The AOJ Kids Program is designed to provide benefits that extend far beyond the mats by instilling important core values like confidence, self-discipline, respect, and more through the martial art of Jiu Jitsu. AOJ Academy uses Jiu Jitsu as a tool to positively shape and impact the next generation.
ART OF JIU JITSU
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Building the Next Generation of Champions
KIDS 3-5 PROGRAM
This is our youngest age group and a great time to start your child on their Jiu Jitsu journey. The curriculum in this program is centered around exercises and games that will introduce our youngest students to the basic movements and core values of jiu jitsu.
This program is divided into level 01 and level 02. Instructors will promote students to the second level based on their skill and ability to focus in the class.
PROGRAM GOALS:
- Improve behavior and ability to follow instructions
- Improve ability to focus in a group setting
- Build confidence and communication skills
- Develop and improve body coordination and balance
- Introduce basic Jiu Jitsu positions and techniques
Program Levels:
- Level 01 (Basics)
- Level 02 (Intermediate)
Program Ranks:
- White Belt
- Grey & White Belt
- Grey Belt
FOR MANY FAMILIES, IT TAKES MULTIPLE TRIES FOR YOUNG STUDENTS TO COMPLETE THE CLASS OR EVEN FEEL COMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO JOIN THE CLASS. THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED AND GIVES THE STUDENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADJUST TO THE CLASS ENVIRONMENT. PARENTS CAN APPROACH THE INSTRUCTORS TO ASK FOR FEEDBACK AND ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO TO HELP THE STUDENTS DURING THIS PROCESS.
OUR GOAL FOR THIS PROGRAM IS TO MAKE THE STUDENTS ENJOY THEIR TIME ON THE MAT AND BUILD A STRONG CONNECTION WITH THEIR TEAMMATES AND INSTRUCTORS. IT WILL HELP THEM TO ENJOY THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUT MORE EFFORT IN THE TRAINING SESSION. AT THIS AGE, HARD WORK HAS TO BE INTRODUCED IN A FUN WAY IN ORDER TO NOT OVERWHELM THE YOUNG STUDENTS. THE SELECTED GAMES HAVE THE GOAL OF IMPROVING THEIR LISTENING SKILLS, MOBILITY AND ALSO START BUILDING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF TEAMWORK AND COMPETITIVENESS.
Every Level 01 student will be evaluated during the classes and the instructors will promote students to the next level based on their skill and ability to focus in the class. Every level has an increase of intensity in the curriculum and it's important that every student that is promoted is able to handle the adjustment. Belt promotion does not mean that the student will move to level 02, since belt promotion is more related to their consistency and effort. Parents can approach the instructors to ask about their child's progress and what is missing in order to move to the next level (private lessons working that specific skillset can speed up the process).
Once your child turns 6 years old, you can ask the instructors if the student is ready for the next program. The coach will either transition them to the next age program or decide to keep them in the Kids 3-5 program for a little longer to continue the work they have been doing together. Students in Level 02 will most likely move to Level 02 in the Kids 6-8 Program and the coaches will wait until the students have the size and maturity to merge into the new program. It can take a little longer, but they will be skipping the Level 01 in the Kids 6-8 Program.
We allow any student to join competitions if the instructors agree that they are ready for it. Competitions bring a lot of lessons to the student but it is important for them to understand what to expect before entering it. A good strategy to help them is to ask the instructors when the next local competition will take place and take your child there to watch their teammates and to see if there is an interest in joining the next event.
Every new student starts at white belt and will earn stripes and belts based on their attendance, effort and technical progression. It generally takes 1 month per stripe in the early stages of this program. Students who begin training at 3 years old, can receive colored stripes on their white belt in order to slow down the belt promotion. Students that begin at ages 4 or 5, will receive four stripes on their white belt before being promoted to grey & white belt. It can take anywhere from 4-12 months to go from white belt to grey & white belt.
Parents can also ask the program's instructors for more guidance on the promotion system if needed.
We allow parents to record short videos or take photos of your children during the drills, exercises and games but we do not allow parents to record during the sparring. We also allow photos and short videos during a child's promotion.
Kids 6-8 Program
The Kids 6-8 Program will build on all of the goals of the 3-5 age groups and also begin to incorporate a more diverse set of Jiu Jitsu techniques and skills.
Program Goals:
- Instill self-discipline and personal responsibility
- Develop physical awareness and coordination
- Build strength, speed and balance with specific exercises
- Increase the situational and positional sparring
- Use goal setting as a method for self improvement
We will continue to reinforce:
- Good behavior and ability to follow instructions
- Ability to focus in a group setting
- Basic Jiu Jitsu positions and techniques
- Building confidence and communication skills
Program Levels:
- Level 01 (Basics)
- Level 02 (Intermediate)
- Level 03 (Advanced)
In the 6-8 year old program, students will develop a better understanding of sparring and how to apply the techniques. This program has a diversity of Levels (01, 02 and 03) and the instructors will group the students based on their experience and goals.
LEVEL 01:
This is the introductory level for this age group, where newer students will have attention and guidance to create the best experience out of their initial phase of Jiu Jitsu. Every new student will be introduced to an instructor who will guide them during their first lesson before joining the group setting.
Students will stay in this level until they become comfortable with the core techniques and sparring. We respect every student's progression as an individual journey and we focus on creating a smooth transition from one level to the next.
