Top 5 BJJ Schools for Kids in Orlando

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has become increasingly popular among children in Orlando, offering not just self-defense skills but also discipline, confidence, and physical fitness. Here’s a look at the top five BJJ schools for kids in the Orlando area, with a special focus on GCBJJ Guto Campos BJJ Orlando.

1. GCBJJ Guto Campos BJJ Orlando

Premier Children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training

Leading the pack is GCBJJ Guto Campos BJJ Orlando, a top destination for children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. Guto Campos, a black belt under the legendary Gustavo Ramos Campos, brings over two decades of BJJ experience, including training numerous world champions. His passion and dedication make GCBJJ an exceptional choice for kids starting their BJJ journey.

Fun and Educational Program

The kids’ program at GCBJJ is designed to be both fun and educational. Classes focus on building a strong foundation in BJJ techniques while also emphasizing important life skills like respect, discipline, and perseverance. The instructors are highly skilled and trained to work with children, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. GCBJJ offers multiple classes per week for different age groups and provides a trial offer for new students.

Key Details:

Number of Instructors: 2 main instructors (Guto Campos and Kelly Leleux)
Other Martial Arts Offered: Primarily BJJ
Kids Classes: Yes
Affiliate Schools: Yes, part of the GCBJJ network
Trial Offer: Yes
Classes per Week: Multiple for different age groups
Short-Term Contracts: Available

2. American Top Team Orlando

Renowned Network and Comprehensive Training

Another excellent option for kids’ BJJ training is American Top Team Orlando, part of the renowned American Top Team network. This school benefits from a wealth of knowledge and resources, offering structured classes that keep children engaged while building their skills progressively.

Flexible and Engaging Curriculum

With a variety of martial arts programs and flexible scheduling, ATT Orlando is a solid choice for families. The program ensures that children develop both physically and mentally, with a strong emphasis on character building.

Key Details:

Number of Instructors: Several experienced instructors
Other Martial Arts Offered: MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai
Kids Classes: Yes
Affiliate Schools: Yes, part of the ATT network
Trial Offer: Yes
Classes per Week: Multiple options
Short-Term Contracts: Available

3. Gracie Barra Orlando Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Global Brand with Local Excellence

Gracie Barra is one of the most recognized names in BJJ, with a strong presence in Orlando. Their kids’ program follows the Gracie Barra curriculum, ensuring consistent quality across all their schools.

Certified Instructors and Structured Learning

Certified instructors lead the classes, offering multiple sessions per week and a trial offer for new students. The curriculum is designed to be both comprehensive and accessible.

Key Details:

Number of Instructors: Multiple Gracie Barra certified instructors
Other Martial Arts Offered: Self-defense focused BJJ
Kids Classes: Yes
Affiliate Schools: Yes, part of the Gracie Barra network
Trial Offer: Yes
Classes per Week: Several options for different age groups
Short-Term Contracts: Available

4. Bruno Malfacine Academy

World-Class Instruction from a Champion

Founded by eight-time BJJ world champion Bruno Malfacine, this academy brings world-class instruction to Orlando’s youth. The program is designed to be engaging and challenging, focusing on both technical proficiency and character development.

Character Development through BJJ

At Bruno Malfacine Academy, the kids’ program helps children grow both physically and mentally. The school offers several classes per week with short-term contract options available.

Key Details:

Number of Instructors: Bruno Malfacine and additional certified instructors
Other Martial Arts Offered: Primarily BJJ
Kids Classes: Yes
Affiliate Schools: Limited
Trial Offer: Yes
Classes per Week: Multiple options
Short-Term Contracts: Available

5. Apex BJJ Academy Orlando

Competition-Oriented and Technically Focused

Apex BJJ Academy Orlando stands out for its competition-oriented approach and strong emphasis on technical proficiency. The academy offers a structured curriculum that progresses from basic techniques to more advanced strategies as children grow.

