Kids martial arts in Golden, Colorado
Jiu jitsu or karate? Here's the honest difference.
Most kids martial arts classes mean lines, demos, and drills. Ours are games. Here's what that means for your kid, and how to choose.
Their first class is free. If they love it, their first month is $99.
5.0 on Google from 90+ reviews
"We've had a great experience with the kids program here." Justin F., parent
Pick your kid's first class
Who's coming?
Pick one and we'll get your kid set up.
Side by side
What class looks like
Jiu jitsu at GJJ
Games with a partner, a goal, and simple rules
A typical karate or taekwondo class
Lines, demos, and forms, practiced on your own
Contact
Jiu jitsu at GJJ
Grappling: holding, balancing, escaping. No punching or kicking
A typical karate or taekwondo class
Mostly striking: punches and kicks, often at pads or the air
Practice against a real partner
Jiu jitsu at GJJ
Every class
A typical karate or taekwondo class
Varies; often only in later belts
How kids move up
Jiu jitsu at GJJ
Effort, attitude, and being a good training partner
A typical karate or taekwondo class
Often belt tests on a set schedule
Every gym is different, including other karate schools. The best way to compare is to try one.
Three questions to ask any kids gym
- 1
How much of class is live practice with a partner?
Kids learn to handle pressure by practicing against it. At GJJ, most of every class is partner games.
- 2
What happens when a kid gets frustrated or wants to stop?
Here they can stop any game at any time, and coaches help them back in when they're ready.
- 3
How do kids move up, and what does it cost?
We don't charge belt testing fees. Kids move up for effort, attitude, and being a good training partner.
Will jiu jitsu make my kid aggressive?
The opposite. Grappling teaches control, not violence. Kids learn to manage their intensity, protect themselves without hurting anyone, and stop the moment a partner taps.
Hear it from a parent
What parents say
Real reviews from parents on Google, where we hold a 5.0 rating.
" We've had a great experience with the kids program here. It has a great vibe with a focus not just on building skills but on being a great training partner. Highly recommended. "
Justin F.
Parent, Google review
" Avery is an awesome instructor and really seems to take pride in helping the kids in his class. My family could not be happier with our overall experience we've had here. "
Jeff A.
Parent, Google review
" They did an excellent job teaching my step son the fundamentals and making sure he felt welcomed and safe. He met a few kids who were very nice to him and taught him things when he didn't know what to do. "
Derrick N.
Parent, Google review
Want the long version? Read jiu jitsu vs karate vs taekwondo for kids.
Questions parents ask
What if my kid is shy or wants to stop?
That's okay. Coaches handle it. Your kid can sit out, watch, or jump back in when they're ready. Nobody is forced to participate.
What do they wear?
Athletic shorts with no pockets, zippers, or buttons, and a fitted t-shirt or rash guard. If they don't have the right clothes yet, we have loaner gear.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes, the Day 30 Guarantee. Come to eight classes in your first 30 days (your free trial class does not count). If it's not a fit, tell us inside those 30 days and we'll refund your first month's payment. To claim it, text us at 303-578-0198. Little Lions has two classes a week, so for them that means coming to nearly every class.
See the difference in one class.
It's free. See if your kid wants to come back.
$99 first month applies to new memberships started the same day as your child's free intro class, for each child, and family plan pricing can lower the total. Not available to current members. Guarantee requires at least eight classes in your first 30 days of membership (the free intro class doesn't count), with the refund requested within those 30 days; the refund is your first month's payment, and it ends your membership. It covers the first month only: if you paid for a longer term up front, the rest of that payment is not refunded.