What to Expect at Your Child’s First Citadel BJJ Class

Here’s what your child will experience depending on their age group:

Ages 3–6 Class Experience

• Warm-ups: Fun movements to get the kids active and engaged.

• Skill Development: Basic BJJ and wrestling techniques focused on balance, movement, and coordination.

• Character Building: We emphasize respect and listening skills — listening to the coaches and showing courtesy to teammates is a major focus.

• Fun Sparring and Wrestling: Light, supervised sparring at the end of class that the kids absolutely love.

• Games and Team Bonding: Every class ends with a fun game to promote teamwork and make the experience memorable.

We maintain a high coach-to-student ratio, with 5–6 coaches on the mats every night, ensuring plenty of attention and guidance for every child.

Ages 7–13 Class Experience

• Structured Warm-ups: To build strength, flexibility, and mat awareness.

• Technique Focus: More detailed instruction on core BJJ techniques and specific positional sparring.

• Discipline and Respect: Just like the younger group, we continue emphasizing respect, listening, and sportsmanship.

• Positive Coaching: With 5–6 coaches on the mat, each student receives personal attention, feedback, and encouragement.

Our head kids’ coach, James Kelly, brings over 20 years of coaching experience in BJJ and wrestling. He also co-founded and built the successful youth program The Eastern Iowa Wrestling Club  and is passionate about developing the next generation of martial artists.

If you’re wondering more about the benefits Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can offer your child beyond the mats, take a look at 8 Reasons Why Your Kid Should Be Training BJJ.