KIDS BJJ PROGRAM (Ages 5–12)
Curriculum-Based Learning for Real Technical Growth
ENROLMENT FOR 2026 IS NOW OPEN
Spaces in our kids’ program are limited to maintain high coaching quality and individualized attention.
Riverdale Martial Arts has launced a fully structured, curriculum-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program created specifically for children ages 5 to 12. Our new system mirrors the rhythm of the school year, following Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters to give every student a predictable, consistent, and development-focused training experience. This format allows children to build skills progressively, stay engaged throughout the year, and experience measurable growth with clear expectations at each stage of their martial arts journey.
Our mission is to help every child develop confidence, discipline, resilience, and strong technical foundations within a safe and supportive environment. We believe that structure builds success, and our curriculum is carefully designed to guide students from their very first class to more advanced training and competition readiness.
Little Kids (Ages 5–8) — Level 1 Fundamentals
Our Little Kids program introduces younger children to the foundational movements and concepts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a structured but developmentally appropriate way. Students learn how to move with control, maintain balance, escape basic positions, and begin to understand the principles of leverage and body mechanics. Just as importantly, they learn how to focus, work with a partner, follow instructions, and build confidence through small accomplishments each class.
To ensure consistency, all Little Kids classes follow the same curriculum regardless of the time slot selected. This allows families flexibility while maintaining the same level of structure and progression for every child.
Class Times:
Wednesdays at 4:00 PM (45 min) or 5:00 PM (45 min)
Fridays at 4:00 PM (45 min) or 5:00 PM (45 min)
Saturdays at 9:00 AM (45 min)
Big Kids (Ages 9–12) — Level 1 & Level 2
1Older students are placed into one of two structured training levels based on their skill readiness, focus, and progress.
Level 1 — Foundations & Fundamentals
Level 1 is where students develop the essential movements and techniques that serve as the core of all future BJJ training. They learn fundamental positions, escapes, controls, transitions, and problem-solving skills that build confidence and prepare them for more advanced training.
Class Times:
Tuesdays at 4:00 PM (60 min)
Thursdays at 4:00 PM (60 min)
Saturdays at 10:00 AM (60 min)
Level 2 — Advanced Technique & Competition Training
Level 2 is designed for students who demonstrate strong fundamentals, consistent attendance, solid focus, and the ability to execute techniques with control. In this level, children begin learning more advanced transitions, higher-level controls, and competition-oriented drills. As they progress, they are slowly prepared for the expectations and intensity of competition in a safe and structured environment.
Class Times:
Tuesdays at 5:00 PM (60 min)
Thursdays at 5:00 PM (60 min)
Saturdays at 10:00 AM (60 min)
CLASS SIZE & COACHING TEAM
To maintain a high-quality training environment, each class is capped at a maximum of 20 students. This ensures that every child receives meaningful coaching attention, adequate mat space, and the guidance they need to grow confidently and safely.
Every class is led by one head coach and supported by one or two assistant coaches, depending on class size and training needs. This coaching ratio allows us to create a safe, organized, and supportive learning space where every student can focus, ask questions, and develop at a steady pace.
ATTENDANCE & TRAINING EXPECTATIONS
Because our program follows a structured curriculum with techniques taught in sequence, it is essential that students attend regularly in order to stay on track. All students are required to train a minimum of two days per week, and we strongly recommend training three days per week to maximize retention, technical growth, and overall confidence on the mats.
Regular attendance ensures that students do not fall behind in the curriculum, remain eligible for grading, and build the consistency required to truly benefit from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students who attend less frequently may struggle to keep pace with their peers and may experience delays in progression.
At RMA, we teach real martial arts. Our kids program is not designed simply to entertain children or keep them busy. Learning Jiu Jitsu requires discipline, respect, self-control, focus, and the ability to keep going when something is difficult. We maintain clear expectations and hold our students accountable because these lessons build strong, capable, and respectful young people. Parents choose RMA because we are different, and because they want their children to receive meaningful martial arts training with real standards.
WHY PARENTS LOVE THE RMA KIDS PROGRAM
Families choose Riverdale Martial Arts because our program is designed with structure, safety, and long-term growth in mind. Our curriculum supports clear development, our coaches maintain high standards of professionalism and care, and our training environment encourages discipline, confidence, and teamwork.
We also provide small class sizes, experienced coaches, transparent expectations, and a supportive community that celebrates every child’s progress—on and off the mats.
— Benjamin
Our Pricing
RMA is a locally owned, veteran-led boutique dojo built around discipline, community and real-world martial arts training. We are not a large franchise. We know our members, we care about their progress and we work hard to keep our pricing as accessible as possible so more people and families can benefit from quality martial arts training.
Billed monthly. HST is additional. This membership is based on a 10-month commitment from September through the end of June. It includes structured, curriculum-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training up to three times per week. Children may join at any time during the training year.