Kids BJJ - Jaguars

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Geelong Martial Arts - Moolap ● Enrolling Now
GMA Jaguars BJJ Kids Program
GEELONG MARTIAL ARTS

The Jaguars
Kids BJJ Program

A specialised Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for children aged 5 to 12 years - building real skill, genuine confidence, and character that lasts a lifetime.

5-12
Years Old
2x
Weekly Classes
4x
Gradings / Year
GMA
Moolap
The Programs

Two Programs. One Journey.

🐙
Ages 5 - 8 Years
Little Jaguars
Foundational BJJ - Ages 5 to 8

The Little Jaguars program is designed specifically for younger children, introducing the foundational movements and concepts of BJJ through play, games, and age-appropriate drilling. Every class builds physical literacy and confidence in a safe, fun environment.

  • Foundational BJJ movement and body mechanics
  • Listening skills and following instructions
  • Safe falling, rolling and positional awareness
  • Play-based gamification - feels like fun, builds real skill
  • Confidence and character building from day one
Book a Trial Class
🐆
Ages 8 - 12 Years
Young Jaguars
Progressive BJJ - Ages 8 to 12

The Young Jaguars program takes children deeper into the technical side of BJJ with more structured drilling, technique development, and supervised positional sparring. Real BJJ skill, built progressively and properly.

  • Progressive technique development - positions and submissions
  • Structured drilling with age-appropriate live training
  • Belt and stripe grading system with clear milestones
  • Strength, agility and physical conditioning
  • Discipline, focus and resilience built every session
Book a Trial Class
Please note: Age ranges are a guide only. Placement is determined by the Head Children's BJJ Coach in consultation with parents and guardians.
GMA Kids BJJ Jaguars training
GMA JaguarsReal BJJ. Built right.
GMA Kids BJJ class Geelong
GMA MoolapEvery class builds character.
More Than Just BJJ

GMA Character Stripes

At GMA we believe martial arts is about building people - not just technique. Our Character Stripes system recognises the values that shape who our students are on and off the mats.

Earned Through Action. Not Given.

👤
Respect
We show respect to everyone
  • Respects coaches, peers and others
  • Listens when others are speaking
  • Follows dojo etiquette
  • Uses appropriate language
  • Cares for equipment and space
Discipline
We do the right thing in all we do
  • Listens and follows instructions
  • Stays focused during class
  • Arrives prepared and on time
  • Wears a clean uniform
  • Does right even when no one is watching
Kindness
We lift others up
  • Helps and encourages training partners
  • Includes others in activities
  • Welcomes new students
  • Shows empathy and consideration
  • Celebrates others' achievements
🎯
Leadership
We lead by example
  • Awarded when all values are consistently shown
  • Shows responsibility and leads by example
  • Consistently shows respect, discipline and kindness
  • Helps others without being asked
  • Trusted to represent GMA's values always
Awarded across BJJ Jaguars, Young Lions Kyokushin and every GMA program
Character is Earned. Leadership is Lived.
◆ Be Your Best. Every Day. ◆
Why BJJ for Kids?

What Parents Notice Within Weeks

BJJ is one of the most powerful developmental tools available to children. These are the changes parents consistently report - often within the first few sessions.

1
Genuine Confidence

Not told they are great - they earn their confidence through real achievement on the mat.

2
Better Listening

Following instructions in class carries directly over to home and school.

3
Emotional Regulation

Getting comfortable being uncomfortable - a skill that transfers to every challenge in life.

4
Anti-Bullying Confidence

Quiet, grounded confidence that comes from knowing they can handle themselves - without aggression.

5
Physical Fitness

Strength, coordination and body awareness that benefits every sport they will ever play.

6
Real Friendships

Shared challenge creates genuine bonds. GMA mat friendships are some of the strongest they will make.

Progress & Achievement

The Grading System

Gradings are held 4 times per year - one per school term. Your child is assessed on skill, behaviour, attitude and attendance. GMA follows the IBJJF children's ranking system with 4 stripes per belt. If a child is not ready, it is simply an opportunity to keep building - not a fail.

4
Gradings / Year
4
Stripes Per Belt
IBJJF
Ranking System
IBJJF Kids BJJ Belt System

IBJJF Children's Belt and Stripe Progression - certain belts carry age requirements

Your Child's Coach

Meet the Coaches

Coach Lili Costa - Head Kids BJJ Coach GMA
● Head Kids BJJ Coach - GMA Moolap
Lili Costa
Head Kids, Karate & Muay Thai Coach - Co-Founder
🔫BJJ Black Belt
📋Diploma in Sports Coaching
Working with Children Card - First Aid Certified

Lili leads the Jaguars program with warmth, structure, and genuine expertise in child development. Her classes are fun, purposeful, and technically precise.

Steve Henderson - Head BJJ Coach GMA
● Head BJJ Coach - GMA Moolap
Steve Henderson
2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt - Pan-Pacific Champion
🔫BJJ 2nd Degree Black Belt
🏆Pan-Pacific BJJ Champion
First Aid Certified

Steve's depth of knowledge and championship-level pedigree underpins every part of the GMA BJJ curriculum, from the youngest Jaguar to the most experienced adult.

Common Questions

Every Parent Asks These

"My child has never trained before"

Perfect. The Jaguars program is designed for complete beginners. Every child in the class started exactly where your child will. We go from the very beginning, together.

"Will my child get hurt?"

Safety is our highest priority. BJJ is a contact art but it is taught progressively with age-appropriate methods. Children learn safe techniques in a structured, supervised environment.

"What if my child is shy or anxious?"

Many of our most confident students were the most hesitant on day one. Coach Lili has years of experience with children of all temperaments. There is no pressure - children warm up at their own pace.

"Which group - Little or Young Jaguars?"

Age ranges are a guide. Placement is determined by Coach Lili in consultation with parents after the trial class. You don't need to decide before you come in.

"What do they need to bring?"

Nothing on the first class - just comfortable clothes and a water bottle. Once enrolled, a GMA-branded Gi uniform is available at GMA at highly reasonable prices.

"How do I get started?"

Book a trial class online. The $25 trial fee is credited toward your membership or uniform when you sign up. Contact us if you have any questions first - we are always happy to help.

Ready to Start?

Your Jaguar's Journey
Starts Here.

Book a trial class and come in. No experience needed, no gear required. We will take it from there.

0482 712 400 info@geelongmartialarts.com.au 8/63-69 Anomaly Street, Moolap, Geelong VIC

#WEAREGMA

GEELONG MARTIAL ARTS
#WEAREGMA - BJJ Jaguars - Kids BJJ - Ages 5-12 - Moolap, Geelong

2026 Geelong Martial Arts - 8/63-69 Anomaly Street, Moolap VIC - geelongmartialarts.com.au