What I wish I knew before I signed my kids up for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu...
Signing up your kid for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is new and exciting! You're excited for them to embark on this new martial arts journey and they're excited to have fun on the mats with new friends. The following is a compilation of tips that will help you navigate the beginning of your kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.
The uniform(s)
Martial arts uniforms vary in: Size, Color, Fit, and Fabric. Striking arts like Karate and Taekwondo use a thin breathable fabric as kids move around a lot during class. They don't have to worry about their uniform being grabbed or pulled.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (and Judo) require a thick and durable uniform (also known as a gi). Your kids will be continuously pulling, grabbing, ripping, and throwing throughout the duration of class. You will find there are all kinds of styles, colors, and weaves available. Most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms will have a standard gi available for you to purchase (or include one with your registration). They may also offer a version that has gym specific patches or stitching. These gi's are usually priced at premium due to their convenience and/or customization.
You can find affordable options online by many different brands by simply searching for: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi for kids into your favorite search engine. Brands like Kingz, Fushida, War Tribe, Gameness, Tatami, and Fuji offer great options depending upon your preferences (budget, etc.). Each brands sizing and cut will vary. You should be able to find a sizing chart somewhere on the brands site. Don't be overwhelmed by the various size numbers (M0, C0, etc.). Just use the sizing charts to match your kids height and weight. Also take into account your kids growth over the next 6-9 months. You might be able to buy a size bigger and have your kid grow into it.
Judo gi's can also be a great substitute for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi. Don't discount used uniforms on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist (in your local area) either. These are great options for families on a budget or families with multiple kids in BJJ.
laundry
While most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uniforms (also known as gi's) are white, gi brands create fun and unique designs that fit various tastes. Do yourself (and your washer) a favor by getting the same color uniform for your kids. Once your kid starts to gain interest, you can get them a fun gi as a birthday or special gift. I'm sure they'll want a blue, black or a green option - but just remember whose doing the laundry 🤣 Your chore list will thank you later!
The belt system and promotions
The belt system in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is established by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation. They outline the various gradings for kids and recommendations on how gyms should promote (Age, Skill, etc.).
What most gyms won't tell you is that these gradings are subjective and criteria/requirements can vary from gym to gym. While promotions should not be the main focus for your kids development, asking the open ended question of how that process works at the gym is a fair ask.
Any reputable gym will be able to provide you a chart or quick explanation of how this process works at their gym.
Class groupings
Class sizes and age groupings will vary from gym to gym. While age is the default, these groupings are generally dictated by the number of kids enrolled at the gym. They may combine age groupings if there are not enough kids of either age grouping to create separate classes. Skill is also another way gyms group their students. Some classes may even require your kid to have a specific rank or training time logged in order to attend a specific class. ex. Competition Classes
Be mindful if the instructor notifies you that they want to move your kid into a different grouping or skill level. Have a chat with your kid to see if they're ready for that change/jump. Some kids jump at the opportunity to get to the next level. While others may want to remain in their current class/group until they build a bit more confidence.
Instructor-to-Student Ratio
The ideal ratio is one instructor for every six students for ages 4 - 6 and one instructor for every ten students for ages 6 -10. Ages 10 to 13 have tend to have a higher ratio of one instructor for every twelve students due to the level of maturity amongst this age grouping.
There is no standards or requirements for the instructor-to-student ratios. Use your best judgement based on your families needs and what's best for your kids development
Instructor Credentials
Many BJJ gyms will have a black, purple, or brown belt teaching classes. These instructors have accumulated years of training and coaching experience throughout their time on the mats. Does this qualify someone to teach kids the nuances of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Not necessarily. It takes consistent and deliberate training to develop the right methods to teach kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The best gyms will have instructors that regularly attend trainings and seminars to level-up their coaching abilities. Use your best judgement and ensure you select an instructor that best fits your kids learning style.