5 Crucial Elements to Prioritize When Teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Kids

Introduction to Coaching BJJ for Young Fighters

Teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to children is one of the most rewarding aspects of martial arts instruction. Kids bring boundless energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to the mats, but they also require a tailored approach to keep them engaged, safe, and growing. Whether you're a seasoned black belt or a new coach at an MMA gym, focusing on these five key elements will transform your kids' classes into exciting sessions that foster technical skills, mental toughness, and a love for the sport. At Apollo MMA, we know the right gear—like kid-sized gis and rash guards—plays a huge role in comfort and safety, so pair these tips with quality equipment for optimal results.

This guide dives deep into each priority, with step-by-step advice, game ideas, and practical applications relevant to BJJ, MMA, wrestling, and even kickboxing cross-training. Let's roll!

1. Prioritize Fun to Spark Lifelong Passion

Nothing hooks kids faster than fun. If classes feel like a chore, they'll tune out. Turn drills into games that mimic BJJ movements while keeping the energy high. The goal? Make them beg for more mat time without realizing they're learning escapes, guards, and takedowns.

Step-by-Step Ways to Gamify BJJ:

• Shark in the Sea Drill: Kids start in turtle position (defensive shell). One 'shark' (coach or peer) swims around trying to 'eat' them by controlling posture. 'Fish' escape using hip movement and bridging—core BJJ fundamentals disguised as play.
• Ninja Tag: Players tag opponents while maintaining base and grip fighting. Tagged kids freeze until rescued with a simple guard pass demo.
• Obstacle Courses: Weave under limbo bars (shrimping), climb 'mountains' (technical stand-ups), and battle 'guardians' (sparring partners).

2. Cultivate Unshakable Confidence

Young grapplers often doubt themselves, especially after a tough roll. Your role? Be their biggest cheerleader. Shower praise on efforts, not just wins, to build resilience for BJJ tournaments or future MMA pursuits.

Building Confidence Brick by Brick:

Real-world example: A shy 7-year-old who masters the backward roll gains the confidence to attempt live rolls. Over time, this translates to poise under pressure in wrestling scrambles or Muay Thai clinches.

3. Drill Proper Technique from Day One

Sloppy form leads to injuries and bad habits. Kids' bodies are developing, so emphasize fundamentals over flashy submissions. Slow, deliberate reps ensure muscle memory sticks.

Core Techniques to Master First:

• Posture and Base: Unbreakable defense against sweeps.
• Hip Escapes (Shrimping): Essential for guard recovery in BJJ and MMA ground game.
• Framing: Use elbows and hands to create space—no stacking allowed!

Add value: Recommend fitted kid gis for better movement. Loose clothing snags; proper gear lets them focus on form.

4. Embed Discipline and Respect

BJJ isn't just physical—it's a character builder. Teach bowing (rei), mat etiquette, and listening on command. This respect extends to opponents, coaches, and the art itself, mirroring dojos in boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling.

Instilling Values Daily:

• Class Rituals: Start/end with group bows and 'Osu!' chants.
• No-Talking Rule: During instruction, silence is golden—use visual cues.
• Cleanup Duty: Mats stay pristine; taping fingers teaches responsibility.

5. Above All, Champion Safety

Safety first, always. Children's joints are vulnerable, so supervise closely and adapt techniques by age.

Safety Checklist:

• Ratios: 1 coach per 8-10 kids max.
• Age-Appropriate Moves: No neck cranks for under-12s; focus on pins and escapes.
• Gear Essentials: Mouthguards, properly sized gis (check Apollo MMA for youth options), and clean mats to prevent slips or infections.
• Injury Protocol: Stop immediately, ice, and parent notify.

Bonus Tips for Apollo MMA Coaches

Elevate your program:

• Gear Integration: Use durable kid gloves for grip training—prevents blisters.


• Parent Involvement: Demo home drills with no-gear alternatives.


• Progress Tracking: Apps or journals for personalized feedback.

Keep the mats rolling!

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