LEVEL 02:
Students in Level 02 are familiar with the core techniques and sparring. In this level, the classes have more drills and less games, and students will start to learn to use the sparring rounds and specific training to create a challenging and fun atmosphere.
In Level 02, students will learn how to control their emotions, focus on technical development, and create strong communication skills that will allow them to ask more technical questions.
In order to move to Level 03, students will have to achieve a high technical level for their age or demonstrate good performances in competitions. Students from this level who turn 9 can join the Level 02 of the Kids 9-13 Program.
LEVEL 03:
This is a high intensity class focused on training young students to perform in competitions. To stay in this class, students are required to have a minimum of 2 training sessions per day and be consistent in competitions. Young competitors that join the team and demonstrate the required level can also join this class. In this level, the instructors will use training scenarios that emulate the competition environment.
In Level 03, composure and outstanding work ethic will be expected from every student.
Program Ranks:
- White belt
- Grey & white belt
- Grey belt
- Grey & black belt
- Yellow belt
Every Level 01 student will be evaluated during the classes and the instructors will promote students to the next level based on their skill and ability to focus in the class. Every level has an increase of intensity in the Curriculum and it's important that every student that is promoted is able to handle the adjustment.
Belt promotion does not mean that the student will move to Level 02, since belt promotions are more related to their consistency and effort. Parents can approach the instructors to ask about their child's progress and what is missing in order to move to the next level. Private lessons working on that specific skillset can speed up the process.
Level 03 is a class customized for competitors. Students who are in Level 03 train multiple times per day and have years of experience in training and competitions. If the goal for your child is to join this group, we recommend to increase the amount of classes per week and to start joining local competitions. It's important for parents and students to be patient and consistent in order to create the best experience during this process. Private lessons can also help your child to develop a competitive set of skills and work on scenarios that will allow them to level up faster.
Once your child turns 9 years old, you can ask the instructors if the student is ready for the next program. The instructor will either transition them to the next age program or decide to keep them in the Kids 6-8 Program for a little longer to continue the work they have been doing together. Students in Level 02 will most likely move to Level 02 in the Kids 8-13 program and the instructors will wait until the students have the size and maturity to merge into the new program. It can take a little longer, but they will be skipping the Level 01 in the Kids 9-13 program.
We allow any student to join competitions if the instructors agree that they are ready for it. Competitions bring a lot of lessons to the student but it is important for them to understand what to expect before entering it. A good strategy to help them is to ask the instructors when the next local competition will take place and take your child there to watch their teammates and to see if there is an interest in joining the next event.
Every new student starts at white belt and will earn stripes and belts based on their attendance, effort and technical progression. It generally takes one month per stripe in the early stages of this program and around four months to go from white belt to grey & white belt. It normally takes one year to go from grey & white belt to grey belt. Parents can also ask the program's instructors for more guidance on the promotion system if needed.
We allow parents to record short videos or take photos of your children during the drills and exercises but we do not allow parents to record during the sparring. We also allow photos and short videos during a child's promotion.
Kids 9-13 Program
This is the oldest age group in our kids program and is an important transitional phase as we prepare these students to enter into the adult program. It is our goal to equip them with the confidence and skill set they will need to excel and continue to grow with Jiu Jitsu into adulthood.
Program Goals:
- Establish strong and technical foundation
- Develop sparring skills
- Encourage teamwork
- Develop self-control
- Use goal setting as a method for self improvement
We will continue to reinforce:
- Good behavior and ability to follow instructions
- Ability to focus in a group setting
- Basic Jiu Jitsu positions and techniques
- Building confidence and communication skills
Program Levels:
- Level 01 (Basics)
- Level 02 (Intermediate)
- Level 03 (Advanced)
This program has a diversity of Levels (01, 02 and 03) and the instructors will group the students based on their experience and goals.
Students may transition to the adult program at 14 years old with the instructor's permission.
LEVEL 01:
This is the introductory level for this age group, where newer students will have attention and guidance to create the best experience out of their initial phase of Jiu Jitsu. Every new student will be introduced to an instructor who will guide them during their first lesson before joining the group setting.
Students will stay in this level until they become comfortable with the core techniques and sparring. We respect every student's progression as an individual journey and we focus on creating a smooth transition from one level to the next.
LEVEL 02:
Students in Level 02 are familiar with the core techniques and sparring. In this level, the classes have more techniques and less exercises, and students will start to learn to use the sparring rounds and specific training to create a challenging and fun atmosphere.
In Level 02, students will learn how to control their emotions, focus on technical development, and create strong communication skills that will allow them to ask more technical questions.
In order to move to Level 03, students will have to achieve a high technical level for their age or demonstrate good performances in competitions. Students from this level who turn 14 can ask the instructor if they are able to transition to the Adults Fundamentals program
LEVEL 03:
This is a high intensity class focused on training young students to perform in competitions. To stay in this class, students are required to have a minimum of 2 training sessions per day and be consistent in competitions. Young competitors that join the team and demonstrate the required level can also join this class. In this level, the instructors will use training scenarios that emulate the competition environment.
In Level 03, composure and outstanding work ethic will be expected from every student.
Program Ranks:
- White Belt
- Grey & White Belt
- Grey Belt
- Grey & Black Belt
- Yellow Belt
- Yellow & Black Belt
- Orange Belt
- Orange & Black Belt
- Green Belt
