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,…
Our Philosophy
It's Not Just A Sport. It's a Life Skill
Just as every child should know how to swim for safety and confidence around water, every child benefits from knowing how to handle themselves when threatened—because parents can’t always be there in the moment.
- Anti-Violence Through Control - Control both physical and mental
- Technique and Consistency Beats Talent
- Confidence Through Competence - Skills built on live training and resistance are what matters
- Safe Learning Environment - Professional adult instructors, policing of safety on the mat
- Unbreakable spirit - the struggle IS the growth.
Journey Jiu Jitsu's
Mission for Kids
“Our mission is to develop confident, respectful, and resilient children through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—raising protectors who strengthen Madison’s community for generations to come.”
The Journey Kids Difference
Why Madison Parents Choose Journey BJJ for Their Kids
Winner
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
What Parents Say
Real Reviews: Find Them on FB, Google, Yelp
Hear from Madison parents who've seen their children gain confidence, discipline, and life skills through our kids BJJ 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 …
The instructors and students all have a great attitude. My 13‑year‑old daughter loves training here.
If you’re reading this review, then you’re considering training with Journey Academy; Do It! When I joined, I was simply looking for a form of exercise that introduced a social aspect, since activitie…
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…
Great for both kids and adults! Great community.
What Makes Kids Programs Different
The Journey Advantage for Children
Why Madison parents choose Journey BJJ over other martial arts and activities for their children's development
Confidence Without Aggression
Our kids learn to stand up for themselves and others through technique and mental strength, not aggression. They develop quiet confidence that shows in school, at home, and in social situations. Parents consistently report improved self-esteem and leadership skills.
Real Anti-Bullying Skills
BJJ teaches children how to neutralize bullies safely without throwing punches or causing harm. They learn to control situations, escape danger, and protect themselves and others with techniques that actually work in real scenarios.
Discipline That Transfers Everywhere
The focus and respect required in BJJ naturally carries over to schoolwork, chores, and family relationships. Parents report improved listening skills, better grades, and increased responsibility at home.
Physical Fitness They Actually Enjoy
Kids get an incredible workout while having fun and learning valuable skills. BJJ develops coordination, flexibility, strength, and endurance through engaging activities rather than boring exercises.
Character Building & Life Skills
Beyond physical techniques, kids learn respect, perseverance, goal-setting, and how to handle both success and failure. These character traits serve them throughout their lives in school, careers, and relationships.
Parent Questions
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu FAQ for Parents
Get answers to common questions parents ask about kids BJJ, safety concerns, and what to expect in your child's first classes
What makes Journey BJJ Academy different?
Many MMA schools around Madison offer a "buffet" of martial arts like fitness kickboxing, self-defense, karate, etc. Not us. Our focus is teaching authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We also have a world-class facility, with clean mats. Our classes have strong focus on behavior science, and structured programming so that you maintain and continue to progress skills.
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 Jiu Jitsu Madison classes perfect for?
Our classes are perfect for business professionals looking to take things up a notch and CRUSH stress, those who want a FUN way to get back in shape or learn self-defense, Military or Law Enforcement officers looking to add new skills and go home safe, people looking to challenge themselves with competition, and people looking to find a positive community and improve mental health.
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 Journey Jiu Jitsu classes not right for?
Our classes may not be the best fit for non-Madison Area residents (commute > 30 minutes to the gym), college students with heavy class loads and changing priorities, professionals with heavy/frequent travel, or individuals unable to attend at least 2 classes per week (on average).