Martial Arts for Kids: Li’l Ones BJJ

Solarte’s Li’l Ones program offers martial arts for kids age 4-8* every Tuesday and Wednesday 3:30–4pm. For children younger than 4, the animal walks at the end of class (about 3:55pm) and Open Play time afterwards from 4–4:20pm is FREE.

*Depending on attention span, level of interest and size, the instructor may recommend children age 7+ to the regular Youth Program instead of Li’l Ones.

Parents on the Mats Make It Possible

This martial arts program is unique because very young children are learning the same basics as adults. This is possible because of the parents/guardians who are able to step on the mats and actively participate. It is ONLY because adults help out consistently that we are able to continue offering this program. You don’t have to know BJJ nor do you need to be athletic. The instructor gives simple, easy-to-follow instructions. You never have to do anything physically that you feel uncomfortable doing!

Children age 4 and 5 MUST be accompanied on the mats by an adult (up to three children per adult). We’ve found that children this young need the reassurance of a familiar adult in order to fully participate in the class. Children age 6 to 8 are not required to have an adult on the mats with them UNLESS their attention span is very low. In such cases, we still need an adult with the child to ensure they’re participating and NOT disrupting the class.

Martial Arts for Kids Age 4 to 8: Two Class Times

TUE: 3:30–4pm Lesson / 4–4:20pm Open Play Time
WED: 3:30–4pm Lesson / 4–4:20pm Open Play Time

The schedule is subject to change at any time, but we always keep the classes updated on the Schedule Page. Li’l Ones students are welcome to either the Tuesday OR Wednesday session. For example, if you usually go on Tuesdays, you’re welcome to take the Wednesday class instead if something interrupts your schedule.

Once-a-Week ONLY UNLESS…

…you have signed up for a Youth Unlimited (2x or more per week) auto-pay membership. This policy allows more children to have an opportunity to experience this program. 

Three-Week Out Policy & Wait List

If we haven’t heard from you nor seen your child(ren) in three weeks, you will automatically be placed back on the Wait List. Please be sure to let us know in advance if you want to stay on the Active List! We will be happy to keep you on the Active List even if you’re gone for few weeks provided we’re informed ahead of time.

THE WAIT LIST: Li’l Ones often fills up. If the online schedule shows the class is FULL, please Contact Us to be put on the Wait List. We will contact you as soon as a spot opens up. Your best bet to get in is around the start of Summer, Fall, Winter or Spring. Families tend to change activities with the change of seasons.

The Magic of Open Play Time

This is a wonderful time for parents/guardians to play with their children. The kids also have valuable time playing together and making up their own games. Although Open Play is supervised, we encourage adults to NOT over direct this time. For example, it’s natural for the kids to have conflicts since all the equipment must be shared. We allow kids to work out their differences largely on their own or with minimal intervention. Sometimes someone pushes too hard and there are tears. We help the kids settle their differences directly with each other in a civil manner. These are life skills they need to learn, the sooner the better!!!

Safety & Hygiene for Martial Arts for Kids

Everyone in your family that’s on the mats at any time (parents, grandparents, other legal caretakers, younger siblings) must be named on your liaility waiver, NOT just the name(s) of the child(ren) participating in the class.

Make sure your child is clean and wearing fresh clothes before training, with fingernails and toenails clipped short and smooth. We’ve had a few complaints about kids arriving with dirty feet and/or being downright stinky. Please don’t be the “Pig-Pen” on the mats!

Wash all training clothes and shower after every practice session.

DO NOT come to the club if you’re ill! This includes everything from respiratory illnesses to contagious skin conditions and lice. Sometimes it’s better NOT to share!

Please wear shoes/footwear in the concrete sitting area and bathroom. DO NOT let them walk around the front sitting area in socks or bare feet before getting on the mats. When leaving the mats, they should step directly into their footwear. Use the Honest wipes if needed!

Frequently-Asked Questions

How much do classes cost/how do I pay? The first class is FREE. After that, Solarte offers a variety of payment options. You can go to the Membership page and sign up for a subscription or you can pay-by-the-class: $5–$20/class per student, self-determined sliding scale. We accept cash (write name, amount, date on sticky note and put in the cup on the bench), check (to Solarte LLC) and Venmo (@solartebjj • 360-808-3197).

What should my child(ren) wear? We do not require a uniform. Active wear (like playground clothing) is fine. We do recommend more fitted, long-sleeved shirts and leggings with shorts or joggers with a draw string. We are down on the mats a LOT and it’s helpful to have clothing that’s more covering to protect the skin.

It’s also good for them to have footwear such as slides or crocs since we do NOT allow bare feet or just socks when kids are off the mats. They must have some footwear for off-mat use and it’s easier for them if it’s something that’s easy to take on and off.

What if I have younger children with me? Do I still have to be on the mats with my child(ren)? If you have younger children with you, you are welcome to bring them on the mats with you. You are also free to come and go as needed if those younger children have needs requiring you to be off the mats (to the bathroom, back to the car, etc.)

I don’t know anything about jiu jitsu and/or I’m not physically fit—do I still have to be on the mats with my child(ren)? If the child is only 4 or 5 OR the child is older but has a VERY low attention span, then there must be an adult participating on the mats. You DO NOT need to know jiu jitsu or be athletic. You will only do what you can do, no more. Sometimes, just saying words of encouragement is all you need to do!

Who is the instructor? Jenn Lozada, Solarte’s Head Instructor/Owner, teaches these classes. Youth Students such as Dahlia, Maddy and Zealand often assist her. who enjoy working with little kids. Jenn has been teaching both children and adults for over a decade and is passionate about the importance of “rough & tumble play” for early childhood development. She actively seeks new and better ways to help children, even very young ones, learn the playful and challenging martial art that is Jiu Jitsu!

Who should I contact if I have more questions about Solarte’s martial arts for kids?
Please contact us via the form on our Contact page. We’ll be happy to answer your questions!

What if my child doesn’t want to leave because he/she is having too much fun?
This does happen A LOT. We do have snacks in the back room, plus water and a bathroom. The big cushy chair is also really comfortable. So they’ll be fine. 😀