Kids Martial Arts & Jiu-Jitsu in Montreal
Located in the vibrant St-Henri neighborhood, our jiu-jitsu and self defense academy is a hub for families across Montreal. We are proud to welcome students from St-Henri, Westmount, Griffintown, and Little Burgundy. Our central location makes us a convenient after-school stop for parents looking for high-standard character development and physical fitness for their children.
Introduce your child to Jiu-Jitsu and help them build confidence, discipline, respect, focus, physical ability, and essential martial arts, and self-defence skills – all in a safe and supportive environment in Montreal. By practicing BJJ, children learn valuable skills they wouldn’t develop from other sports.
Empowering Kids Through Jiu-Jitsu
At Gracie Barra, BJJ is more than a martial art – it’s a path to confidence, resilience, and respect.
Through structured training, kids learn focus, discipline, and how to overcome challenges.
In a safe, supportive environment, our certified martial arts instructors help students build strength, coordination, and essential life skills. Surrounded by a strong sense of team and belonging, they become part of a global family – growing on and off the mats.
By practising Jiu-Jitsu, children learn valuable skills they wouldn’t develop from other sports – like staying calm under pressure, using technique over strength, and solving problems with focus and confidence.
Jiu-Jitsu Class Benefits
- Builds confidence, discipline, and respect in young students
- Develops motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness
- It focuses on self-defence, takedowns, and ground techniques in a fun and engaging environment
- Our BJJ curriculum is structured around their age group, from preschool kids to teenagers
BJJ Programs for Every Age Group
Our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program is typically subdivided in three different groups to accommodate students of different ages and skill levels:
Tiny Champions & Little Champions 1 (Jiu-Jitsu for ages 3 to 6)
Focus: Coordination, Discipline, and Play-Based Learning.
Start your child’s journey with the fundamentals of movement. This class for preschool kids focuses on developing motor skills, following directions, and introducing basic Jiu-Jitsu safety (like falling safely) through engaging, age-appropriate drills. We build the “Martial Arts mindset” of respect and focus in a fun, high-energy environment.
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7 to 12)
Focus: Techniques, Confidence, and Anti-Bullying.
As students progress, their Jiu-Jitsu evolves from foundational movement into technical mastery. This program includes basic self-defense and introduces complex transitions and submissions. We also cultivate the core values of persistence, cooperation, and discipline to equip students with the leadership skills and mental resilience to navigate adolescence with confidence and grace.
Teens Jiu-jitsu (Ages 13-15)
Focus: Strength. Skill. Character.
Empower your teen with a program that goes beyond the mats. Designed specifically for the 13–15 age group, these classes combine high-energy athletic training with technical Jiu-Jitsu. We foster a supportive peer community that builds the mental toughness and respect needed for success in academics, sports, and life.
Contact us to inquire about Anti-Bullying workshops, Private Training, Kids Competition team, Summer Camps and much more.
FAQs
Q: At what age can my kid start Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Children as young as 3.5 years old can start training BJJ in the GBK Program, which is tailored to their age and developmental stage.
Q: Is Jiu-Jitsu safe for kids?
A: Yes! Safety is a top priority. Our structured curriculum emphasizes safety, uses controlled movements, and respectful partner interaction to ensure a safe, positive environment.
Q: How often should my kid train?
A: We recommend 2 times per week for steady progress, but training frequency depends on your child’s schedule and goals.
Q: What if my child is shy or nervous?
A: That’s completely normal! Our instructors are experienced with first-timers and will help your child feel welcome and supported. Progress happens at their own pace.
Can a martial art support a parent’s education?
To excel in any endeavour, individuals need to have a strong set of values and a solid character that gives them perseverance to achieve his or her goals. The Gracie Barra Kids Program was created to provide children ages 3-15 with an environment that allows them to experience and understand core value like focus, discipline, persistence, cooperation and respect.
As a contact sport, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a very challenging yet safe and caring environment for a child to mature towards a real life champion. The outcome of continued childhood practice of martial arts goes far beyond the accomplishments on the mats. The discipline and excellence demanded by our instructors often carries over to the child’s behaviour at home and at school.
Just a few minutes from Downtown Montreal and Westmount
Join the families who have discovered the power of Gracie Barra BJJ in St-Henri. Confidence, focus, and discipline for the next generation of leaders. Easy aces and parking around our school.