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 protectors since 2018
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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 classTuesday
1 classWednesday
1 classThursday
1 classFriday
1 classThe Journey Kids Difference
How Journey Jiu Jitsu Compares to Other Self Defense Schools:
Journey Jiu Jitsu Kids Program
- Effective Grappling Skills that won't get child suspeneded
- Character Development
- Resistance-based Live Training
- Certified Adult Instructors
- Mats Cleaned 2x Daily
- Real Self-Defense Skills
- Belt Fees, Promotion Fees
- Convenient Madison Location
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.
Coach Alex
Head Instructor
Experience
Certifications
Coach Brian
Instructor
Experience
Certifications
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 WayMadison, 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.
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.
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.