Sound Familiar?
Every Parent Worries
These are the things parents tell us before signing up. Here's what actually happens on the mat.
🛡️ “My kid won't stand up for themselves”
They learn to hold their ground calmly — on the mat and off it. Jiu-Jitsu teaches them how to control a situation without throwing a punch.
🧠 “They can't sit still or focus”
Training demands their full attention in a way a screen never will. Parents consistently tell us they see better focus at home and at school within weeks.
💪 “They spend too much time on screens”
This gives them something physical, social, and challenging to look forward to. Kids who train ask to come back — you don't have to drag them.
🌱 “They need more confidence”
Real confidence comes from earning something hard. Every stripe, every technique drilled, every time they get back up — it adds up.
What They Get
More Than Moves on a Mat
Jiu-Jitsu builds character that shows up at the dinner table and in the classroom.
Real Self-Defense
Practical techniques that actually work — taught in a safe, controlled environment where safety comes first.
Focus & Discipline
Training demands full attention. Kids learn to listen, follow instructions, and stay present — skills that carry into the classroom.
Genuine Confidence
Not the participation-trophy kind. The kind that comes from earning a stripe, solving a problem, and getting back up after a tough roll.
Friendships That Matter
Kids make real friends here — built through shared effort, not just shared screens. They learn to respect each other on and off the mat.
Free Parent's Guide to Kids Martial Arts
Everything parents need to know — what to expect, how kids benefit, first-class prep, and how martial arts builds character.
- How martial arts builds confidence & discipline
- What your child's first class looks like
- Age-appropriate training explained
- Tips for supporting your young athlete
Our Age Groups
Seeds, Sprouts & Buds
Three age groups, one philosophy: meet kids where they are and give them something real to grow into. Gi classes run Tue & Thu for ages 5–12.
Seeds
Movement games, coordination drills, and basic mat etiquette. They're learning martial arts before they even realize it.
- Play-based learning that builds real skills
- Basic coordination and balance drills
- Introduction to mat etiquette and respect
- Building the attention span for structured training
Sprouts
Foundational techniques, light sparring, and character development that parents notice at home.
- Core Jiu-Jitsu positions and escapes
- Character development built into every class
- Structured belt progression they earn
- Light controlled sparring with safety first
Buds
Advanced technique development with competition opportunities for those who want them. These kids are getting ready for adult classes.
- Advanced techniques and game development
- Competition preparation for those who want it
- Leadership roles within the kids program
- Smooth transition path to adult classes at 13
Watch & Learn
See Our Kids Program in Action
Head Coach
Judah Ciervo
BJJ Black Belt
Judah oversees the entire kids program — from curriculum design to belt progression. With over 25 years in martial arts, he brings structured, patient instruction to every class. Meet the coaching team →
Kids Schedule
Five Days a Week
Gi on Tuesday & Thursday. No-Gi on Monday, Wednesday & Saturday. Age-appropriate groups so your kid trains with peers.
Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Tue & Thu · 5:30 PM · Ages 5–12
Submission Grappling (No-Gi)
Mon, Wed & Sat — multiple age groups
Seeds, Sprouts & Buds (4-12 All Ages)
Sat · 9:15 AM
Seeds & Sprouts No-Gi (4-9)
Mon · 4:30 PM
Seeds & Sprouts
Wed · 4:30 PM
Buds No-Gi (10-12)
Mon & Wed · 5:30 PM
Kids Gi Jiu-Jitsu (5-12)
Tue & Thu · 5:30 PM
Tip: New to The Garden? Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday is the best day for a first class. Once your child is training regularly, we'll advise on the right gi for Tuesday/Thursday classes.
