For parents caught between their kids’ begging to join a martial arts class and a strict “no hitting allowed” rule at home, consider Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a style that focuses on grappling techniques to defend against an opponent without punching or kicking. The full-body moves build strength and motor skills, and perhaps more importantly, the lessons learned on the floor mat – mental toughness, respect, confidence and self-discipline – can improve a child’s personal development in the real world.
Check out these DFW locations for classes open to boys and girls.
North Dallas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts
The Plano studio offers classes Monday through Thursday and on Saturday for ages 5–12, and all classes incorporate a bully prevention program, called the Bully Task Force. Get two free introduction sessions, join at any time during the year, and create a tailored schedule of up to five classes per week for $99 per month.
Plano, 972/679-4387
northdallasmma.com
Cobra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Cobra offers weekly classes at its two locations for ages 5–13. Join Wednesday and Friday classes from 4:30–5:30pm at University Park or Tuesday and Thursday classes from 5–6pm in Plano. Get your first class for free and enroll at any time for up to four weekly classes at one or both locations for $100 per month.
University Park, 469/879-4274
Plano, 469/879-4274
cobrabjj.com
RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu
The instructors at RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu serve ages 5 and older at four locations and ages 4 and older at its fifth location in The Colony. All locations offer classes Monday–Thursday and Saturday and you can make your own schedule. Uniforms are included in the tuition, and each location charges a different rate. Call for more information and for a free introductory class.
Farmers Branch, 972/934-1316
East Dallas/Lake Highlands, 214/221-1977
Fort Worth, 817/339-6609
Grand Prairie, 972/352-5994
The Colony, 214/494-6111
carlosmachado.net
Evolve Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts
The academy’s two locations offer classes for kids, teens and adults as well as discounts for families. The Irving location serves ages 5 and older with classes three days per week, and the Fort Worth location serves ages 3½ and older with classes five days per week and offers an afterschool program with free transportation included.
Fort Worth, 817/886-4970
Irving, 972/636-1131
evolvebjj.com
Independent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association
This new Arlington studio offers a special class for families with kids ages 6 and older. Parents can join their children in learning jiu-jitsu techniques on Monday–Wednesday from 5:45–6:30pm and Saturday from 10:30–11:30am. You can make your own schedule, and prices are based on a monthly membership fee that allows entry to any of the classes at the student’s level.
Arlington, 817/475-0500
facebook.com/ibjja
Mohler MMA Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts
Kids ages 4–6 can take the Little Dragons classes on Tuesday and Thursday for $100 per month, and classes Monday–Saturday are available for ages 7–12 for $125 per month. Instructors recommend that kids attend at least twice per week and classes are offered at multiple times each day. There is no enrollment fee and each child receives a free uniform.
Coppell, 214/738-0640
mohlerjiu-jitsu.com
Star Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Two studio locations offer classes for ages 5–12. In Carrollton, classes are offered Tuesday–Thursday from 6–6:45pm and in Lewisville, classes are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5–5:45pm. Make your own schedule; tuition rates start at $120 per month and the first class is free.
Carrollton, 214/727-9550
Lewisville, 214/727-9550
starbjj.com
