Wire Your Child's Nervous System for Life
Jiu jitsu trains the nervous system to stay calm under pressure, own their actions, and treat others with respect. Not through lectures—through experience.
Find Your Child's Class
Age-appropriate programs designed to meet your child exactly where they are—and help them grow from there.
Start Your Child's Journey
World-class jiu jitsu instruction. If you don't love your first class, it's 100% refundable.
Sign up the same day and your trial applies toward membership.
What to Bring
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Athletic Clothing No zippers, buttons, or pockets
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Water Bottle Stay hydrated throughout class
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Positive Attitude A willingness to try is all we ask
Gis (uniforms) available for purchase at the academy. No prior experience required.
Introduction to Jiu Jitsu
Movement, Focus & Mat Confidence
The perfect entry point into martial arts for toddlers and preschoolers. At this age, success is not measured by technique—it's measured by comfort, consistency, and willingness to participate. We use carefully selected drills and games to teach movement, coordination, and the core values of jiu jitsu. Our instructors understand that every child progresses at their own pace, creating a safe, encouraging environment where even the shyest child can build confidence through small wins.
Program Goals
- Develop focus and ability to follow instructions
- Build confidence through structure and repetition
- Improve coordination, balance, and body awareness
- Introduce fundamental jiu jitsu movements and positions
- Learn respect for instructors and training partners
- Create a positive connection to training and teammates
Program Levels
Belt Progression (IBJJF-Aligned)
Frequently Asked Questions
This is completely normal—and actually common. Many of our most confident students started out watching from the sideline. We never force participation. Instead, our instructors patiently help your child build comfort at their own pace, celebrating small steps forward. Most shy children surprise their parents within a few weeks.
Because work must be introduced through play at this developmental stage. The games we use aren't random—they build listening skills, mobility, teamwork, and the core movement patterns of jiu jitsu. Your child is learning discipline and coordination without even realizing it.
Absolutely. Our 3-5 program involves no sparring or live grappling. Children learn movements, games, and cooperative drills in a carefully controlled environment. Safety is our top priority—always.
When the student turns 6 and shows the maturity and size to join the next group. Level 02 students often start at Level 02 in the 6–8 program, carrying their hard-earned skills forward.
Building the Foundation
Discipline, Technique & Early Sparring Skills
This program expands on the foundation of the 3–5 group while introducing more structured drilling and early stages of positional sparring. At this age, students can absorb more technique and begin understanding jiu jitsu as a problem-solving activity—learning to think their way through challenges rather than just react. Our curriculum takes advantage of this growth window to build technical habits and mental toughness that will serve them for years.
Program Goals
- Build discipline and personal accountability
- Improve coordination, speed, balance, and strength
- Develop problem-solving through structured positional sparring
- Learn to manage frustration and persist through difficulty
- Build situational awareness and self-defense fundamentals
- Establish goal-setting habits through belt progression
We Continue to Reinforce
- Respect for instructors, training partners, and self
- Active listening and focus in group settings
- Teamwork and supporting others' growth
- Confidence and communication skills
Program Levels
Belt Progression (IBJJF-Aligned)
*Yellow belt ranks require minimum age of 7 per IBJJF guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. We introduce positional sparring gradually, with clear rules and constant supervision. Children learn to control their movements and respect their partners. Our instructors are trained to match students appropriately by size, skill, and temperament—and to stop any situation before it becomes unsafe.
Jiu jitsu is actually ideal for children who struggle with frustration. The sport naturally teaches emotional regulation because progress requires patience—you can't force techniques to work. Our instructors help children recognize frustration, take a breath, and try again. Many parents tell us this is the single biggest change they see at home.
Not at all. Competition is completely optional and only available for students who want it. Many of our students train purely for fitness, confidence, and self-defense—and that's a perfectly valid path. For those interested in competing, we offer specific preparation in our Level 03 track.
We evaluate students continuously based on technical proficiency, emotional maturity, and consistent attendance—not just time on the mat. You'll receive regular feedback on your child's progress, and promotions are discussed with parents before they happen.
Preparing for Life
Refining Technique, Building Character
The transitional phase before joining adult classes—and a critical window for character development. Training deepens. Sparring becomes more purposeful. Students build the confidence, discipline, and resilience necessary for long-term success in jiu jitsu and in life. At this age, students are capable of understanding complex concepts and executing sophisticated techniques. We challenge them accordingly while maintaining a supportive environment that encourages growth through failure and iteration.
