Where kids learn Jiu Jitsu, And how to handle themselves.
KIDS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU IN MOORABBIN
Jiu Jitsu is one of the best activities you can enrol a child in. It develops physical literacy, builds confidence through consistent progress, and teaches kids to stay calm under pressure. A skill that transfers well beyond the mats. Dedicated classes for ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 13, coached by black belts who hold Working With Children Checks.
WHY KIDS THRIVE IN JIU JITSU
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CONFIDENCE & CHARACTER
Self Confidence - BJJ builds self confidence through tangible progress. Studies published in Frontiers in Psychology show that BJJ training significantly improves self-efficacy through consistent, measurable improvement over time.
Think Clearly - BJJ regularly puts kids in uncomfortable positions and teaches them to think clearly under pressure, rather than panic. That ability to stay calm shows up in school, sport, and everyday life.
Respect & Discipline - Kids learn the value of working with others and being a good training partner. Respect and discipline are fundamental to the sport and its practice.
Lasting Change. Show up consistently and the sport changes them in ways that are hard to articulate but clearly evident over time.
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![Kids BJJ sparring in gi at Melbourne Grappling Academy in Moorabbin.]()
SELF DEFENCE
Physical Confrontation - Kids learn to handle physical confrontation through technique and positioning rather than size or strength.
Composure Under Pressure - Every session places kids in physically challenging positions with a clear task to complete. Repeated exposure to that pressure in a controlled environment is what builds composure, on and off the mats.
Bully-Proofing - Kids learn to handle themselves physically and, just as importantly, how to de-escalate and avoid conflict off the mats.
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![Kids BJJ class with coach at Melbourne Grappling Academy in Moorabbin.]()
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Movement Intelligence - BJJ develops coordination, body awareness, and physical literacy through constant live problem solving. The movement patterns kids build on the mats serve them across every physical activity they'll pursue in later life.
Full Body Development - BJJ demands strength in difficult positions, explosive movement, the ability to stay calm and controlled under sustained physical pressure, and flexibility developed through live resistance. Getting fit doesn't have to be boring. In BJJ, it's a by-product of showing up and solving problems.
INSIDE A CLASS AT MGA
Kids learn best when they're challenged at the right level and paired with appropriate training partners. That's why our classes are split into two age groups, with every session built around a small number of key positions and concepts that build progressively from week to week.
AGES 4-7 | 45 minute classes
Warm-up - Dynamic movement and games to raise the heart rate, build body awareness, and get kids focused and ready to learn.
Technique - Age-appropriate instruction focused on a small number of key positions, drilled with a partner.
Games & Sparring - BJJ-focused games and introductory sparring that reinforce what's been covered in a fun, competitive format. Often the favourite part of class.
AGES 8-13 | 45 minute classes
Warm-up - Dynamic movement to prepare physically and mentally for the session ahead.
Technique & Positional Work - Structured instruction with drilling and positional rounds, each with a clear objective and defined constraints to develop decision-making under controlled resistance.
Sparring - Supervised live training introduced gradually and always matched by age, size, and experience. An important part of learning to apply technique under pressure.
Games - BJJ-focused games to close the session on a high.
BELT & STRIPE PROGRESSION
At MGA we follow the IBJJF quarterly grading system. Kids receive a new stripe on their belt following a period of consistent training, exhibiting the behaviours, skill development, and values we expect of them.
Kids who train consistently with strong attendance and a positive attitude can progress through stripes faster. The system is designed to reward and incentivise good habits, not penalise absence.
Belts are earned roughly every 12 to 15 months. Assessment is controlled by the head coach and reflects sustained progress across all areas, not just time on the mats. Across all belt colours and stripes, there are over 60 possible promotions for kids to work towards.
Kids BJJ Belt System
White Belt | Starting Point - Kids begin building body awareness, basic positional understanding, and trust in themselves and their training partners.
Grey Belt | Early development - Kids start to focus more on offence, learning to adjust their techniques against resisting opponents.
Yellow Belt | Technical Development - Kids begin connecting techniques into sequences rather than applying them in isolation. They start to understand why positions work, not just how to perform them.
Orange Belt | Advanced - Kids develop techniques and strategies that suit their own body type and instincts. Sparring becomes more intentional - they're solving problems in real time rather than reacting or reciting.
Green Belt | Final Belt - The final belt before adult ranks. Kids demonstrate leadership, advanced control, and a well-rounded game. Green/black belt students aged 16 are eligible to transition to blue belt in the adult system.
MEMBERSHIP INFO
Kids Membership - $70/fortnight
Access to all 3 scheduled classes each week for their age group
No joining fees or long-term commitments
Kids can start without needing to buy a uniform immediately
14-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy
HOW TO GET STARTED
It’s easy to get your child on the mats for a commitment-free trial class:
Book a free trial class
Come in, meet the coaches, and let your child try a session
Decide together if it’s the right fit
Reviews From Our Community
faqs
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A t-shirt and shorts are fine to start. If your child enjoys training and wants to continue, a gi and belt can be purchased after the first few sessions, either from our pro shop at the gym or online.
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Kids can start from 4 years old up to 13. We run separate classes for ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 13.
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No. Our programme is structured for both complete beginners and kids with previous martial arts or BJJ experience.
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BJJ is a contact sport, so small knocks and scrapes are part of the learning process. Safety is always our top priority. Classes are supervised by black belt coaches, grouped by age, and taught in a structured way to minimise risks. Parents can feel confident their child is training in a safe and supportive environment.
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Yes. Sparring is an important part of BJJ and is introduced gradually in a safe and controlled way. It helps kids apply the techniques they've learned and is often the most enjoyable part of training. Our coaches supervise closely to make sure sparring is safe and appropriate for each age group.
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At MGA we follow the IBJJF quarterly grading system. When kids train consistently, exhibiting the behaviours, skill development, and values we expect of them, they receive a stripe on their belt every three months. Kids who train consistently with strong attendance and a positive attitude can progress through stripes faster. Belts are earned roughly every 12 to 15 months and assessment is controlled by the head coach.
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Yes. Parents are welcome to stay. For younger children, we ask parents to remain nearby in case their child needs assistance with the toilet.
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Many kids start this way. BJJ builds confidence naturally by giving them skills, friendships, and small wins on the mat. Most settle in quickly once they join the group.
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Most kids in the programme train two to three times per week, which is great for consistent development. If once a week is what works for your family, that's a perfectly fine place to start.
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Competition is encouraged for kids who show an interest, but it is never mandatory. For those who do compete, the benefits to technical development and resilience are significant. Good sportsmanship is something we take seriously at MGA regardless of results.
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Absolutely. Siblings are welcome. If they fall into the same age group they'll train together. If not, our schedule is designed to make back-to-back or same-day attendance as convenient as possible.
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Yes. We’ve outlined a few simple guidelines to help us keep classes safe, structured and enjoyable for every child. See here for details.
conTact us
Still have questions about our kids’ programme? Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you shortly. We’ll help you work out if BJJ at MGA is the right fit for your child.