The Kid-Jitsu® Certification Program was developed by Professor Larry Shealy, a Black Belt in Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu and Professor Charles Dos Anjos, a Black Belt in Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Kid-Jitsu was adapted directly from the teachings of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to provide a safe, proven method of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for children.

With the popularity of mixed martial arts and the UFC, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has moved to the forefront of self-defense systems. However, as popular as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become, there were previously no true teaching methods for children. Aware of the need for a program tailored specifically for children, Professors Shealy and Dos Anjos set out to provide the blueprint for children's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

What had started as a simple manual that scripted correct techniques and proper positioning, soon transformed into a complete teaching methodology. For Larry, it was simply not enough to teach his youth classes the proper techniques. Along with proper technique, he also teaches the "Kid-Jitsu" Values program.

The Kid-Jitsu Program works hand in hand with Traditional Martial Arts systems. Combining your traditional standing fighting art with the most capable ground fighting art provides your student with the best possible system.

Green Belt, the Black Belt of Children's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!

Belt progression in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is truly a life's journey. The typical adult black belt is attained approximately between 8 and 12 years with CONSISTENT training. We say adult becuase no one permitted under 18 is allowed to earn one. That being said, there is a different belt system for children. The highest attainable belt is green and can be earned with 3-3.5 years of consistent training. While being a green belt in other systems is an admirable achievement, becoming one in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu speaks a volume of proficiency that most adults would envy. At that point, it is maturity and age that are left to conquer on their path to black belt.