Is BJJ Good for Kids?
Published by Lone Wolf BJJ Academy — Washougal, WA
Short answer: yes — and it's not just our opinion. Parents at Lone Wolf BJJ Academy have shared, again and again, how much BJJ has changed their kids' confidence, discipline, and ability to handle tough social situations.
Confidence and self-esteem. C. Roy shared how BJJ helped her daughter after being bullied at school: "Lone Wolf Jiu Jitsu has been a wonderful experience for my daughter, who has gained confidence and self-esteem in herself through the classes. As a student who was being bullied and having a rough time in school, this has helped dramatically."
Discipline that carries over. Angela Rader described how her son's confidence transformed over time training with Head Instructor Don Stoner: "Because of the great comradery and positive motivation Nickolas came out of his shell and has gained so much from The Lone Wolf family."
Real skill development. Forrest Costales noted measurable growth after just a few months: "My Son has been taking this class for 4 months and is showing really positive growth in his skills, confidence, and discipline."
Why BJJ specifically works well for kids:
- It's structured around problem-solving, not just physical strength — smaller kids can succeed against bigger training partners through technique.
- Progress is visible and incremental (belt/stripe systems), which reinforces a growth mindset.
- Classes emphasize respect, patience, and teamwork as core values, not afterthoughts.
- It gives kids practical tools for handling bullying situations calmly and confidently — a value close to home for us, since our own Apex Teen Project was founded in 2022 specifically to support that goal.
Programs for Kids at Lone Wolf
- Ninja Cubs Preschool BJJ — ages 3-4
- Kids BJJ — ages 7-13 (Pee Wee BJJ track available for ages 5-7)
- Kids & Teens Muay Thai Kickboxing — ages 12+
- After School Martial Arts — ages 6-13
- Youth Jiu-Jitsu Competition Team