SELF DEFENCE MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES FOR KIDS
Teach your children to become "Bullyproof" through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our hugely popular Gracie Barra Kids self-defence programme is designed to give children of all ages a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they can grow both physically and mentally. Through fun, structured classes, children learn important life skills and core values such as focus, discipline, confidence, persistence, teamwork, and respect for others.
The Gracie Barra curriculum not only teaches effective self-defence techniques, but also helps children develop resilience, emotional control, and the confidence to handle challenges both on and off the mats. For many children, martial arts becomes a powerful tool for navigating important stages in life, such as starting a new school year, making new friends, or dealing with peer pressure and bullying.
As a contact sport, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers a unique balance of challenge and support in a safe and caring environment. Students learn how to stay calm under pressure, solve problems, and build healthy self-esteem through consistent progress and achievement. The discipline, respect, and positive attitude encouraged by our instructors often carry over into everyday life, leading to improved behaviour, concentration, and confidence at home and at school.
Most importantly, our classes help children stay active, make friends, and enjoy learning in a positive community where every child is encouraged to grow at their own pace.
BENEFITS OF OUR GB KIDS SELF DEFENCE PROGRAM
LESSONS IN THE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE GB KIDS SELF DEFENCE SYSTEM
TEACHES SELF DISCIPLINE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF GOAL SETTING
IMPROVEMENTS IN OVERALL FITNESS, WELLBEING, FOCUS, ENERGY AND CONCENTRATION
IMPROVED SOCIAL SKILLS AND SELF CONFIDENCE WITH FUN GROUP BASED GAMES AND TRAINING
DEVELOPMENT OF FRIENDSHIPS IN ENGAGING, FRIENDLY AND AGE APPROPRIATE SESSIONS
OUR KIDS MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES
Discover a wide range of classes at Gracie Barra Harrogate, Apperley Bridge, and York, specially designed for children and teenagers aged 3 to 18. Each programme is tailored to suit your child’s age, ability, and stage of development, ensuring every class is engaging, challenging, and fun.
We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, friendly, and safe environment where children can build confidence, learn valuable self-defence skills, and develop important life skills such as discipline, focus, respect, and resilience. Whether your child is taking their very first class or progressing through the ranks, our structured curriculum helps them grow both on and off the mats.
Our carefully selected coaching team is passionate about helping every student reach their full potential. With expert tuition and a personalised approach to learning, we make sure each child receives the encouragement, support, and attention they need to thrive while enjoying every step of their martial arts journey.
TINY CHAMPS
High-energy, action-packed 30-minute classes designed specifically for 3 and 4 year olds, focused on fun, play-based learning and simple foundational movement skills.
Through games, interactive activities, and structured play, children develop coordination, balance, listening skills, and confidence — all in a safe, supportive, and exciting environment where they can learn, move, and most importantly, have fun.
LITTLE CHAMPS 1 & 2
Progressive 50-minute self-defence classes designed specifically for 5–6 year olds and 7–9 year olds, with age-appropriate coaching that grows with their development.
Each session is carefully structured to build real confidence, coordination, and focus while introducing practical self-defence skills in a fun, engaging way. Children are encouraged to learn, move, and develop at their own pace in a positive and supportive environment.
Perfectly tailored for KS1 and KS2 starters, these classes help young children develop discipline, resilience, and self-belief that carries far beyond the mats.
JUNIORS & TEENS
50-minute classes designed specifically for ages 10–14, focusing on practical self-defence, skill development, and confidence building in a structured and engaging environment.
Students learn how to apply real Jiu Jitsu techniques with increasing control, awareness, and composure, while developing resilience, discipline, and self-belief along the way.
These sessions provide the perfect bridge into our 1-hour Advanced Juniors & Teens classes, where students continue to progress, refine their skills, and train at a higher intensity.
We’re dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and supportive environment where children can grow in confidence while developing valuable life skills through martial arts training. Our classes are designed to help students improve:
Coordination and motor skills
Mental and physical resilience
Strength, fitness, and overall wellbeing
Focus, goal setting, and self-discipline
Confidence, respect, and teamwork
All through our well-structured and highly engaging curriculum, designed to keep children motivated, challenged, and having fun every step of the way.
Our professional instructors and experienced coaches are on hand in every class to provide expert guidance and individual support. With excellent child-to-coach ratios, we ensure every student receives high-quality tuition, encouragement, and attention throughout each session, helping them progress at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment.
All of our coaches are DBS checked and committed to delivering fun, energetic, and rewarding classes that inspire every child to learn, grow, and enjoy their martial arts journey.