A New Kind of Family Activity
In today’s fast-paced world, parents are constantly looking for meaningful, enriching activities for their children—and for themselves. Many families default to traditional sports like soccer, basketball, or gymnastics. But increasingly, families in Queens are turning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a powerful alternative. At Royal Jiu-Jitsu Queens, we’ve seen firsthand how this art transforms not just individuals, but entire households.
This isn’t just a kids' activity. It’s a shared experience. A lifestyle. A path toward personal growth, together. Here’s why more and more families are choosing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over traditional sports—and why it may be the perfect fit for yours.
The Benefits of BJJ for Children
Focus, Discipline, and Respect
One of the first things parents notice after enrolling their children in BJJ is a shift in behavior. Jiu-Jitsu classes emphasize listening skills, self-control, and respect for others. Students bow before stepping on the mat, they thank their partners, and they respond attentively to instruction.
These habits translate quickly to school, home, and social settings. Children develop a sense of accountability that carries into every part of their lives.
Physical Coordination and Confidence
Unlike some sports that focus primarily on one set of skills, BJJ builds a wide range of physical abilities—balance, coordination, agility, strength, and body awareness. More importantly, it builds self-confidence. When a child learns how to execute a technique properly, or escapes from a tricky position, they feel empowered.
This confidence stays with them. It shows up in how they speak, how they walk, and how they interact with the world.
Real Self-Defense Skills
Parents often worry about bullying or unsafe situations. BJJ provides real tools for self-protection—without encouraging violence. Children learn how to stay calm under pressure, how to control a situation without throwing punches, and how to de-escalate with confidence.
Why It Works for Parents Too
More Than Just Drop-Off
With most kids' activities, parents are relegated to the sidelines. You watch. You wait. With Jiu-Jitsu, you can join in. Many of our adult students are parents who started by watching their children’s classes—and ended up signing up themselves.
We offer adult classes at times that align with kids’ classes, so parents can train while their kids do. It becomes a shared experience that deepens family bonds and sets a powerful example.
Mental Health and Stress Relief
Parents deal with enormous stress—work, finances, family obligations. Jiu-Jitsu is a release valve. It helps you reset. It clears your head and focuses your energy. The physical movement combined with the mental challenge of learning techniques makes it a complete form of therapy for many adults.
Functional Fitness That Lasts
Unlike short-term gym routines or fitness trends that come and go, Jiu-Jitsu builds lifelong habits. It’s about consistent improvement, not perfection. It adapts to your age and abilities, and the skills you develop are useful for everyday life and longevity.
How BJJ Compares to Traditional Sports
Everyone Participates Equally
In team sports, playing time often depends on skill level, politics, or popularity. Not so in Jiu-Jitsu. Every student gets the same opportunity to learn, drill, and improve. Whether your child is shy, outgoing, athletic, or still finding their groove, they’ll be welcomed and challenged equally.
Progress Is Personal and Measurable
BJJ uses a belt ranking system, allowing kids and adults alike to set and reach goals. Instead of being judged on wins or losses, students are evaluated on effort, understanding, consistency, and character. Progress is visible and celebrated.
No “Off-Season”
Many traditional sports operate in short seasons, requiring kids to switch constantly or lose momentum. Jiu-Jitsu is year-round. That consistency helps children (and adults) build real habits, stay active, and maintain steady growth.
A Culture of Humility and Growth
The culture in many team sports can sometimes be competitive in ways that aren't always healthy—fostering ego, cliques, or performance pressure. Jiu-Jitsu, on the other hand, demands humility. No matter how skilled you become, there is always more to learn. That creates a culture of mutual respect and lifelong learning.
What a Typical Family Experience Looks Like
The First Visit
You walk in with your child. Maybe they’re nervous. Maybe you are, too. The staff greets you warmly and walks you through what to expect. Your child is paired with a friendly, experienced coach who introduces them to basic movements. You watch from the sidelines—or maybe you join the adult class running in the other room.
The First Week
Your child begins to look forward to class. They tell you about what they learned. They come home tired, happy, and proud. You notice their posture changing. Their energy shifting. You decide to give it a try, too.
The First Month
Now you’re both training. You swap stories on the way home. Your child talks about how they learned to escape mount. You tell them how you finally hit that sweep you were struggling with. It becomes a shared language—a bond that grows with every class.
Getting Started as a Family
Our Schedule
We offer kids classes in the afternoons and on weekends, and adult classes in the mornings and evenings. That allows you to train in parallel with your child—or solo, depending on your needs.
What to Bring
Just comfortable clothes for the first class. We provide the rest. We also offer family memberships and pricing options to make training accessible.
What It Costs
We believe Jiu-Jitsu should be affordable and sustainable. Ask us about our family packages, discounts, and flexible plans. We want to make it work for you.
Try a Free Class Together
Still wondering if it’s right for your family? Come try a free class—together.
Experience the environment, meet the instructors, and see how Jiu-Jitsu can fit into your lives. There’s no commitment—just one hour that could change everything.
A Stronger Family, One Class at a Time
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just another after-school activity. It’s a powerful tool for growth, connection, and transformation. For kids, it builds discipline, confidence, and resilience. For parents, it offers fitness, community, and stress relief. For families, it creates shared memories and mutual respect.
In Queens, more and more families are discovering the difference—and you can too.
Schedule your free class today at Royal Jiu-Jitsu Queens and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier, more connected family.
We’ll see you on the mat.
