Jiu Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a dynamic martial art and sport that focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. Very similar to wrestling or judo. Unlike many other martial arts that emphasize striking, BJJ teaches practitioners how to control and neutralize opponents using leverage, technique, and position. This makes it an excellent choice for self-defense, bully prevention, and coordination development as it allows a smaller person to defend against a larger, stronger opponent.

In a typical BJJ class, you’ll learn various techniques such as takedowns, reversals, submissions, and control positions which are designed to safely and effectively incapacitate an opponent. The training also includes sparring sessions, known as "rolling," where you can practice these techniques in a safe and controlled environment.

BJJ is not just about physical strength. It's often referred to as "the gentle art" because it prioritizes technique over brute force. This makes it accessible to people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels.

Jiu jitsu is a particularly powerful tool for helping kids learn emotional resilience as it puts them in physically uncomfortable but safe positions that require them to use their breath and conscious movements to advance the position. This type of training gives children a framework and tactics to work through discomfort- something that will serve them in other areas of their lives.

For more advanced practitioners, or those looking for a challenge, jiu jitsu can evolve beyond a hobby or self defense practice, to a sport, which involves deeper technical focus, training, and strategy.

At HLPFC we are proud to emphasize both competitive sport jiu jitsu and self defense effectiveness.

Short answer: 5.

Long answer: It's less about age and more about ability to focus and participate as part of a group. We've seen children as young as 3 get a lot out of jiu jitsu and of course there are those rare cases when a child isn't ready til 6 or so. But in general, we say 5. If you're unsure of your child's ability bring them by to see. They are welcome to a free trial class to see how they do.

Unless you are an experienced grappler or jiu jitsu practitioner (and usually, even then) please let the well trained and experienced coaches on the mats run the class and provide any guidance and advice to the children. Learning techniques, and trying to implement them against a resisting partner is difficult. It can be even harder if they are trying to follow well intentioned-- but sometimes, counter productive-- advice or encouragement from the sidelines. If you have a question about a technique or suggestion- please bring it up to the coaches before or after class.

All physical sports involve some risk of injury. Jiu jitsu is a contact martial art and a sport that involves using principals and techniques to overcome a resisting opponent. The nature of the sport means that there is always risk of minor injury although it is uncommon. The risk of major injury is extremely low and much lower than many of the most popular sports in our community such as football, basketball, baseball, or hockey. Each parent must make safety decisions on their own but at HLPFC we do our part to make sure to create a safe environment with safety as a top priority.

Yes. They are available during the sign up process on the membership page or you can ask for details by calling or emailing.

Trial classes: We have rental gis available for gi classes. For no gi classes children can wear a t-shirt and shorts. Please avoid clothes with zippers or clasps.

Members: Children will need a gi to participate in gi classes. We offer gis for sale but they are not required to buy HLPFC gym branded gis. If they already have a gi or prefer to purchase one elsewhere our only rule regarding gis is that they are cleaned between each class.

Looking for an inexpensive gi before committing? Try here.

Well, first - the uniform! In gi classes children wear a gi. In no-gi, they wear shorts and a shirt or "rashguard."

In gi jiu jitsu, the uniform is a fundamental piece of most techniques and movements. Children can grab or grip the collar and sleeves of the gi. No-gi jiu jitsu, on the other hand, more closely resembles wrestling. It's often faster paced and there tends to be more movement.

In no-gi classes, children can wear rash guards or t-shirt and board shorts or leggings. While each style has advantages and disadvantages (technically speaking), they share a remarkably similar conceptual foundation and are absolutely complementary to one another in training jiu jitsu overall.

Well, there's an old saying in Jiu Jitsu, "the belt is there to keep your pants up" which is to say the color of your belt doesn't matter-- and the truth is-- neither does how you tie it. But there are some ways that work better than others to keep it tied and looking sharp. Here's a quick video that shows you one of the most common ways to tie your jiu jitsu belt. VIDEO HERE