REAL SKILLS. REAL CONFIDENCE. REAL JIU JITSU.
Our Kids Jiu Jitsu program builds discipline, focus, and confidence through technically sound Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction — led by a black belt with over 20 years of coaching experience.
KIDS JIU JITSU PROGRAM
STRUCTURED TRAINING. NOT JUST TUMBLING.
Growth Mindset Collective's kids program is built around the same technical foundations that define our adult curriculum — adapted for young athletes ages 5 to 14. Classes are structured, coach-led, and focused on real jiu jitsu development.
What your child will learn:
- Age-appropriate curriculum with progressive belt ranks
- Fundamental positions: guard, mount, takedowns, escapes
- Mat etiquette, discipline, and respect for training partners
- Safe controlled drilling and positional sparring
- How to win and lose with composure
This is not a general martial arts class. It is structured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a clear developmental path — the same art our adult students compete and earn belts in.
YOUR CHILD'S COACH
COACHED BY A BLACK BELT. BUILT FOR KIDS WHO WANT TO GROW.
Coach Mark Miller is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under 5-time world champion Eduardo Rocha, with over 20 years of experience and a teaching career that began in 2009. He has trained and developed students of all ages throughout the Bay Area.
When your child steps on the mat at Growth Mindset Collective, they are learning from an instructor whose credentials, lineage, and teaching philosophy are the same ones our adult competitors train under. That technical standard does not get watered down for the youth program.
20+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
2009
TEACHING SINCE
BLACK BELT
UNDER EDUARDO ROCHA
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
PARENTS TRUST IT. KIDS LOVE IT.
Our youth students come from Oakley, Brentwood, Antioch, and across the East Bay. Here is what their parents have to say about the program.
"My son has been training here for eight months and the difference in his focus and confidence is real — at school, at home, everywhere. Coach Mark runs a structured class and every child is seen. I never worry about safety. The mat culture here is unlike anything I've seen at other gyms."
Sarah T. — Parent of a 7-year-old student
"We tried a couple of other martial arts schools before finding Growth Mindset Collective. The difference is immediately obvious — this is real jiu jitsu, not kids just running around. Coach Mark actually teaches. My daughter has her first stripe and she earned it. We are not going anywhere."
David R. — Parent of a 10-year-old student
"My kids are 6 and 9 and both train here. The sparring is introduced slowly and safely — no one gets thrown into the deep end. My youngest was shy when he started. Four months in, he is calmer, more assertive, and sleeps better. I also started training as an adult and I can confirm: the coaching standard is serious all the way through."
Monica L. — Parent of two students, ages 6 and 9
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EVERYTHING PARENTS WANT TO KNOW BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS.
What age can kids start jiu jitsu?
Kids can start as young as age 5. Our program serves students ages 5 to 17, with age-appropriate groupings that match curriculum to developmental stage. Younger students focus on foundational movement and fun, while older students build a more complete technical game.
Does my child need any prior experience?
No experience is needed. Our beginner curriculum assumes zero background and builds from the ground up. Every new student starts at the same place — learning how to fall safely, how to move on the mat, and how to apply basic positions. No prior martial arts training is required or expected.
What does a typical kids class look like?
A typical class runs 45 minutes and follows a structured format: a warm-up to get bodies moving, drilling of fundamental techniques with a partner, positional exercises that reinforce the day's lesson, and a cool-down to close. Every class is coach-directed — there is always a clear focus and progression.
Is jiu jitsu safe for kids?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the safest martial arts for children. There is no striking involved — the art is ground-based with controlled contact. Coach Mark enforces strict mat etiquette and a safe training culture at all times. Students are taught to tap, to respect their training partners, and to train with awareness from day one.
When will my child start sparring?
Light positional sparring — called rolling — is introduced gradually once the fundamentals are established. We never rush students into live training. Rolling is always supervised, always age and size appropriate, and always built on a foundation of proper technique and mat etiquette first.
GET STARTED
BOOK YOUR CHILD'S FREE TRIAL CLASS.
Whether your child is brand new to martial arts or has some experience, our first class is always free. Come see the program, meet Coach Mark, and let your child experience real jiu jitsu instruction — no commitment required.
Many of our kids' parents train here too. Ask us about family memberships.