If you’re a parent, and you train BJJ – then the chances are that you’ll want your kid to start training, too! And how wouldn’t you? Jiu Jitsu has brought so much happiness, self-confidence, and fulfillment into your life that you’d love your kids to benefit as well.
However, there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind.

DO YOUR KIDS WANT TO TRAIN?

It’s great that you want them to begin with Jiu Jitsu, but how happy are they with that? You don’t want to be one of those parents that force their kids to take up a hobby.
Instead, it’s a good idea to show them a bit of BJJ on Youtube. If they show interest, then sign them up!

After that, see if their enthusiasm stays (or creates itself). If it doesn’t, perhaps it’s better to get them into another sport.

DON’T MAKE IT ABOUT YOU

As a parent, it’s easy to let your enthusiasm for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu overshadow your child’s interests. Remember, their journey in BJJ (or any other activity) isn’t about fulfilling your dreams—it’s about fostering their growth, confidence, and happiness. If they’re hesitant or outright resistant, don’t push too hard. Encouragement is key, but forcing them into something they don’t enjoy might have the opposite effect and make them resent the sport.

FOCUS ON FUN AND FRIENDSHIP

For kids, Jiu-Jitsu is most enjoyable when it feels like play. Look for academies that emphasize a positive, fun environment where young practitioners can make friends and develop skills at their own pace. When children associate BJJ with fun and camaraderie, they’re far more likely to stick with it and benefit from the discipline and confidence the sport instills. A supportive atmosphere can transform Jiu-Jitsu from a reluctant activity into a lifelong passion.

In this funny video, 10th planet Jiu-Jitsu founder Eddie Bravo talks about how his son doesn’t want any thing to do with Jiu-Jitsu… He even showed him the famous Gracie in Action tapes but it had a reverse effect…

Bravo ends the video, on a hopeful note though as he says that he’ll pay a for a Jiu-Jitsu kid to beat his kid up, and he’ll be waiting and ready to help him to know how to defend himself.