each child's age and experience. Beginners focus on movement, safety, and basic positions. Older and more experienced students add controlled resistance, age-appropriate submissions, and supervised live grappling.
The goal is not only to memorize techniques. Children learn to stay calm, solve problems, and keep working when the first attempt does not succeed.
How Each Class Works
A consistent class structure helps children know what to expect and build real skills through repetition.
- 1
Movement Warmup
Students develop balance and coordination through age-appropriate movements, games, and mobility drills.
- 2
Technique of the Day
The coach breaks one lesson into simple steps that children can understand, repeat, and remember.
- 3
Partner Practice
Students drill with a suitable partner while the coaching team provides corrections and keeps training safe.
- 4
Positional Training
Older or more experienced students may add controlled resistance and supervised live grappling suited to the group.
- 5
A Respectful Finish
Students learn to tap early, release immediately, reset calmly, and treat every teammate with respect.
Two Age Groups
The Right Class for Your Child's Stage
The kids program is split into two groups so students can learn at an appropriate pace with children close to their own age.
Ages 4–6
Little Kids
A beginner-friendly introduction built around movement, coordination, balance, games, and structured grappling drills for shorter attention spans.
- Learn to line up, listen, and follow along
- Develop balance and body awareness
- Practise safe introductory grappling
- Build confidence in a supportive group
$99/ month for the first 4 months
Attend all currently scheduled classes for the age group.
This age group is currently accepting waitlist requests.
Ages 7–13
Bigger Kids
A complete technical foundation covering the major positions, escapes, sweeps, guard passing, control, and age-appropriate live grappling.
- Build skill in guard, mount, and side control
- Learn escapes, sweeps, and takedowns
- Progress through the kids belt system
- Prepare for teen and adult jiu-jitsu
$99/ month for the first 4 months
Attend all currently scheduled classes for the age group.
The introductory offer has no cancellation penalty. We ask for 30 days' notice if you need to cancel.
Our Academy
A Structured Program With Experienced Leadership
United Grappling Club is led by head instructor Domenic Passero, a third-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Robson Moura.
The academy is the Canadian representative of Robson Moura Nations United. The kids curriculum connects to the same structured program used by RMNU affiliates around the world.
Brent and Val are the dedicated kids program coaches. They lead the youth classes directly, help children understand each lesson, and make sure partners train safely and respectfully.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schedule
Current weekly classes for the Little Kids and Bigger Kids programs at United Grappling Club.
Tuesday
Ages 4-6
5pm - 6pm
Ages 7-13
6pm - 7pm
Thursday
Ages 4-6
5pm - 6pm
Ages 7-13
6pm - 7pm
Saturday
Ages 7-13
10am - 11am
Frequently Asked Questions
What parents should know before their child's first class.
Is Brazilian jiu-jitsu safe for kids?
Yes. BJJ is a grappling-based martial art with no punching or kicking in the kids program. Training is structured, supervised, and age-appropriate, and coaches match partners by age, size, and experience whenever possible.
What age can my child start?
The Little Kids group starts at age 4. The Bigger Kids group is for children ages 7 to 13.
Does my child need previous experience?
No. Both groups welcome complete beginners, and techniques are taught in simple steps suited to each child's age and experience.
Does my child need a gi or uniform?
Not for the first week. Comfortable athletic clothes with no zippers or buttons are fine to start. The team can help with gi sizing if your child continues.
Will my child have to spar?
Live grappling is always structured, supervised, and age-appropriate. Children are introduced to resistance gradually and are not pushed into anything they are not ready for.
Do kids have to compete in tournaments?
No. Competition is available for students who want it, but it is never required, and belt progression does not depend on tournament participation.
Will martial arts make my child aggressive?
No. Jiu-jitsu teaches control rather than aggression. Discipline, respect, safe training, and knowing when to walk away are reinforced in every class.
My child is shy. Will they be okay?
Yes. Many students begin that way. Confidence develops gradually as children become comfortable with the coaches, the class structure, and their training partners.
Start Your Child's Free Week
No gi or uniform is needed for the first week. Bring comfortable athletic clothes, a water bottle, and your child. We will take it from there.
647-892-3062