From Our Community
What Parents Are Saying
“I’ve been a member at the Garden for two+ years and it has been consistently awesome. Keren and Judah have put so much time and attention into this school and it shows — everything from decor, to their website/check-in, to the curriculum itself is so wonderfully curated. Every new instructor and seminar I have experienced completely fit their vibe and level of excellence. Judah is the type of mind that I truly believe would have excelled at anything, and we are fortunate he chose to focus on combat. The lessons, progressions, concepts, cadence, warmups and drills are all dialed in. Lastly, for anyone in a similar position: I am neurodivergent and struggle in social situations. It took me a long time to find a gym that worked for me, and there is a reason the Garden was the one to stick. Give it a go — it’s rad.”
Dan Rudy
Member
“This gym is a treasure. Other gyms can be inhospitable and dangerous. Judah and Keren demonstrate care for practitioners and do not put them at risk of injury. The progressions of the lessons are thought out and build seamlessly on one another. Excellent gym! 2 year update: Better every time!”
Joshua Liken
Member
“I’ve been training at this gym for the past year and a half or so. The coaches are amazing and knowledgeable — patient and kind. The facilities are clean, organized and make you feel at peace immediately when you walk in. It’s very beginner friendly, but they also push you to be your best if you’re more experienced. Their mentorship goes beyond the gym, and the lessons I’ve learned here apply to more than just Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. They have curated a family, a community, and a place to turn yourself into a lethal weapon all in one. Judah is a black belt in BJJ and a former pro fighter; Keren is a BJJ purple belt — so they know what they are talking about. There’s also a sauna... What more is there to say?”
Nathan Dreschel
Member
FAQ
Questions Parents Ask
Is martial arts safe for young children?+
Safety is the first thing we built the program around. Age-appropriate techniques, clean soft mats, and careful supervision. Your kid will learn to fall safely before they learn anything else.
Will martial arts make my child aggressive?+
The opposite. Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids to stay calm under pressure, control their body, and resolve conflict without striking. Kids who train tend to become more composed, not more aggressive — because they've learned they don't need to prove anything.
My kid doesn't like sports. Will they like this?+
Many of our kids came here after trying team sports that didn't click. Jiu-Jitsu is different — there's no bench, no getting picked last, no pressure to be the fastest. Every kid progresses at their own pace, and the individual nature of the art means introverted or non-sporty kids often thrive here.
My child is being bullied. Can Jiu-Jitsu help?+
Yes. Jiu-Jitsu gives kids the tools to protect themselves and the confidence to set boundaries. Just as importantly, training in a supportive environment reminds them that they belong somewhere — and that feeling of belonging changes everything. We've seen it many times.
What's the difference between Gi and No-Gi?+
No-Gi (Submission Grappling) is trained in athletic clothes — it's faster-paced and great for beginners. Gi classes use the traditional uniform (the gi), which adds grips, slows the game down, and develops more technical precision. We recommend starting with No-Gi and adding Gi classes once your child is comfortable.
What should my child wear?+
For No-Gi classes (Mon/Wed/Sat), just athletic clothes — no zippers or metal buttons. For Gi classes (Tue/Thu), a jiu-jitsu gi is required. Don't buy one before talking to us — we'll help you choose the right fit and brand.
Can I watch my child's class?+
Absolutely. We have a viewing area and we encourage parents to watch — especially the first few classes. You'll see exactly what your kid is learning.
How does the family membership work?+
One family account, one bill. Add all your children, sign waivers once, and manage everything in one place. And yes — you can train alongside your kids if you want to.
Pricing
Transparent Pricing. No Guessing.
Every plan includes unlimited kids classes — both Gi and No-Gi.
Kids Bi-Weekly
6-month commitment
Unlimited kids classes billed every two weeks.
Kids Monthly (12-month)
12-month commitment
Age-specific classes with structured belt progression.
Kids Monthly
6-month minimum commitment
Unlimited kids classes billed monthly. 6-month minimum commitment.
Kids Saturday Only
No contract
Saturday classes only. Perfect for busy families.
Not ready to commit? Try a $35 Day Pass — no commitment, no pressure.