While looking for a gym to take my children, I decided to participate in Journey's 42 day challenge to experience the gym culture and instruction first hand, and now that I've completed the challenge,…
Why Parents Choose Journey BJJ for Kids Self-Defense
Real results from Madison families - see why we're the trusted choice for parents who want their children to develop real safety skills, confidence, and anti-bullying abilities.
Building confident, athletic kids
Within first 2 months of training
According to parent surveys
Grey-Belt or Higher
Trust in our teaching methods
A message from the Owner:
Dear Parents & Friends:
I’m Alex Andreev Owner here at Journey Academy and I'm happy you found us.
More important than the martial arts skills kids develop… are the personal skills they master and apply in real life.
That’s why kids jiu jitsu classes are so much more than just kicking and punching or earning a belt.
I look forward to meeting you in person,
Coach Alex
Class Schedule
We have kids classes for ages 6+ on the following days:
Monday
1 classTuesday
1 classWednesday
1 classThursday
1 classFriday
1 classWhat Parents Say
Real Stories from Madison Families
Don't just take our word for it - hear from local parents who've seen the transformation in their children through our kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program
Excellent kids program - the coaches are great at encouraging discipline and commitment along with teaching fun and thorough jiu jitsu techniques through demonstration, games, and lots of supervised o…
I've been coming here, along with my kids, for 7 months now. We all love it. The kids classes are fun for the kids, yet structured and disciplined enough to be a quality learning environment. Both of …
I can't recommend Journey enough for giving me an opportunity to try something totally out of my comfort zone. I've always been interested in fitness, but wanted to mix up my stale exercise routine. I…
Alex is a great coach. His classes are structured and fun and he handles large groups of children of different ages well. He is supportive when you are just learning about Jiu Jitsu. How many times ha…
My son absolutely loves training at Journey! It truly is incredible to see how much a 6 yr old can learn and grow in just a few short months learning Jiu-Jitsu ! I would highly recommend working with …
First session went great my son had never done anything like this before today...
I've been coming here, along with my kids, for 7 months now. We all love it. The kids classes are fun for the kids, yet structured and disciplined enough to be a quality learning environment. Both of …
Our Facility Is Clean and Safe for Kids Martial Arts
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The Perfect Martial Art for Kids
Unlike other martial arts that rely on punching and kicking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches children how to protect themselves through control, leverage, and technique - not violence.
Anti-Bullying Without Violence
Your child learns to stand up to bullies through confidence and assertiveness, not aggression. Brazilian jiu-jitsu teaches control and restraint — how to neutralize threats without causing harm, giving them tools to handle bullying situations safely and effectively. It's also one reason kids who train BJJ stick with it when they quit every other sport.
Build Unshakeable Confidence
Every class, your child overcomes challenges and masters new skills. This builds genuine self-confidence that shows in their posture, voice, and how they carry themselves - making them less likely to be targeted by bullies.
Safe & Age-Appropriate
No punching or kicking means fewer injuries. All techniques are modified for each age group, with certified instructors ensuring every child learns at their own pace in a safe, supportive environment. Still have questions? Read our Kids Martial Arts FAQ for the answers parents ask most.
Character Development
Respect, discipline, perseverance, and humility aren't just taught - they're practiced every class. Your child develops the character traits that will serve them throughout life, from school to career to relationships. Read about the five most important benefits for children training BJJ and why parents keep enrolling their kids.
Lifelong Friendships
Training together creates strong bonds. Your child will make friends with teammates who share similar values and interests, building a positive peer group that encourages good choices and mutual support. Visiting Madison or want to try a single class first? Kids drop-ins are welcome year-round.
Meet Our Team
Learn from experienced professionals
Coach Alex
Head Instructor
Experience
Certifications
Coach Brian
Instructor
Experience
Certifications
Parent Questions
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu FAQ - Madison WI
Get answers to the most common questions parents ask about our kids BJJ program, safety concerns, and what to expect for your child
What makes Journey BJJ Academy different for kids?
Kids of all levels and athletic abilities thrive at Journey BJJ Academy. We've found the perfect balance of letting kids have fun, but be disciplined when it counts. We have a super clean facility, huge mat-space, and convenient class times M-F.
Who are Journey Kids Jiu Jitsu classes perfect for?
