Short answer: One Way Martial Arts is one Blue Line stop or a 2 to 7 mile drive from Franconia and Springfield, and it teaches Kids BJJ in four age groups from 2 to 14.
Getting here from Franconia and Springfield
By Metro, Franconia–Springfield and Van Dorn Street are the first two stations on the Blue Line. You ride one stop, and the academy at 5416 Eisenhower Ave is a short walk from the Van Dorn Street station.
By car, Franconia is about 2 miles away and Springfield Town Center about 5. From the Old Keene Mill Road side of Springfield, take I-95 north to the Van Dorn Street exit, then Eisenhower Avenue, about 6 to 7 miles in all. Outside rush hour that is roughly 10 to 20 minutes. Parking is free and on site.
The four age groups
Each group has its own classes and its own pace.
- Tumblers, ages 2–3: games built on Jiu-Jitsu positions that teach your child to move, listen and take turns.
- Tots, ages 4–6: basic positions, listening and mat safety. Tumblers and Tots share five classes a week between them.
- Kids, ages 7–10: technique, drilling and supervised live rounds, four classes a week.
- Teens, ages 11–14: two classes a week, plus a Saturday No-Gi class shared with younger kids.
Kids BJJ adds up to 15 classes a week. You can see every time on the class schedule.
Saturday mornings for busy families
If weekday afternoons are taken by soccer or homework, Saturday is the easy day. Tumblers train at 9:30 AM and Kids and Teens No-Gi, for ages 4 to 14, starts at 10:00 AM.
No-Gi means no uniform: your child trains in a T-shirt and shorts without pockets or zippers. It is a good class for a child who wants a second session in the week.
Girls in Kids BJJ
Every kids class is co-ed. Coach Giovanna Amaral, IBJJF Pan American Champion, American National Champion and World medalist, is on the mat Monday through Saturday in both kids and adult classes. She leads small-group girls' classes with extra attention for every young female athlete.
For a girl who is new to the mat, a female champion running the class can make the first day easier.
Brothers, sisters and a second sport
Many families bring more than one child. A 5-year-old can be in Tots at 5:00 PM on Monday while an older sibling waits for Kids BJJ at 6:00 PM. One Way has family discounts, and the team walks you through them after the free first class.
Children 7 and up can also add Kids Muay Thai with coach Jansey Jones Silva, for the standing side of the same skills.
Competition is optional
Many kids train only for fun and fitness. For those who want to compete, the Kids and Teens Competition team, ages 7 and up, trains by invitation under IBJJF Club ID 8885. It is led by Malachi Edmond, IBJJF European Champion and World Silver Medalist, with head coach Mahamed Aly, a 4x IBJJF World Champion.
The first visit
Start with a free first class. Come in athletic clothes, and we lend you the gear you need. Arrive about 10 minutes early. Parents are welcome to watch.
If your child likes it, the 4-Week Jumpstart includes their Gi and belt. Read more on the Kids BJJ page, or our article on whether kids BJJ is safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can we take Metro from Franconia–Springfield?
Yes. Van Dorn Street is the next stop on the Blue Line, and the academy is a short walk from the station.
How far is the drive from Springfield?
About 5 to 7 miles depending on where you start, mostly on I-95 and South Van Dorn Street. Parking is free and on site.
Are there weekend kids classes?
Yes. Tumblers BJJ is at 9:30 AM on Saturday, and Kids and Teens No-Gi, for ages 4 to 14, is at 10:00 AM.
Does my child have to compete?
No. Competition is optional. The Kids and Teens Competition team, ages 7 and up, is by invitation.
Do you have a discount for siblings?
One Way has family discounts. Ask the team after your child's free first class.
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