We'll often have parents ring up and ask about a trial for their son or daughter, and then the first question we ask back is, "how old are they?". This is because, unlike other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu businesses in the Sutherland Shire, we do not accept children under the age of 10.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art celebrated for its focus on technique, discipline, and self-defense. While it offers a wealth of benefits, it may not be the best choice for children under the age of 10. The developmental needs of young children, both physical and psychological, suggest that alternative activities might be more appropriate during these formative years. Parents considering enrolling their young children in BJJ should carefully weigh its demands and challenges against their child’s maturity and readiness.
BJJ involves grappling, joint locks, and submissions, which demand a level of physical control that young children often lack. At this age, children's bones, joints, and muscles are still developing, making them more susceptible to injuries if techniques are not executed or supervised properly. While many BJJ programs for kids focus on safety, even carefully controlled environments can pose risks when young children attempt advanced moves without fully understanding their limits. Parents should consider whether their child is physically prepared to handle the rigors of this sport.
Children under 10 are still developing critical cognitive and emotional skills, including focus, patience, and impulse control. BJJ requires participants to follow complex instructions, stay calm under pressure, and respect their training partners—skills that may be challenging for younger kids to consistently exhibit. Without these foundational traits, children may struggle to fully engage in the discipline of BJJ or could inadvertently harm themselves or others.
Many BJJ schools emphasize competitive training, which might not align with the needs of younger children. Competitions, even in friendly formats, can be overwhelming for kids who are not yet equipped to handle the stress of winning and losing gracefully. This can lead to frustration, burnout, or a diminished sense of self-confidence if they do not perform as expected. Introducing children to martial arts through less intensive disciplines, such as karate or judo, might be a gentler approach to building confidence and skill.
For children under 10, activities that focus on coordination, teamwork, and foundational motor skills may be more suitable. Dance, gymnastics, or non-contact martial arts programs provide similar benefits without the complexities and physical demands of BJJ. These alternatives allow children to build strength, discipline, and social skills while reducing the risks associated with grappling-based sports. When they are older and better equipped physically and emotionally, they can transition to BJJ with greater success.
To put it bluntly - money!
At the end of the day, BJJ clubs are businesses. And if a business can have 10 or 20 kids on their mat, with their parents paying around $200 per month, then it is an easy form of revenue.
However, if you watch the classes, often there is very little jiu-jitsu taught and most of the class is made up of playing games, or other activities that you can find elsewhere for a fraction of the cost.
As mentioned on another FAQ, coach Rodney works as an IT Professional too, and this is his hobby business. He'd much rather be coding than supervising 6 year olds to playing tug-o-war!
