Kids Programme
Empower your child to navigate life's challenges with confidence through Grand Union Jiu Jitsu Brighton.
At Grand Union, we provide much more than self-defence. Our Kids Programme helps children develop the confidence and practical skills to deal with challenging situations, including bullying, while teaching them that avoiding conflict should always be the first choice. Through Jiu Jitsu, positive role models and a supportive environment, we develop essential life skills including respect, discipline, resilience and teamwork, helping children become stronger and more confident both on and off the mats.
AGES 4–6
Learning through movement, games and Jiu Jitsu
For our youngest students, the most important thing is creating a positive first experience of Jiu Jitsu.
Classes combine simple Jiu Jitsu movements with games, partner exercises and fun challenges designed to develop balance, coordination, listening skills, confidence and teamwork.
Children gradually become comfortable training with coaches and other students while learning important concepts such as personal space, body control and how to respond appropriately when someone is being physical with them.
At this age, we want children to learn, but we also want them to smile, make friends and look forward to coming back to class.
AGES 7–9
Building strong foundations
As children develop, we begin introducing a more structured understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Students learn the fundamental positions of Jiu Jitsu together with control, escapes, defence, takedowns and age-appropriate submission techniques.
They also begin learning how techniques connect together and how to make decisions while training with a partner.
Alongside their technical development, we continue reinforcing the values that are central to Grand Union: respect, discipline, confidence, teamwork and resilience.
The objective is to build a strong foundation that children can continue developing for years to come.
AGES 10–13
Developing skill, confidence and independence
At this stage, students begin developing a deeper understanding of Jiu Jitsu.
We focus on improving positional knowledge, technical accuracy, movement and the ability to connect techniques together into their own developing game.
Students are encouraged to think, problem-solve and make decisions under pressure rather than simply memorising techniques.
Training also becomes an important environment for developing responsibility, resilience and self-discipline. Students learn to challenge themselves, support their teammates and become increasingly accountable for their own progress.
Whether their goal is recreational training, greater confidence, self-defence or competition, we aim to give every student a strong foundation for their continued development.
TEENS 14–17
Preparing for the next stage
Our Teens Programme bridges the gap between children's Jiu Jitsu and adult training.
Teenagers develop more advanced technical and tactical skills while learning to train with greater independence, intensity and responsibility.
At an age when confidence, friendships and positive influences can have a significant impact, we want Grand Union to provide an environment where teenagers can challenge themselves, stay active, build strong friendships and learn from positive role models.
As they progress, suitable teenagers can also begin training alongside adults, helping prepare them for the next stage of their Jiu Jitsu journey.
9 KEY ELEMENTS OF OUR KIDS PROGRAMME
1. Balance & Motor Skills
Jiu Jitsu helps children develop balance, coordination, body awareness and control. Through movement drills, games and partner exercises, students learn how their bodies move and how to use them effectively.
2. Self-Defence
We teach children practical skills that can help them protect themselves if necessary. More importantly, they learn awareness, confidence and that avoiding or de-escalating conflict should always be the first choice.
3. Self-Confidence
Confidence develops through achievement. Learning a new technique, overcoming a difficult challenge and progressing through our belt system gives children tangible evidence of what they are capable of achieving.
4. Discipline
Jiu Jitsu teaches children that improvement requires consistency, attention and effort. We expect our students to bring that discipline not only to training, but also to their behaviour away from the academy.
5. Respect
Respect is fundamental at Grand Union. Children learn to respect their coaches, training partners, parents and themselves. We encourage the same standards of behaviour on the mats, at home and at school.
6. Fitness
Jiu Jitsu develops fitness naturally through movement and training. Children improve their strength, mobility, coordination, agility and cardiovascular fitness while taking part in an activity they enjoy.
7. Teamwork
Although progress in Jiu Jitsu is individual, nobody improves alone. Students learn to help their teammates, encourage each other and understand that being a good training partner is part of becoming a good martial artist.
8. Champion's Mindset
Being a champion isn't only about winning medals.
We teach children to set goals, work towards them, respond positively to setbacks and keep trying when something is difficult. These lessons can extend far beyond Jiu Jitsu.
9. Smile, Enjoy & Have Fun
Children learn best when they enjoy what they're doing. We take Jiu Jitsu and our standards seriously, but never forget that our younger students are children.
We want them to work hard, make friends, laugh and love coming to Jiu Jitsu.
READY TO SEE WHAT JIU JITSU CAN DO FOR YOUR CHILD?
The best way to understand Grand Union is to experience it.
Bring your child along for a trial class, meet our coaching team and see how our programme works for yourself.