Child learning practical choke defense techniques in Madison self-defense class

Madison's Premier

Kids Self-Defense Program

Give Your Child Real Self-Defense Skills and Unshakeable Confidence to Handle Bullies, Stay Safe, and Protect Themselves - Without Teaching Them Violence

See Kids Schedule

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.

248
Kids Trained in Self-Defense

Building confident protectors since 2018

92%
Parents Report Increased Confidence

Within first 2 months of training

87%
Kids Feel Safer at School

According to parent surveys

40%
Achieved Higher Belt Ranks

Grey-Belt or Higher

4.9/5
Parent Safety Rating

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

Coach Standing with Promoted Kids

Age-Appropriate Programs

Self-Defense Training That Actually Works

We teach real-world safety skills through proven Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Your child learns to handle threats without becoming the aggressor, building confidence while staying safe.

Child learning practical self-defense escape techniques

Anti-Bullying Self-Defense

Your child learns to escape grabs, break free from holds, and create distance from threats - all without throwing punches or kicks. These are the same techniques police and military use to control situations safely. Not sure where to start? Read our complete guide to kids martial arts in Madison to compare your options.

Kids learning situational awareness and safety skills

Situational Awareness Training

We teach your child to recognize danger before it happens, trust their instincts, and make smart decisions. This mental training is just as important as the physical skills for staying safe.

Children building confidence through supervised practice

Confidence & Character Building

Every class builds your child's confidence through progressive skill mastery. They learn respect, discipline, and how to stand up for themselves and others without becoming a bully themselves.

What Parents Say

Real Stories from Madison Families

Don't just take our word for it - hear from local parents who've seen their children transform through our self-defense program. These families found the solution to their safety concerns right here in Madison.

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,…

Tannis Olsen
Google

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…

Lindsey Cheadle
Google

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 …

Brian Greunke
Google

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…

dorothy silverman
Google

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…

Sarah O'Grady
Google

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 …

Matt Roelli
Facebook

First session went great my son had never done anything like this before today...

Queen Ray
Google

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 …

Brian Greunke
Google

Class Schedule

Self-defense skills training for kids ages 6+ on the following days. Classes focus on practical safety techniques and confidence building.

Monday

1 class
Kids BJJ
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM · Alex

Tuesday

1 class
Kids BJJ
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM · Alex

Wednesday

1 class
Kids BJJ
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM · Alex

Thursday

1 class
Kids BJJ
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM · Alex

Friday

1 class
Kids BJJ
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM · Alex
Gi
No-Gi

The Journey Kids Difference

How Journey Jiu Jitsu Compares to Other Self Defense Schools:

Other Martial Arts Academies

  • Striking techniques that risk suspension
  • Character Development
  • Choreographed Techniques With No Resistance
  • Vaping Teenagers training your kids
  • Dirty Mats & Skin Infections
  • Screeching chants and wide-eyed theatrics
  • Belt Fees, Promotion Fees
  • Convenient Madison Location

Meet Our Certified Instructors

Your child's safety is in expert hands. Our instructors are certified in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and specially trained to work with children.

Photo of Coach Alex

Coach Alex

Head Instructor

As a corporate trainer and BJJ Brown Belt, Alex was quickly frustrated by how he saw Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu being taught in gyms and on the internet. Teaming up with some of the most technical Jiu-Jitsu players in the area, together they created an accelerated learning school that is getting rave …

Experience

9 yrs teaching 11 yrs training

Certifications

Brown Belt Instructional Design Certification Facilitator Certification
Photo of Coach Brian

Coach Brian

Instructor

Brian is a purple belt under Coach Alex who started training in 2021. As a law enforcement officer, Jiu-Jitsu is his passion and he believes that every discipline has something to offer and draw from to make us all the best grapplers we can be. His real-world experience brings a practical …

Experience

5 yrs teaching 6 yrs training

Certifications

Purple Belt

Parent Questions

Kids Self-Defense FAQ - Madison WI

Get answers to the most common questions parents ask about self-defense training, safety concerns, and what to expect from our program

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!

Can No-Gi training help with MMA or self-defense?

Yes! No-Gi is excellent preparation for MMA and real-world situations where people aren't wearing jackets. The takedowns, ground control, and submissions translate directly to practical applications.

Why is jiu jitsu self defense better than other popular martial arts?

Most martial arts don't teach anything about ground grappling, yet most fights end up on the ground and stay there according to FBI statistics. Jiu Jitsu specializes on ground fighting, especially fighting from bottom position.

Kids Self Defense Classes in Madison Location:

We're located at 3214 Kingsley Way. Madison, WI 53713

Journey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

3214 Kingsley Way
Madison, WI 53713

Getting Started is Easy

Your Child's Path to Confidence and Safety

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 about beginning self-defense training.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Click 'Get Started Now' to fill out our secure contact form. We'll organize a time to meet and discuss your child's specific needs and safety concerns.

2

Meet Our Instructors & Tour the Facility

Visit our Madison location at 3214 Kingsley Way. Meet our certified instructors, see our safety protocols, and let your child observe a class to get comfortable with the environment.

3

Start Your Child's Self-Defense Journey

Choose the program that fits your child's age and goals. No pushy sales - just expert guidance to help your child build confidence, learn safety skills, and have fun while staying safe.

Kids Bjj Rear Choke Defense Demo

Give Your Child Real Safety Skills

Start Your Child's Self-Defense Journey Today

Join Madison families who trust Journey BJJ to teach their children real safety skills, build confidence, and develop character. Schedule your free consultation and see our program firsthand.

Call (608) 416-1140