Ages 4–15 · Marbella
Confident kids. Safe mats. Coaches who know their name.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence for children in Marbella, taught in English and Spanish. Trusted by families since 1997.
Strong bodies, confident minds
Our kids programme uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and age-appropriate self-defence to help children grow stronger, more focused and more confident — on and off the mats.
Classes are small, structured and led by experienced coaches who know how to keep children engaged while teaching real skills safely.
- ✓ Builds focus, respect and self-discipline
- ✓ Anti-bullying skills without encouraging aggression
- ✓ Grading system that rewards progress and effort
- ✓ Safe, supervised and fully padded training area
1997
Teaching in Marbella since
6th Dan
Patrick Bittan, founder
18+
Champion titles won by the team
65+
National and European medals
For parents
What parents ask us first
Will my child get hurt?
Jiu-Jitsu for kids has no punches or kicks. Children learn to hold, escape and control, step by step. They are paired by age and size, a coach is on the mat for the whole class, and sparring only starts when the coach sees they are ready.
Will it make them aggressive?
It does the opposite. Our first rule is discipline before ego. Children bow on and off the mat, wait their turn and learn that the strongest person in the room is the calmest one.
What about bullying?
Kids learn to stand tall, use their voice and walk away. If someone grabs or pushes them, they know how to stay safe and control the situation without hitting.
My child is shy or not sporty
Most children start with no experience. Classes open with games, every child is praised for small wins, and shy kids usually find their friends within a few weeks.
Do the coaches speak English?
Yes. Classes run in English and Spanish, with local and international families training together. Patrick is French, so French-speaking families are very welcome too.
Can I watch the class?
Yes, parents are welcome to watch. There are tables and chairs outside, and you can have a coffee or a drink while you wait.
What do they need to wear?
Sportswear is fine to start. Later they will need a gi, available at the academy in white, black or blue with the team logo — kids love wearing it.
Your coach
Taught by a world champion
In Brazil, Patrick entered an open-weight tournament against an opponent of around 150 kilos. He went down under the full weight of the bigger man and his jaw was badly broken.
Many people would have stopped there. Patrick healed, went back to training, and one year later he was world champion.
That is the mindset we pass on to children: patience, effort and the confidence to get back up.
Why parents choose us
What your child takes home
Confidence
Every class ends with something they could not do last week — and that feeling follows them to school.
Focus
Listening, waiting and repeating a technique until it works. Teachers and parents notice the change.
Respect
For coaches, partners and themselves. Good manners are part of the class, not an extra.
Off the screen
An hour of running, rolling and laughing. They come home tired and happy.
Real friends
A team that trains together every week, with kids from many countries.
Praise they earn
Coaches notice effort, not only talent. Every child hears “well done” when they deserve it.
Their journey
Progress you can see on the belt
Children never wonder whether they are getting better. Every six months there is a new stripe, and twice a year there is a grading the whole family can come and watch.
First class
Free trial, then welcome to the team.
6 months
First stripe on the belt.
12 months
Second stripe. First grading day.
18 months
Third stripe. Optional first tournament.
24 months
Grading, and the next colour: grey.
The kids belts
Each belt has a few stripes. After the last stripe and a grading, your child moves up to the next colour. Kids belts are worn until age 15, then students move on to the adult belts, starting with blue.
1. White
1. White
2. Grey
2. Grey
3. Yellow
3. Yellow
4. Orange
4. Orange
5. Green
5. Green
Gradings take place in summer and in winter. Competitions are optional — we take children to tournaments only when they and their parents want to.
Programmes
Our classes
Ages 4–7
Little Warriors
Playful, game-based sessions that develop coordination, balance and listening skills.
- Movement and coordination games
- Basic falls and escapes
- Short, high-energy sessions
Ages 8–11
Juniors
Fundamental techniques taught step by step, with a focus on control and teamwork.
- Core BJJ positions and escapes
- Anti-bullying strategies
- Belt and stripe gradings
Ages 12–15
Teens
More technical training that prepares teenagers for adult classes or competition.
- Advanced technique and drilling
- Controlled sparring
- Fitness and conditioning
Class days and times are listed on our timetable. See membership for prices.
Gallery
Inside the academy
★★★★★
“The best martial arts school you can put your kids in to learn. Professor Patrick is an outstanding leader with a heart of gold towards all students and families.”
Parent, Google review
Classes by age
€360
per year, 4 to 5 years
€540
per year, 6 to 12 years
−20%
for the second child
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What age can my child start?
Children can join from age 4. We group them by age and ability so every child trains at the right level.
Can my child try a class first?
Of course. Contact us to book a free trial class and see whether it is a good fit.
How often should my child train?
Once or twice a week is a great start. Consistency builds confidence faster than intensity.
How much does it cost?
The first class is free. See our membership page for current prices.
Do children have to compete?
No. Competitions are optional, and we only take children to tournaments when they and their parents want to.
Can teenagers join?
Yes — teens have their own classes, and those who want a challenge can move on to our competition team.
Still have a question? Get in touch — we’re happy to help.