Kids jiu-jitsu for Chandler families, ages 3 to 14
Four Gracie Barra Kids programs, each for a narrow age range, at Lindsay and Ocotillo. After-school classes Monday through Thursday for ages 3–9, Juniors classes six days a week, and a free first class with a gi we provide.
Programs by age
Kids train with children close to their own age. Each group has its own curriculum, and children move up as they get older.
Tiny Champions
Ages 3–4Class is mostly games with a purpose: rolling, crawling, balancing and following a coach’s instructions in a group. The goal at this age is body awareness and the habit of listening, not technique for its own sake.
Class times: Mon–Thu, 3:20 PM.
Little Champions I
Ages 5–6Children learn the core positions of jiu-jitsu, how to fall safely, and how to stay calm when someone is holding them down. Drills are short and structured so five- and six-year-olds stay engaged.
Class times: Mon–Thu, 4:00 PM. Tue and Thu, 5:00 PM.
Free intro classes for this age group are Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 PM.
Little Champions II
Ages 7–9The curriculum adds escapes, controls and submissions taught at a kid-safe pace, with supervised live rounds. Anti-bullying lessons cover recognizing a bad situation, using words first and staying safe if it turns physical.
Class times: Mon–Thu, 4:00 and 5:00 PM.
Juniors and Teens
Ages 10–14Older kids train a curriculum close to the adult program: positional strategy, chained techniques and regular live training. Competing is optional; students who want it can be invited to the kids competition team.
Class times: Mon–Fri, 6:00 PM. Sat, 10:00 AM.
What kids learn besides technique
Jiu-jitsu is a grappling art: no punching or kicking. Kids learn to control a position, escape one, and stay calm while someone is holding them down.
Listening in a group
Every class runs on short instructions from a coach followed by practice with a partner. Following directions is part of the drill.
Handling a bully
Anti-bullying lessons run through every kids program: recognizing a bad situation, using words first, getting help, and staying safe if it turns physical.
Confidence from real skill
Escaping a bigger partner’s hold is something a child can feel themselves getting better at, week by week, and the belt and stripe system marks that progress.
Fitness without it feeling like exercise
Rolling, crawling, bridging and wrestling-style games build strength and coordination. Kids mostly notice they’re having fun.
Is jiu-jitsu safe for kids?
Kids classes are built around control. There are no strikes, classes are grouped by age, and children learn to tap (to signal “stop”) and to let go the moment a partner taps, before they ever spar.
The youngest classes are mostly movement games. Controlled sparring starts in Little Champions II (ages 7–9), under coach supervision.
Paying with Arizona ESA
Kids programs can be paid with Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account funds through ClassWallet. Let the front desk know when you enroll and they’ll set up the payment.
Competition, if your child wants it
Competing is never required. Kids who want to compete can be invited by the coaches to Advanced Kids and the kids competition team, which train in separate invite-only classes and enter Gracie Barra, regional and IBJJF tournaments.
Kids class times
Classes marked “Free intro OK” can be booked as a first class. Times are Arizona time. Full weekly schedule
Monday
- 3:20 PMTiny ChampionsAges 3–4Free intro OK
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IAges 5–6Members
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 5:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 6:00 PMJuniors and TeensAges 10–14Free intro OK
Tuesday
- 3:20 PMTiny ChampionsAges 3–4Free intro OK
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IAges 5–6Members
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 5:00 PMLittle Champions IAges 5–6Free intro OK
- 5:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 6:00 PMJuniors and TeensAges 10–14Free intro OK
Wednesday
- 3:20 PMTiny ChampionsAges 3–4Free intro OK
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IAges 5–6Members
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 5:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 6:00 PMJuniors and TeensAges 10–14Free intro OK
Thursday
- 3:20 PMTiny ChampionsAges 3–4Free intro OK
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IAges 5–6Members
- 4:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 5:00 PMLittle Champions IAges 5–6Free intro OK
- 5:00 PMLittle Champions IIAges 7–9Free intro OK
- 6:00 PMJuniors and TeensAges 10–14Free intro OK
Friday
- 6:00 PMJuniors and TeensAges 10–14Free intro OK
Saturday
- 9:00 AMParents and KidsParents with kidsFree intro OK
- 10:00 AMJuniors and TeensAges 10–14Free intro OK
Questions parents ask
Still unsure? Call (480) 512-9177.
What age can my child start jiu-jitsu?
Age 3. Tiny Champions is for 3- and 4-year-olds, and each age group after that has its own class: 5–6, 7–9 and 10–14.
Will my child get hurt?
Classes are grouped by age, and children train under a coach’s supervision. Live sparring is introduced gradually, starting in Little Champions II, and kids learn to tap and to let go before they ever spar.
Do you accept Arizona ESA funds?
Yes. Kids programs can be paid with Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account funds through ClassWallet. Ask the front desk to set it up when you enroll.
Which classes can my child try for free?
Any beginner class for their age. Little Champions I (ages 5–6) intro classes are Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 PM; the booking form only shows times that work for your child’s age.
How often should my child train?
Two classes a week is a good starting point. It’s enough to remember last week’s lesson without crowding school and other activities.
Try a class with your child
Enter your child’s age and we’ll show the beginner classes for their group this week. Arrive 15 minutes early; we’ll fit them for a gi and show you around.
Book a free kids class
Free, and we provide the gi. Takes about a minute.