Program Goals
- Technical precision and attention to detail
- Advanced problem-solving through positional and open sparring
- Self-control and emotional maturity under pressure
- Resilience—learning to persist through adversity and setbacks
- Goal setting and personal accountability
- Teamwork, leadership, and mentoring younger students
Program Levels
Belt Progression (IBJJF-Aligned)
*Orange belt ranks require minimum age of 10. **Green belt ranks require minimum age of 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students may transition to the Adult Fundamentals Program at age 14 with instructor approval. This decision is based on physical maturity, technical proficiency, and emotional readiness—not just age. We'll discuss readiness with you and ensure your child is set up for success before making the move.
Yes. While the intensity increases, so does the skill level and maturity of the students. By this age, children understand control, respect tap-outs immediately, and have years of experience moving safely. Our instructors maintain the same safety standards across all programs—we just raise the technical expectations.
Absolutely—and we encourage it. Level 03 students have opportunities to assist with younger classes, which develops leadership skills, reinforces their own technique, and builds confidence. Many of our most dedicated students say teaching is their favorite part of training.
Our Level 03 track is designed for competition-focused students. We offer additional training sessions, competition strategy, and tournament preparation. Giancarlo personally works with competitive students—he knows what it takes to reach the highest levels and can guide your child's development accordingly.
Yes. New students start in Level 01 regardless of age, where they'll learn fundamentals alongside others at their skill level. Teens often progress quickly because they can absorb concepts faster—and our structured curriculum ensures they build a solid foundation before advancing.
World-Class Instruction
Your child won't just be another body on the mat. Our instructors are personally invested in every student's growth—as martial artists and as humans.
Co-Founder & Head Instructor
Giancarlo Bodoni
2x ADCC World Champion
Giancarlo's martial arts journey began at age 4. He started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 12, and from that moment, nothing else compared. Having experienced firsthand how jiu jitsu shapes young people, he has a particular passion for inspiring the younger generation to experience the same transformation. At Practice, he's instilled a core belief: showing up consistently, being a good human, and giving your best effort is what makes you a champion.
Co-Founder & Kids Program Director
Rebecca Bodoni
Psychology Background · 10+ Years Teaching Kids
Rebecca is the heart of our kids program. With a background in psychology and extensive experience teaching children—including those with learning differences—she brings a rare combination of technical knowledge and genuine care. She discovered that jiu jitsu offered something profound: a discipline that transforms any child's confidence, focus, and character through direct experience. Her classes focus on discipline, structure, and building genuine confidence.
Our Instructor Team
Every instructor at Practice has been personally trained and mentored by Giancarlo. They don't just know the techniques—they understand the philosophy, the teaching methodology, and the standard of care that defines our academy. They learn names, notice progress, celebrate breakthroughs, and hold students accountable to becoming the best versions of themselves.
Mommy & Me Program
Ages 18 months – 3 years
Introduce your little one to movement, coordination, and mat confidence—together. Our Mommy & Me classes create a special bonding experience while building the foundation for a lifetime of jiu jitsu.
More Than Martial Arts
Parents choose Practice Jiu Jitsu because they want more than a martial arts class. They want their children to develop real confidence, learn to handle adversity, and build character that will serve them for life.
Confidence & Anti-Bullying Skills
Confident kids don't become targets. Your child develops genuine self-assurance from earned capability—learning to carry themselves differently, speak assertively, and handle confrontation calmly.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Jiu jitsu is physical chess. Every roll presents a puzzle. Children learn to think several moves ahead, adapt when plans fail, and find creative solutions under pressure.
Discipline & Self-Accountability
Progress in jiu jitsu cannot be faked. Every belt, every stripe is earned through consistent effort. This builds a work ethic that extends far beyond the mat.
Respect & Teamwork
From the moment students bow onto the mat, they enter an environment built on mutual respect. Because jiu jitsu requires a partner, children naturally develop teamwork skills.
Resilience & Handling Adversity
In jiu jitsu, you will get tapped. You will face training partners who are better than you. Children learn that struggle is part of growth and getting back up is what matters.
Safe, Controlled Environment
Jiu jitsu focuses on grappling, leverage, and control—not punching or kicking. This makes it one of the safest martial arts for children.
Give Your Child the Gift of Jiu Jitsu
See why families throughout Georgetown, Round Rock, Hutto, Cedar Park, Leander, and the Austin area choose Practice Jiu Jitsu for kids martial arts that builds confidence, character, and real-world skills.
Sign up the same day and your trial applies toward membership.