Deep Blue Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Parents Corner
Hi Parents!
At Deep Blue Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we believe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for everyone, especially children. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great activity for kids. It promotes physical fitness, team work, and self confidence. Our dedicated coaches are committed to providing a safe, fun, and engaging atmosphere for your kids as we guide them through a lifelong love of martial arts.
We understand as a parent you want to know what you are getting your kids into. This page is meant to help provide you with all of the information you need to feel comfortable getting your children started on the mats. If we missed anything, please let us know and we will add it!
Kids Coaches
We have four kids coaches, Brian Queen, Naomi Black, and Dan and Beth Sneller. All of our coaches go through the US Safe Sport and CDC Heads Up to youth training programs. Heads up to Youth is designed to teach coaches about the symptoms of concussions and what the appropriate steps are to take when there has been any sort of head collision. US Safe Sport focuses on creating healthy coach to athlete relationships, in a professional environment. Check out all of our instructor bio's here.
Is BJJ Safe for my kids?
Absolutely! There is always some risk associated with playing sports and engaging in martial arts. That being said, in BJJ we learn to train in a controlled manner that allows students to “tap” anytime they are uncomfortable. One of the great things about BJJ is that you can train at a more realistic pace than other contact sports. For example, in striking martial arts like Karate, it would be inappropriate for kids to strike each other with any force. In BJJ, children can grapple with relative safety. In sports like Judo and Wrestling, there is a higher risk of concussion because of head collisions and take-downs from the feet. Although we do train some stand up, most of our work is done on the ground.
Anti-Bully program
Bullying negatively impacts many kids’ lives. Learning to defend yourself is only one step on the path to end bullying. Kids also need to learn to identify, stand up to, and report bullying.
Every kid that starts our program has to start by agreeing to our anti-bullying pledge:
I understand that Brazilian Jiu JItus is a highly effective martial art, and I will only use BJJ for self defense. The skills and techniques I learn will never be used to bully other kids. I will use my strength and BJJ skills to stand up for those who need help. I am not a bully, and I will do my part to end bullying.
In our class we incorporate these conversations into our mat time and try to create a safe space to discuss these issues.
Why BJJ vs other sports?
Most sports are seasonal – your children get to play for 3-4 months and then the rest of the year they take off. BJJ never ends. All year your kids can continue to develop their skills and build confidence in the art. BJJ can also be carried far into adulthood. This is a life long journey that never ends.
I’m not sure my kid will commit?
We have kids, we understand! No worries, come check out a week of classes for free and see how they like it. Kids usually know after their first time on the mats if they will love it or not. There are no contracts or long term commitments. If they fall out of love with BJJ, that’s ok! Your GymDesk profile allows you to control your child's membership. You can start, stop, or place the account on hold anytime.
What are the age ranges?
We have three kids classes based on age group. Our classes are separated for kids aged 3-5, 6-8, and 9-13. This way we can pair students up with their peers, and structure classes with lesson plans appropriate for the age group. Around 13-14, students will transition to the adults program.
Does my kid need a uniform?
Yup! They can come try out a week of classes for free without the uniform. If they choose to sign up, we have gi's at the gym to purchase through our online store. In the case that we do not have a size available, gi's can be purchased at Amazon.
My kids plays other sports - can this be seasonal?
Absolutely! We think its great to get kids involved in different sports. It helps them find their passion and develop more athletic skills. Jiu Jitsu is a very dynamic martial art and challenges kids to move in ways they won't in more traditional sports, so we think we fit right in! When its time to take a break, just let us know and we will place the membership on hold until its time to get back on the mats.
Do kids compete?
There is a fairly large competition circuit in Jiu Jitsu, with lots of opportunities to compete. If your child is interested in competing, there will like be 4-8 opportunities in West Michigan throughout the year. With some travel time to Chicago or Detroit, there could be well over a dozen opportunities per year. That said, competing is not necessary to enjoy the sport, and most kid and adult students do not compete.
What are the belt ranks?
For adults, there are 5 belts - white, blue, purple, brown, and then black. For kids, there are additional belts between white and blue. Kids ranks go white, gray, yellow, orange, and then green. Someone can not be promoted to blue belt until 16 years old. Between color belts, students will receive stripes to note their progress.
I'm new to this, how can I support my kids training?
Good news. We have an online classroom where most of our kids curriculum exists in video format. You can watch techniques with your children and learn as they learn!
This sounds awesome, where do we sign up!?
Great! You can sign up here. Please enter your child's name and birthdate, but your contact information. Please reach out with any questions we have not answered here, and we look forward to meeting you and your children!
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