Spread of Kids BJJ Programs

Children’s BJJ programs started to appear as the art became more mainstream in the 1990s and 2000s. Initially seen as an adult pursuit, instructors began offering youth classes to teach self-defense, discipline, and confidence. Parents were drawn to BJJ’s focus on control over striking, making it a safer option for children.

Today, kids’ divisions are standard in major competitions, and some athletes begin training as young as four or five. This has led to an unprecedented technical level among young competitors, with teenagers often rivaling adults in skill.