Martial Arts & Self-Defense Classes for Kids at Groundworks
At Groundworks Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Bethesda, MD, our kids martial arts program gives children the confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills they need -- all in a fun, supportive, and safe environment.
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Our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are designed for children ages 3 to 16 and focus on building both physical and mental strength, while helping kids develop respect, focus, and work ethic.
If you're looking for the best kids martial arts in Bethesda or the DC metro area, we invite you to try a free class and see why families love Groundworks BJJ.
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Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is great for Kids
BJJ is one of the safest and most effective martial arts for children because it focuses on leverage, control, and technique rather than striking.
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Benefits of Kids BJJ Training:
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Builds confidence and discipline
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Improves coordination, balance, and overall fitness
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Teaches real-world self-defense skills
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Encourage respect, focus, and work ethic
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Helps kids manage stress and emotions
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Provides a healthy, structured outlet for energy
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Unlike many traditional sports, BJJ allows kids of all sizes and athletic abilities to succeed and progress.
What to Expect in our Kids Martial Arts Classes
Our kids classes are structured, engaging, and designed specifically for young students:
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Warmups that improve mobility and coordination​
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Games based instruction to help teach core concepts
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Situational practice in a safe, controlled environment
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Live sparring overseen by adult coaches
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Every class emphasizes safety, encouragement, hard work, and personal growth
Kids
Ages 7–12
Monday–Thursday at 5pm
Saturday at 9am
Our core kids program. Kids learn BJJ through our games-based teaching methodology.
Sprouts
Ages 3–4
Sundays at 10am
A parent-and-child class where parents are guided in Jiu-Jitsu games with their child.
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*Parent attending must be an active member of our adults program with instructor approval.
Seedlings
Ages 5–6
Sundays at 11am
A first taste of real grappling: pinning, escaping, and getting back to the feet.
Teens
Ages 12–16
Fridays at 5pm · No-gi
A once-per-week class for teens. For the rest of the week, teens train in either the kids class or the adults class, based on their size and maturity level.
Kids Martial Arts Classes by Age
Convenient Kids Martial Arts in Bethesda, MD
Our academy is conveniently located in Bethesda, Maryland, serving families throughout:
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Bethesda
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Chevy Chase
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Tenleytown
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NW Washington, DC
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Rockville
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Silver Spring
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If you're searching for kids BJJ near me or martial arts for kids in Bethesda, Groundworks BJJ is a top local choice.
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Schedule your free trial today!