New to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
Thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids in Glasgow? We know trying something new can feel daunting, but our beginner BJJ classes are designed to make every child feel welcome, supported, and confident from their very first session.
Whether your child is trying martial arts for the first time or building on what they’ve already learned, our timetable is structured to suit all experience levels.
Our best beginner-friendly BJJ classes:
Wednesday 18:00 – 19:00
Saturday 12:00 – 13:00
These sessions focus on the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe, structured, and fun environment. Kids will develop self-defence skills, improve fitness, and build confidence — all while making new friends on the mats.
To make it easy to get started, all new members receive a two-week free trial. This means your child can attend as many classes as they like, discover what works best for them, and begin their journey in BJJ with no pressure.
What to expect
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Our Saturday class is the perfect introduction to BJJ for children aged 4.5 - 11. This relaxed and beginner-friendly session is focused on easing children into the sport in a fun, supportive environment.
The class structure:
Warm-Up Games and Drills: Movement-based activities to improve coordination, athleticism, and fitness.
Learning BJJ Techniques: Participants are shown a technique and practise it with a partner, with guidance and corrections from our experienced coaches, Cameron and Jim.
Free Sparring: Kids have the opportunity to try what they’ve learned in a safe, controlled environment. Newer participants are sensibly partnered, and our coaches ensure everyone understands the rules and expectations.
End-of-Class Game: A fun, group-wide activity to help the kids bond and finish the class on a high note.
This class is all about building confidence, learning new skills, and having fun!
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This class is ideal for beginners ready to take the next step or for those aged 4.5-15 who are starting their BJJ journey.
The class is split by age and experience levels:
Class structure - Ages 4.5–10
Warm-Ups: Children engage in partner “shrimping” drills. An essential skill for BJJ. Why is it called shrimping? You’ll know when you see it!
Grappling Games: Fun, engaging games designed to teach the fundamentals of BJJ.
Learning and Practice: Kids are introduced to one or two new moves per class and practice with a partner under coach supervision.
Sparring: Positional or light free sparring is introduced in a controlled, supportive way. Coaches ensure all pairings are sensible and the rules are clear to everyone.
End-of-Class Game: A fun, group-wide activity to help the kids bond and finish the class on a high note.
Class structure - Ages 10+ and Experienced Members
Technique and Drills: Participants focus on learning advanced techniques and drilling them to build confidence and precision.
Sparring Progression: They’ll move through positional sparring and finish with free sparring to apply their skills in real-time.
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In addition to our dedicated beginner sessions, we welcome beginners to join our all-levels classes. These classes provide a fantastic opportunity for new students to experience a wider variety of techniques and training styles while learning alongside more experienced teammates. We split the class when necessary based on skill level to ensure all children are receiving the optimal training plan.
Our all-levels classes include:
Thursday Gi (1800-1900): Practice traditional Gi techniques, grips, and positional control in a supportive environment. Grips on the Gi jacket and trousers are allowed.
Saturday Judo (10:00–11:00 AM): Learn dynamic throws and takedowns, a perfect complement to BJJ training.
Saturday Wrestling (11:00 AM–12:00 PM): Build explosive strength and improve takedown techniques with our wrestling sessions.
Our coaches ensure beginners feel supported in these classes, with personalised guidance
to help them adapt to the pace and learn effectively. Joining these sessions is a great way to broaden your child’s skills and fast-track their progression!
If you’re looking for a safe, welcoming space for your child to start BJJ, these classes are a great place to begin!
For Gi and Judo Classes: A BJJ Gi (available for loan at the gym free of charge, size dependent).
For NoGi and Wrestling Classes: T-shirt/rash guard and short/legging/joggers
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important!
Optional: Mouthguard for added safety during sparring.
what to bring
PROGRESSION PATHWAY
We believe in helping every child progress at their own pace, building both their confidence and skill. As your child gains experience and grows more comfortable on the mats, they’ll have the opportunity to move into more advanced classes:
Intermediate and Advanced Classes: For children who have mastered the basics, these classes introduce more complex techniques, positional strategies, and competitive sparring scenarios.
Competition Team: If your child is eager to test their skills, they can train with our competition team. Our coaches provide focused preparation for local, national, and international tournaments in a supportive, team-focused environment.
Our advanced timetable:
Monday 1800-1930 Gi Advanced
Friday 1700-1800 NoGi Advanced
1800 - 1900 Wrestling
Saturday 0900 - 1000 Gi & NoGi Competition Class
Our coaches will guide your child every step of the way, ensuring they are challenged appropriately and continue to enjoy their raining experience.
Belt PROGRESSION
As your child continues to develop their skills, they can expect to be rewarded with stripes on their belts and eventually, new belt colours.
The stripes indicate to your child that they are on the right path with their BJJ journey and that their development is noticed by the coaches. The stripe system works as follows:
Four white stripes
Replaced by four red stripes
Replaced by three black stripes. Instead of a fourth black stripe, the new belt is awarded.
Please note that at any time the coaches feel the child progressing fast and feels the child is ready for the new belt level, the belt can be awarded regardless of the number of stripes.
Please see image below for more information on belts:
