Confidence that carries over
A structured belt program that builds focus, resilience and respect. Kids learn to fall safely, handle pressure and stand up to bullying, and they have a ton of fun doing it. They burn energy and come home calmer.
✓ Approved NH EFA vendor
Three classes a week, right after school
More than a martial art
Our Bully Proof curriculum teaches kids to stay calm and control a situation without throwing a punch.
Every stripe and belt is earned. Kids learn that hard work pays off.
Strength, flexibility and coordination, built through games and drills, not boring workouts.
Learning techniques step by step builds patience and attention that shows up at school too.
Jiu Jitsu is very social. Kids make friends and learn to work with peers and adults.
Kids look forward to class. They leave tired, happy and calmer.
See what class looks like
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Rolls, falls, balance and coordination. Kids learn to fall safely before anything else.
Real Jiu Jitsu, taught step by step and matched to each child's age and level.
Drills and games that make kids want to come back, with live practice when they are ready.
approved
Use your NH EFA funds here
We are an approved New Hampshire EFA vendor. If your family participates in the Children's Scholarship Fund EFA program, you can put your educational funding toward your child's training with us. It is a great physical education option for homeschooled students: technical skill, coordination and resilience.
Belts kids work toward
Adult colored belts start at 16 (black belt at 19), so kids and teens have their own belt system. We follow the IBJJF youth system. From first to last:
- White
- Gray: gray-white, gray, gray-black
- Yellow: yellow-white, yellow, yellow-black (minimum age 7)
- Orange: orange-white, orange, orange-black (minimum age 10)
- Green: green-white, green, green-black (minimum age 13)
Already have a BJJ belt from another academy? Keep wearing it, even if they used a slightly different system. We will set the right belt at the first promotion. There are two common youth systems (Gracie and IBJJF); here is a conversion chart.
Belts from other martial arts don't carry over, so those kids start at white belt.
Safe, structured and supervised
No punches or kicks. Kids learn control, not damage.
Kids learn to tap early and to respect their partner's tap.
Coaches pair kids by size, age and experience.
Rolls and breakfalls come before anything else.
We measure success by character, not trophies: focus, respect, resilience and showing up.
What families tell us
"The kids always seem like they are having a great time, and the social and emotional growth I've seen in my daughter has changed her life for the better."
"My 5 year old LOVES her lessons here… She is normally very shy and she tends to open up a bit more now."
"Great gym with great coaches. I have three of my kids enrolled and myself… The coaches are great with the kids and adults. The mats are kept very clean as well."
Kids program FAQ
What is a good age to start?
Most kids are ready for the basics at 5. Our program runs from ages 5 to 15. Teens 16 and up train in the adult classes.
Is it safe?
Yes. Jiu Jitsu has no punches or kicks. Kids learn to fall safely first, coaches keep a close eye on every pair, and we never teach younger kids the more dangerous techniques. Kids don't spar with submissions until they are ready for it.
Does my child need experience or to be athletic?
No. Most of our kids started with zero experience. Strength, coordination and confidence come with the training.
Will it help with bullying?
Yes. Our anti-bullying (Bully Proof) curriculum teaches kids to stay calm, set boundaries, and control a situation without striking. Kids who know they can handle themselves rarely need to.
What should my child wear?
For the first class, athletic clothes without zippers or pockets. Monday and Thursday are gi classes. If you don't have a gi yet, we'll lend one. Wednesday is no-gi: a rash guard or t-shirt and shorts.
How do belts work for kids?
Kids have their own belt system (IBJJF): white, gray, yellow, orange and green, with stripes in between. See the belt chart above. Kids who already have a BJJ belt can keep wearing it.
Can we use NH EFA funds?
Yes. We are an approved New Hampshire EFA vendor through the Children's Scholarship Fund, so families can put EFA funding toward their child's training.
How much does it cost?
The first class is free. Unlimited kids classes (three per week) are $140/month, or $175 for a 10-class pack. Siblings get 10% off.
Do kids have to compete?
Never. Kids who want to compete get help preparing, and many of our kids have earned medals. Many others train just for fitness, confidence and fun.
Can kids come to open mat?
Yes, with a parent present. Open mats are announced in our student WhatsApp group. Ask Coach Roy to be added.
Come try a kids class
Monday, Wednesday or Thursday at 5:30 PM. Arrive 5–10 minutes early. Questions? Call or text Coach Roy at (603) 443-0139.
Kids/Teens Program
Our kids/teens program is designed for children between the ages of 5 and 15. Our approach focuses on improving general fitness, teaching proper movement, and developing efficient Jiu Jitsu skills, all while having a ton of fun.
What are some of the benefits of enrolling your child in our Jiu Jitsu program? Your child will…
1) learn Self Defense through our Bully Proof Curriculum.
2) build character.
3) get good exercise and improve their overall health.
4) develop strong work ethic and build discipline.
5) improve their ability to learn and retain information.
6) improve their ability to focus, and grow in patience. As you might have noticed, some of these traits will improve their success in many other areas of life including academics.
7) improve their social skills (Jiu Jitsu is very social) with both peers and adults.
8) learn the most effective martial art ever invented.
9) Last, but not least, they will have a ton of fun!
Use Your NH EFA Funds at Upper Valley BJJ We are an approved New Hampshire EFA vendor! If your family participates in the Children’s Scholarship Fund EFA program, you can allocate your educational funding directly toward your child's training with us. Our youth programs offer a perfect physical education supplement for homeschooled students, focusing on technical skill, coordination, and resilience. Bring your child in to build confidence and learn self-defense with our experienced instructors—fully covered by your EFA funding.
What is a good age to start Jiu Jitsu?
While it’s never too late to start, 5 year old kids are typically ready to start learning Jiu Jitsu basics. Don’t worry, we will keep them safe. We won’t show them the more dangerous techniques, and we won’t have them spar with submissions until they are ready for it.
Kids/Teens Belt System
The minimum age for an adult colored belt is 16 (minimum age for a black belt in Jiu Jitsu is 19). As such, kids/teens have their own belt system in Jiu Jitsu. In line with IBJJF requirements, the minimum age for a Yellow belt is 7, minimum age for an Orange belt is 10, and minimum age for a green belt is 13. The belts are shown in the figure below from bottom to top in ascending order: white belt, gray-white belt, gray belt, gray-black belt, yellow-white belt, yellow belt, yellow-black belt, orange-white belt, orange belt, orange-black belt, green-white belt, green belt, green-black belt.
If you or your child has received a belt in Jiu Jitsu they can start out wearing that belt (even if their former academy followed a slightly different belt system). There are two widespread youth belt systems in Jiu Jitsu (Gracie and IBJJF). We follow the IBJJF system. For an approximate conversion chart between them click here. We will figure out their proper belt at their first promotion. If you or your child has received a belt in any other martial art, they currently have no rank in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and as such should start out wearing a white belt.
