Ages 4–7
Kids 4–7
A playful, structured introduction to jiu jitsu. Younger students focus on mobility and coordination, combining jiu jitsu drills with games that build listening skills, confidence and the tools to handle a bully.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu · Ages 4–13 · Glen BurnieConfidence that carries off the mat.
Our kids learn to stay calm under pressure, escape bad positions and handle a bully without throwing a punch, led by a black belt who helped coach five IBJJF Kids Pan American team titles.
- 5.0 ★ Google
- Ages 4–13
- First class free
Two age groups
The right class for their age.
Every child trains with partners close to their age and size. Both groups train at the same times, so brothers and sisters can come together.
Ages 8–13
Kids 8–13
Real grappling technique with a greater focus on the sport. Older students build focus, confidence and self-defense skills, and learn competition rules and strategy alongside supportive teammates.
Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM
Why jiu jitsu
Why jiu jitsu over other martial arts?
Jiu jitsu focuses on controlling situations as safely as possible. Without punches or kicks to the head, kids can practise against fully resisting partners safely, so if someone ever puts their hands on them, it won’t be the first time.
- 01
Confidence
While developing the skills to defend themselves, kids become more confident and empowered. Mastering a difficult art builds a resilient character, ready to take on the world.
- 02
Commitment
Kids see that the effort of learning new techniques pays off when they can apply them against their peers. Jiu jitsu teaches persistence in the face of adversity.
- 03
Fitness
Flexibility, stamina, strength and balance. Younger children build them gradually through games and movement drills, while older kids grow further through sparring.
- 04
Teamwork & friendships
Partner drills, team-building exercises and fun games let kids work together, build friendships and compete with peers as they reach new achievements.
Inside a class
What a kids class looks like.
Forty-five minutes, structured from the first warm-up to the final game.
- 01
Warm-up & movement
Rolls, shrimps and agility drills that build coordination.
- 02
Technique of the day
One position or escape, shown step by step at their level.
- 03
Partner drilling
Practising the move with a partner their size while coaches correct the details.
- 04
Games & supervised live rounds
Jiu jitsu games and supervised sparring that put it all to work.
Parents are welcome to watch from the lounge.
Parents ask us
Safe, clean and well supervised.
- Mats are deep-cleaned and sanitized before every kids class.
- Coaches stay on the mat with the kids the entire class, so the instructor-to-student ratio stays high.
- Every student trains with partners close to their age and size.
Reviews
What parents say.
5.075 Google reviews
Read all 75 reviews on Google“My 10 year old has a quiet temperament… ever since she started training at Shonen she definitely gained confidence and became more secure.”
“It’s not easy working with a 6 year old but you keep her motivated, I love everything she’s learning, and loves to see you!”
“The kids classes are absolutely amazing. The coaches are very patient and kind. My husband joined the adult classes and is having a great time.”
Watch a class
See a kids class in action.
Agility drills, belt tying, big grins and real technique, filmed in a Shonen kids class right here in Glen Burnie. The best way to see it is in person, and the first class is free.
Meet the Coach
Professor Lee Rosenfield
Kids classes are overseen by a Mendes Brothers black belt and former Art of Jiu Jitsu kids instructor.
Meet the CoachFAQ
Questions parents ask.
All questionsHow old does my child need to be to start?
Kids can start at age 4. Our kids program has two age groups, 4–7 and 8–13, so every child trains with partners close to their age and size. Students 14 and older join our adult classes.
What should my child wear to the first class?
A clean gi is provided for the free class. Have your child wear athletic clothes to go under it, and bring flip-flops or sandals for walking off the mat, plus a water bottle.
Will my child get hurt?
Safety comes first. Coaches supervise the whole class, kids train with partners their own age and size, and jiu jitsu is a control-first art with no punches or kicks. Mats are deep-cleaned and sanitized before every kids class.
Can parents watch?
Yes. Parents are welcome to watch from the lounge. Per our academy etiquette, please let the coaches do the coaching and don’t coach from the sideline.
Your first class is free
Their first class is on us.
Pick a program and we'll text you to lock in a time. Every class on the schedule is open to first-timers, and a clean gi will be waiting for your child.
- No sign-up fees, ever
- No experience or fitness needed
- Taught by an IBJJF black belt
Prefer to talk? (443) 304-8884