Youth and Children’s Martial Arts – Charleston, WV
Youth and Children’s Martial Arts – Charleston, WV
Our Youth programs are designed to:
Confidence. Discipline. Strength.
Our youth martial arts programs do more than just teach kids how to defend themselves — they help them grow into confident, respectful, and resilient young people.
What Your Child Will Gain
Self-Defense Skills – Practical techniques that build safety and confidence.
Bullying Prevention – Tools to handle peer pressure and tough situations.
Character Development – Respect, honesty, humility, and dignity on and off the mats.
Teamwork & Friendship – Learning how to connect, cooperate, and lead.
Athletic Development – Games and drills that improve coordination, agility, flexibility, and fitness.
👉 Fun, structured classes starting at age 4 (each child is different, but typically kids do better around 5yrs old).
Two Training Tracks — or Both!
We understand every child’s goals are different. That’s why we now offer two paths in our youth BJJ program:
Self-Defense Jiu-Jitsu – Focused on real-world safety and practical skills.
Sport & Competition Jiu-Jitsu – For kids who want to test themselves in tournaments.
Kids can join one track or both — giving them the freedom to train the way that suits them best.
Expert Instructors, Real Experience
Our head instructors bring decades of martial arts expertise, having coached youth champions and mentored countless kids into becoming outstanding young adults.
Multiple instructors on the mat for personal attention.
Advanced students helping newer ones stay safe and progress.
A class environment that’s structured, challenging, and supportive.
The Training Experience
Jiu-Jitsu is fun, but it’s also hard work with big rewards.
Age-grouped training so every child is pushed at the right level.
Conditioning that builds athleticism (similar to wrestling, soccer, and basketball).
Live practice that develops real skill (because you can’t learn Jiu-Jitsu by just watching).
Safe pairings with experienced partners to guide new students.
📢 “You can’t learn to swim without getting in the water — and you can’t learn Jiu-Jitsu without doing actual jiu-jitsu with a partner.”
Ages & Progression
Ages 4+: Classes begin (readiness may vary for some younger kids).
Ages 13+: Encouraged to join our adult classes while still welcome in youth sessions.
Private Lessons: One-on-one coaching available in BJJ, boxing, kickboxing, and self-defense.
Our Youth programs are designed to:
Teach a complete self-defense system that will give children a high degree of self-confidence.
Teach children how to intelligently cope with bullying and peer pressure.
Teach positive social values such as respect, honesty, humility and dignity.
Help children get along with others and to treat others with respect.
We offer fun and instructional classes for kids from starting at just 3/4 years of age (age explanations below).
The kid’s program integrates sport and self-defense techniques with conditioning and skill oriented games aimed at improving your child’s coordination, motor skills, agility and flexibility.
The head instructors each have decades of martial arts experience to their credit and have taught many youth champions.
Most importantly, they have taught many children who grew up to become great young adults.
They lead a class that is sure to keep you and your children happy.
Classes our separated into age groups in the same room and, when possible, we have up to three instructors as well as advanced students helping the younger and newer students.
Why Try Our Programs
Why Parents Love Our Program
Parents consistently tell us their kids come away with:
More confidence in school and social situations.
Stronger fitness, focus, and self-discipline.
A safe, structured community that supports their growth.
FAQ
Q: Is Jiu-Jitsu safe for kids?
Yes — we pair new students with experienced partners and always focus on safety.
Q: What if my child isn’t athletic?
Perfect! Martial arts is designed to build coordination, confidence, and athletic ability from the ground up.
Q: How often should my child train?
Most kids start with 2 classes per week, with options to train more as they progress.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether your child wants self-defense skills, competition experience, or just a fun way to build confidence, our program is designed to fit their needs.
Age Explanations
At age 13 and above, children are permitted (and encouraged) to join our adult classes with the rest of the advanced youth and adults.
They are also still welcome in the youth class but we want to give as many options as possible to our advanced students and/or bigger youth students to ensure they keep developing their skills.
Prior to age 12, we encourage private lessons if you feel more one-on-one attention is needed.
Private lessons are taught in boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and more.
Classes are from 3/4 years of age to teenagers.
However, the class is split into age groups so that the younger students get the attention that they need and the older students can work on more advanced techniquesMore information about private classes can be found
HERE.
© 2009 Butch Hiles Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA, LLC – Charleston, WV
