Kids · Ages 4 to 6
Tots BJJ, Ages 4–6
Tots BJJ is our class for ages 4 to 6 at One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA. Kids learn simple Jiu-Jitsu positions through games and animal movements, with several coaches on the mat so every child gets attention. There are no strikes.
- 2 Tots classes a week
- Ages 4–6
- 45-minute classes
- Free first class
Tots BJJ · Ages 4–6
Listening, balance and confidence, through games
When
Two Tots classes a week, plus Saturdays
Tots BJJ runs Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:00 PM. On Saturdays at 10:00 AM, kids 4 and up can also join Kids & Teens No-Gi (ages 4–14).
Mat 1 at 5416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, right off the Van Dorn Street Metro, with free parking. Holiday weeks run a different schedule, so always check the class schedule for changes.
In class
How a Tots class runs
Young children relax when they know what comes next, so every class follows the same shape.
Line up and greet the coach
Finding a spot, standing tall and listening. Stopping when an adult asks is the first skill of the program, and new kids learn it in a few weeks.
Animal movements
Bear crawls, crab walks, frog jumps and shrimping across the mat. Fun races for the kids, and the building blocks of Jiu-Jitsu for the coaches.
One technique, in small pieces
How to hold a position on top, how to get up safely from the floor, how to keep a good base. Coaches show it, kids try it with a partner, and the class moves on.
Games with a purpose
Tag games, balance challenges and freeze-on-the-signal games. Each one trains reaction, body control, taking turns or listening while excited.
What they learn
What 4 to 6 year olds take home
- Listening the first time and following a two- or three-step instruction from a coach.
- Body awareness: rolling, falling safely, balancing, moving backwards and sideways.
- Working with a partner: being gentle, taking turns and keeping a friend safe.
- Handling small frustrations: losing a game, waiting in line and trying again.
- Confidence in a group: speaking up and answering the coach.
The detailed technique comes later, in Kids BJJ for ages 7 to 10. At this age the games are the training.
“My almost 5 year old is having the time of his life training at One Way. The coaches are patient and skilled.”
For parents
Is my child ready?
There is no test. A child is usually ready for Tots if they can:
- Stay with the class without you for its length, even if the first minutes are wobbly.
- Follow a simple instruction most of the time.
- Use the bathroom on their own, or tell an adult they need to go.
Shy is fine. Energetic is fine. Some kids watch from the edge at first and join in later, and coaches expect that. Younger than 4? See Tumblers for ages 2–3.
Bring your child for a free first class
No experience needed. Questions? Call (703) 951-4440 or get my free first class online.
“My 5 year old loves her instructors and BJJ days are her favorite ones.”
Keep reading
More for Tots parents
Your coaches
Kids classes at One Way are taught by coaches Giovanna Amaral, Malachi Edmond (IBJJF European Champion and World Silver Medalist), Joshua Wong and Marcus Bluesteen, in the academy led by 4x IBJJF World Champion Mahamed Aly and BJJ black belt Patrick Almeida. Meet the coaches.
Tots BJJ FAQ
Answers to the questions parents of 4 to 6 year olds ask us most.
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Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:00 PM at 5416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304. On Saturdays at 10:00 AM, kids 4 and up can also join Kids & Teens No-Gi. Check the class schedule for changes.
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Games, animal movements such as bear crawls and shrimping, and one simple position at a time with a partner. The goals are listening, balance, coordination and confidence.
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Tots classes are closely supervised, with several coaches on the mat. There are no strikes, and the class is games, movement drills and basic positions. Tell the coach about any health concerns before class.
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Comfortable athletic clothes. We lend you the gear you need for the first class. No shoes on the mat.
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At age 7, kids move up to Kids BJJ (ages 7 to 10), with more technique, drilling and supervised live rounds. See all kids programs.
“My almost 5 year old is having the time of his life training at One Way. The coaches are patient and skilled. The ratio of coaches to students on the mat is such that all the kiddos get very personalized attention and instruction.”
Cecilia Baxter, Google review “…seeing my daughter’s confidence grow in the children’s jiu jitsu classes has been a joy to see and experience.”
Jaclyn, Google review “We have both our kids enrolled for over a year now.”
Pieter Van Horn, Google review
Get Your Child's Free First Class
Ages 4 to 6. Come in athletic clothes, and we lend you the gear you need. Parents are welcome to watch. Questions? Call (703) 951-4440.
Get my free first class Call (703) 951-4440Tots BJJ class schedule
3 classes a week at One Way Martial Arts. Free first class.
Monday
- Tots BJJAges 4–6
Wednesday
- Tots BJJAges 4–6
Saturday
- Kids & Teens No-GiAges 4–14