Our kids classes are perfect for kids who struggle to focus or need an outlet for excess energy, kids who are being bullied in school or lack the confidence to stand up for themselves, kids with limited physical activity or who need to get in shape, and shy kids who struggle with team sports.
What if my child doesn't want to participate?
Some kids who come to us are resistant at first, but we know that kids need to have fun to stick with something. That's why we play mini-games at the end of many of our classes. After a few weeks of classes, our kids are usually pumped to come to classes regularly.
Where is your schedule of kids Jiu Jitsu classes?
You can find our complete kids class schedule on our schedule page - just make sure you filter for "Kids Classes"
How much do kids classes cost?
We charge $25 per class for drop-ins. We also have multiple programs including our Kids Intro Program. Pricing varies depending on the child's experience level, #of weekly classes, and program type/length.
Who are Kids Jiu Jitsu classes not right for?
Our kids classes may not be the best fit for kids under the age of 6 years old or aggressive/violent kids with severe behavioral problems. They may not be the best fit for you if you're only able to train once per week.
Why should I pick your kids martial arts academy over others?
Here are just a few reasons: We teach practical and age appropriate self defense techniques. Most fights go to the ground. We specialize in ground grappling because that's what happens in real fights. Kids classes are built on LIVE TRAINING - where kids are learning to use these techniques against resistance. This forces kids to use proper technique and make it automatic. Our classes are actually fun for kids – they will not think it's a chore. We are a family-friendly, beginner-friendly, inclusive environment. We have a satisfaction guarantee. Your child's goals and results are more important to us than money.
Does my child need any prior martial arts experience?
No, they do not. Most kids here had no prior background before they got started.
My child doesn't do well with sports - will martial arts be any different?
Some kids who come to us are resistant at first, but we know that kids need to have fun to stick with something. That's why we play mini-games at the end of many of our classes. After a few weeks of classes, our kids are usually pumped to come to classes regularly.
Will martial arts make my child violent?
Absolutely not! We don't teach kids how to kick and punch – jiu jitsu isn't about that.
Instead, we teach kids self-defense as a tool for personal growth and development.
Kids learn to treat others as they want to be treated. They learn to respect all living things – from their parents to pets.
Often, kids who had violent tendencies before they joined our class changed, and became more respectful of other people's space. So no, martial arts won't make your child violent!
Is it safe for my child to learn self-defense?
Absolutely. Safety is our top priority. Unlike striking arts that teach punching and kicking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on control, leverage, and escape techniques. All training is done in a controlled environment with certified instructors who specialize in working with children. We've maintained a perfect safety record since 2018 with zero serious injuries.
Will self-defense training make my child more aggressive?
No, quite the opposite. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches control, not aggression. Children learn when NOT to use techniques just as much as when to use them. We emphasize de-escalation, walking away when possible, and only using physical skills as a last resort. The discipline and respect built through training actually reduces aggressive behavior.
Check Out Our Kids Blog Posts
Explore the many benefits of jiu jitsu for kids and what to expect. Get to know us by reading our latest articles.
The Summer Friendship Cliff: Why Kids Lose Touch When School Ends
It’s 10 a.m. on the third day of summer. Your kid is on the couch, knees up, thumb hovering over a phone. She typed “wanna hang out?” to her best friend from class an hour ago. No …
Childhood Obesity Just Hit a Record 21%. New JAMA Data Shows Why Early Action Matters.
A doctor at UW Health sees about 12 new families a week. That’s the pace at the UW Health Kids Fitness Clinic on Science Drive. Dr. Aaron Carrel and his team treat roughly 600 new kids a year …
Netflix's Lord of the Flies Showed Parents What Boys Without Structure Become. Boys Already Know.
A boy sits on the couch on a 75-degree Madison afternoon, phone in hand, head down. His mom asks how school was. He shrugs. She asks if anything’s bothering him. He shrugs again. Two months ago, …
Getting Started is Easy
Your Child's Journey to Confidence Starts Here
We make it simple to get your child started with our proven 3-step process that helps both kids and parents feel comfortable and confident
Click 'Get Started Now'
Fill in your info in the secure contact form! This is purely so we can organize a time to meet.
Schedule Your Informational Meeting
Mark your calendar and make sure you show up at 3214 Kingsley Way at the right date and time. We'll remind you!
Select Program for your Child
We'll meet to figure out the best program for you (experience level? schedule? frequency?) We have various intro and long term programs to suit your needs. No pushy sales stuff.