Frequently Asked Questions

Through our work, we have seen that confident kids make kinder kids. We teach children how to not only stand up to bullies for themselves, but how to stand up for others. Our Rules of Engagement teach children to avoid the fight if at all possible by first using their words, and then telling an adult.

When they do need to resort to physical self-defense, we do not teach children punches or kicks in the Gracie Bullyproof program, but rather, empowered by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to neutralize, defend, control, and negotiate if possible.

Upon arriving for your child's first jiu-jitsu class, we will provide a uniform, called a gi, for them to wear. We recommend wearing comfortable undergarments or leggings, and a t-shirt or rashguard that they can wear under their gi.

Someone will be there to help you tie your child's belt for the first time!

Yes! One of the great things about martial arts classes is that it's an individual sport done in a group environment. We find all our students improve in their focus, self control, discipline and social skills. But the best part is…. They don't even realize that is what our highly trained kids martial arts instructors are actually doing. They just think they are having fun!

The best way to find out for yourself is to take advantage of our limited time offer. You'll find our team so helpful and dedicated to helping your child become the best version of themselves. If you are concerned about group classes for your child, we also offer private classes until they feel ready to take on the group class setting!

Many parents ask, what's the difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate classes? While we believe all martial-arts have value, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only been proven to be the most effective martial art for a smaller person to defend themselves in a real fight for nearly a century, it also can be the most gentile.

We don't want our kids or students turning into bullies themselves, and we also believe self-defense should be scalable, depending on the situation. Whereas kids Karate lessons or Taekwondo classes rely solely on landing punches and kicks, jiu-jitsu for kids focuses on neutralizing a threat with verbal boundaries, distance management, body control, and eventual negotiation.

We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! Even better… you can join in our martial arts classes for adults, and have yet another thing in common with your little one. We love seeing the bond of families who train together!

We believe jiu-jitsu is for children of all skill levels and abilities. Your child belongs here.

Through our kids martial arts classes, we have seen our students improve co-ordination, balance, motor skills, focus and discipline. Plus, they make lots of great friends!

Our instructors are highly skilled in teaching martial arts to kids. It's their PASSION!

Upon arriving for your child's first jiu-jitsu class, we will provide a uniform, called a gi, for you and your child to wear. We recommend wearing comfortable undergarments or leggings, and a t-shirt or rashguard to be worn under the gi.

Someone will be there to help you tie your child's belt for the first time!

Parents will be on the mats with their child, participating in the class. We love parents getting involved and seeing the bond of families who train together!

There are zero fitness requirements to be able to start our beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes! One of the benefits of BJJ is that it relies on technique and timing rather than strength, speed, or athleticism.

Our students start at all different fitness levels, however, you will find that you do enhance your fitness by doing our BJJ classes.

Just show up! Upon arriving, you will be given a uniform (called a “gi”) and will be given a focused introductory lesson by one of our instructors before you join in the group class.

Every beginner class is taught with no previous experience necessary, so you will not feel left behind.

Our program is structured by class number (23 group classes), so you will always know exactly what techniques you will be learning on any given day. You can even check out the techniques of the day on GracieUniversity.com before class to get a head start!

Absolutely! Specifically because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has proven reliable in defending against larger opponents for nearly a century, it is the perfect martial art for women.

Many women train in our Women Empowered® program and then transfer into our co-ed Gracie Combatives classes. However, both programs are suitable for women beginners.

We love seeing the physical confidence develop in our women students as they gain self-defense skills on the mat!

Not at all. Women Empowered is designed for women of all fitness levels. The techniques rely on leverage and timing, not strength or cardio. You'll improve your fitness naturally as you train.

Yes, Women Empowered classes are exclusively for women. This creates a comfortable, supportive environment where every student feels safe to learn and ask questions.

Unlike one-day seminars, Women Empowered is a complete curriculum you practice regularly. The techniques are based on decades of real-world effectiveness and cover the 20 most common attacks against women.

You must have completed the Gracie Combatives program and earned your Combatives belt. This ensures all Master Cycle students share a common technical foundation for safe, productive training.

Live sparring is a core component of the Master Cycle and is required for belt promotion. However, sparring is always controlled and supervised, and you'll be matched with appropriate partners as you develop.

Most dedicated students earn their blue belt within 1-2 years of starting the Master Cycle, though everyone progresses at their own pace. Consistency and quality of training matter more than time on the mat.