LITTLE KIDS
PROGRAM
A focused half hour of movement games, grappling basics, and listening skills — built for how 4–7 year olds actually learn.
SMALL KIDS,
REAL SKILLS.
The Little Kids Program is where grappling starts. Kids 4–7 play structured movement games that quietly build the foundations — balance, coordination, body control, and the confidence to try hard things — while learning to listen, take turns, and work with a partner.
It's the same Constraints-Led Approach we use with every age at the gym, dosed for this one: a 5-year-old's version of problem-solving is a balance game with rules. Real skill grows out of play that's designed on purpose. All training is No-Gi, and parents are welcome to watch every class.
The program is designed and overseen by Head Coach Royce Miller — a black belt under Margot Ciccarelli with a degree in early childhood education. Expectations are clear, progressions fit the age, and parents can relax.
LITTLE KIDS BJJ
AGES 4–7.
A focused half hour, twice a week. Short enough to hold attention from the first minute to the last, structured enough that every class builds real coordination and confidence — not just burned energy.
It runs at the same time as the 8–12 class, so siblings train together — one drop-off, one pick-up. No experience needed, and every kid's first class is free.
Age groups are a starting point, not a wall. A capable 7-year-old can move up to the 8–12 class with coach approval — size, maturity, and experience all factor in.
- Build coordination, balance, and body control through movement games
- Learn grappling basics in a safe, structured room
- Practice listening, following directions, and taking turns
- Build confidence on what they can actually do
- Learn to work with a partner
- Lay the foundation for the 8–12 class
SHORT ON
PURPOSE.
At 4–7, attention is the whole game. Thirty focused minutes beats a distracted hour — kids leave while it's still fun, come back wanting more, and every minute on the mat actually counts.
KIDS · AGES 8–12.
Our adult curriculum scaled for kids — games and live problem-solving in a structured, positive room, Monday through Thursday at 5:45 PM. Taught by Coach Royce himself, with belts through the IBJJF system. It overlaps with this class, so siblings are one drop-off.
Kids 8–12 Program
FIRST CLASS
IS FREE.
Bring them to a class, watch from the bench, and see the difference structure makes. First month is $49 if they love it.
Downtown Ann Arbor · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Ages 4–7 · Serving Washtenaw County