By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 5/19/25
As summer rolls into Iowa City, many parents face the same challenge: how do I keep my kids off their iPads and engaged in something healthy? With schools out and the structure of the school year gone, screen time is filling the gap—often at the expense of a child’s development.
According to recent screen time statistics, tweens (ages 8–12) now spend an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes per day on screens, not including schoolwork. This number is rising year after year. Too much screen time has been linked to poor sleep, reduced social skills, and limited physical activity—all of which can stunt a child’s emotional and physical growth.
If you’re looking for a better option this summer, Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a fun, active, and transformative alternative: BJJ for kids.
Why BJJ is Gaining Ground as the Go-To Activity for Kids
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why—especially when it comes to kids. Instead of being stuck indoors, kids at Citadel BJJ are:
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Moving their bodies and staying active
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Learning real-world self-defense in a safe, structured way
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Developing confidence and self-discipline
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Practicing humility and respect
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Working toward clear goals with purpose
BJJ isn’t just exercise—it’s a tool for mental, emotional, and social development, making it a powerful antidote to screen overload.
The Perfect Gym for Kids
Review:
‘My son is in the kids’ program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We wanted to enroll him in this program to help increase his confidence, discipline, and self-awareness skills. The coaches are great, and he loves it. I’d highly recommend ☺️.”
— Lynde Nedved
Goal-Setting Through BJJ: Building Life Skills Beyond the Mats
Summer is the perfect time to build habits that last. Our blog, How Martial Arts Like BJJ Build Goal-Setting Habits in Kids, breaks down how kids who train BJJ develop:
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Goal-setting and follow-through as they progress through belts
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Resilience by learning how to lose, reset, and try again
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Confidence through consistent, real growth
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Accountability by showing up and working hard each class
These skills naturally extend to school, home life, and friendships.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Class
If you’re ready to help your child step away from screens and try something new this summer, you might be wondering what their first class will be like. In our blog, What to Expect at Your Child’s First Citadel BJJ Class, we walk you through everything from what to wear to how our coaches run class.
Here are a few quick highlights:
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Your child can wear simple athletic clothes—no fancy gear needed
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Classes start with warmups, then move into drills, technique, and fun games
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Respect, focus, and listening are built into every session
With 5–6 coaches on the mat, your child will get personalized attention in a supportive environment.
Two Kids Programs at Citadel BJJ
Schedule:
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Ages 3–6 Program:
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Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday nights, 5:00–5:30 PM
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Focus: Basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling techniques, listening skills, and team respect.
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Ages 7–13 Program:
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Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, 5:00–6:00 PM
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Focus: Fundamental BJJ techniques, specific sparring, discipline, and teamwork.
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👉 To learn more about why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is considered the best martial art for kids, check out this article.
Meet Our Coaches:
At Citadel BJJ, your child will be coached by one of the most experienced and passionate teams in the Midwest.
Head Coach: James Kelly
With over 20 years of experience coaching youth wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Coach James brings an unmatched level of expertise, care, and energy to every kids class. He has:
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Coached kids who have gone on to become NCAA wrestling champions
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Trained BJJ world champions from the ground up
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Spent decades helping children build confidence, discipline, and lifelong habits
He’s not just a world-class coach — he’s a mentor, motivator, and leader who treats every student like family.
Our Coaching Team
Alongside Coach James, we have six coaches on the mat every night for our kids’ classes, ensuring your child gets individual attention and support. Our team includes:
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Active BJJ competitors with experience at tournaments across the country
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Role models who lead by example — on and off the mats
Why Your Child Should Train at Citadel BJJ Iowa City
✅ Newly built, state-of-the-art facility
✅ The most 5-star Google reviews in Iowa (285 and counting!)
✅ Highly experienced instructors
✅ A supportive, friendly community
No matter your experience level, we welcome everyone—from beginners to seasoned martial artists. Whether you’re training for fitness, competition, or self-defense, you’ll find a home at Citadel BJJ Iowa City.
Author Box:
I’m Logan, a brown belt and fundamentals coach at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. As an assistant kids coach with competition experience across the USA, I’ve been grappling since 2017. I focus on building a strong foundation for beginners and fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Read more Citadel BJJ Blogs: https://bjjiniowacity.com/iowa-city-blog/
Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Iowa City
Address: 2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240
319-855-8110
Url: https://www.bjjiniowacity.com
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