Key Details:

Number of Instructors: 3 (1 black belt, 1 brown belt, 1 purple belt)
Other Martial Arts Offered: None, BJJ-focused
Kids Classes: Yes
Affiliate Schools: Yes, part of the Apex BJJ network
Trial Offer: Yes, 1-week free trial
Classes per Week: 6 kids’ classes, 10 adult classes
Short-Term Contracts: Available, 3-month minimum

Conclusion

When choosing a BJJ school for your child, consider the quality of instruction, focus on safety, and overall atmosphere. GCBJJ Guto Campos BJJ Orlando excels with world-class instruction, a comprehensive kids’ program, and a positive environment. Each school has its strengths, so take advantage of trial offers to find the best fit for your family.

1. The Guard

The guard is one of the most fundamental positions in BJJ. Imagine you’re lying on your back with your legs wrapped around your opponent. This might seem like a defensive position, but it’s actually a powerful platform for launching attacks and sweeps. There are several variations of the guard, including the closed guard, open guard, and half guard. Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of black belt trainers of Guto Campos.

Closed Guard: In the closed guard, you keep your legs locked around your opponent’s waist. This gives you control over their posture and limits their movement. From here, you can set up submissions like the armbar or triangle choke.

Open Guard: In the open guard, your legs are not locked but rather used to control and push against your opponent. This position offers more mobility and the ability to create distance.

Half Guard: The half guard is when one of your opponent’s legs is trapped between your legs. It’s a transition position that can lead to sweeps and submissions.

2. The Mount

The mount is another crucial position in BJJ. When you have the mount, you’re sitting on top of your opponent’s chest or abdomen, with your knees pinning their arms and hips. This is a dominant position because you have gravity on your side, making it difficult for your opponent to escape.

Full Mount: In the full mount, you have both of your knees on the ground, and you’re sitting on your opponent’s torso. From here, you can deliver strikes (in a self-defense scenario) or set up submissions like the armbar or Americana.

S-Mount: The S-mount is a more advanced variation where one of your knees is up, and the other is down, resembling an “S” shape. This position provides better control and more submission options.

Mount Escapes: Knowing how to escape the mount is just as important as knowing how to secure it. Techniques like the bridge and roll or shrimping out can help you reverse the position and gain the upper hand.

3. The Back Control

Back control is often considered the ultimate position in BJJ. When you have your opponent’s back, you’re in a prime spot to finish the fight. In this position, you’re behind your opponent with your legs wrapped around their waist (hooks) and your arms controlling their upper body.

Hooks: The hooks are your legs wrapped around your opponent’s waist, preventing them from escaping. Proper use of hooks is essential for maintaining control.

Seatbelt Grip: The seatbelt grip involves one arm going over your opponent’s shoulder and the other under their armpit, locking your hands together. This grip provides control and sets up choke opportunities.

Rear Naked Choke: The rear naked choke is one of the most effective submissions from back control. It involves using your arms to choke your opponent by cutting off the blood flow to their brain, leading to a quick and safe submission.

4. The Armbar

Basic Armbar from Guard: To perform an armbar from the guard, you first control your opponent’s arm and break their posture. Then, you pivot your hips and swing one leg over their head while keeping their arm tight to your chest. By extending your hips, you apply pressure to their elbow, forcing them to tap out.

Mounted Armbar: From the mount position, you can slide into an armbar by isolating your opponent’s arm and transitioning your legs over their head and chest. This version offers more control and leverage.

Armbar Defense: Understanding how to defend against an armbar is crucial. Techniques like stacking your opponent or slipping your arm out can help you escape and counterattack.

5. The Triangle Choke

Setting Up the Triangle: To set up a triangle choke, you first control your opponent’s posture and isolate one of their arms. Then, you position your legs to form a triangle around their neck and arm, locking your ankle behind your knee. By squeezing your legs together and pulling their head down, you apply the choke.

Variations: There are several variations of the triangle choke, including the arm-in triangle, the reverse triangle, and the mounted triangle. Each offers different angles and setups.

Triangle Defense: Escaping a triangle choke requires quick thinking and precise technique. Common defenses include posturing up, stacking your opponent, or using your free arm to create space and break the choke.