Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and self-defense system that emphasizes getting an opponent to the ground in order to use ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds. Today, professional self-defense training courses throughout the world, such as the U.S. Army’s Modern Army Combatives program, include some components of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In this martial art, a smaller and weaker person can successfully defend his or herself from a larger and stronger opponent through using the proper technique and leverage. Once two fighters are on the ground, physical strength can be offset or enhanced by an experienced grappler who knows how to use mechanical advantage instead of brute strength. While other combat sports like wrestling and Judo traditionally use a takedown to bring an opponent to the ground, Jiu-Jitsu permits a wide variety of techniques and moves to bring the fight to the ground after taking a grip on the opponent.
The goal of our kids’ BJJ program is to create extra support to the parents, teaching children discipline, self-control, focusing on tasks and improving self esteem.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known as the perfect martial art for children because it is a non-striking self-defense martial art system that steers children away from using brute strength and toward using their minds. This martial art style is considered to be one of the best self-defenses for kids and adults since it is applied in response to physical aggression, which will not lead to violence. The sport is also designed so that a smaller and weaker person or child can use leverage to defend him or herself against a larger and strong opponent.
Through learning Jiu-Jitsu, children will become more physically fit, and they will learn and develop skills that they can put to use off of the mat throughout their entire lives. Children practicing Jiu-Jitsu are expected to treat each other and their instructors with respect. This then creates a positive and respectful environment that demonstrates to the trainees the rewards that come with being courteous and respectful.
The Kid’s Jiu-Jitsu classes at Yamasaki Academy aim to create extra support for the parents by teaching children discipline, self-control, improved self-esteem and the ability to focus better on tasks. Since the sport of Jiu-Jitsu is completely non-violent, Yamasaki Academy provides a safe atmosphere with knowledgeable instructors who will ensure that students are training in a healthy manner without any stress or violence. Jiu-Jitsu is often referred to as “the gentle art” because it does not rely on “force against force.”
While working with children, Yamasaki Academy instructors understand that these training sessions are not all hard work and sweat. The friendly and supportive atmosphere created in each class will bring about plenty of smiles, giggles and laughs by the end of every session.
The belt and stripe ranking helps teach kids that they must earn things and achieve their goals through hard work. Through this, students earn their way up in belts based on attendance, attitude and skill level.
Master Fernando Yamasaki and Francisco Neto are the head instructors. Mr. Tod Arechiga is an assistant instructor. Master Fernando Yamasaki and Francisco Neto use their expertise in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Wrestling and apply it to their kid’s program.
Kids’ BJJ class schedule at our Rockville, MD location:
Kids 4-7 years old: Monday through Thursday – 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Kids 8-13 years old: Monday through Thursday – 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Friday – 6-7pm (Invitation only)
Sunday competition class – TBD (Check the Yamasaki Kids’ Facebook Page for updates)
Kids’ Competition Elite Program:
Friday 6-7 pm (Invitation only)
Sunday 1-4 pm (Competition-bound only)
Additional kids’ classes are offered at many of our other locations around the Washington, DC metro area, including Springfield, VA, Woodbridge, VA, and Culpeper, VA.
