Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Fresno - Ages 3-16 - Taught by Black Belts
PMA is Fresno's Home of Jiu-Jitsu Since 1996
Kids Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Fresno - Ages 3-16 - Taught by Black Belts
Most jiu jitsu schools in Fresno have 2-5 black belts total, with a few schools having zero black belts. At Pacific Martial Arts, we have 36 active black belts - and 3-4 of them teach kids classes. Your child learns directly from masters and black belts who have spent decades perfecting the art.
Since 1996, PMA has been teaching kids authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that builds confidence through competence. Not through participation trophies or fake praise, but through actual skill development. Kids who train at PMA place at IBJJF Kids Pans, win at Jiu-Jitsu Con (an international tournament with 15,000 competitors), and earn medals at USA Wrestling Championships.
Our approach is skills-focused and results-oriented. We teach real jiu jitsu techniques that work under pressure. Kids gain confidence because they develop genuine competence since they can execute techniques against resisting opponents. That confidence is unshakeable because it's earned.
5 Reasons to Choose PMA for Your Child's Jiu-Jitsu Training
3-4 Black Belts Teaching Kids Classes
At PMA, your child learns directly from black belt instructors with decades of experience. We have 4th degree black belts, North American Champions, and multiple black belts dedicated to kids instruction.
This level of expertise in kids classes is rare and makes a significant difference in skill development.
Training Volume Unmatched
Kids can train up to 3.5 hours daily, six days per week. Most schools offer one or two kids classes per week, with a few schools having one per day. PMA kids can train multiple sessions daily.
This volume of quality instruction from black belts accelerates skill development significantly.
Complete Grappling System Included
Kids' gi membership includes No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo. Your child develops a complete grappling education - takedowns, ground control, and submissions across all disciplines.
Competition Success
Our kids place at the highest level of competition because they're taught by instructors who compete at the highest levels.
Kids earn 1st-3rd place at World League, podium at IBJJF Kids Pans, win at Jiu-Jitsu Con, and place at USA Wrestling Championships. These aren't local-only wins - these are national and international achievements.
Division 1 Wrestlers Teaching
Not just "wrestlers" - Division 1 collegiate wrestlers including a national champion teach takedowns and wrestling technique. Your child learns from the best.
Join Today to Give Your Child Confidence Through Competence
We teach Confidence Through Competence. At PMA we promote when you're genuinely ready. Every student progresses differently, depending on your capacity to learn, performance under pressure, and training frequency.
Some students progress faster, others slower. We watch you train daily. We see your progress in live rounds. We know exactly where you are in your development. There's no belt test - we simply promote you when you've earned it and when we know you’re ready.
Book your FREE Kids Jiu-Jitsu Class below.
Age Groups and Class Structure
The gi fundamentally changes how jiu jitsu is practiced. The added grips from collar, sleeves, and lapels create more defensive options, slower pace, and emphasis on technique over athleticism.
Little Ninjas (Ages 3-5)
We work with kids as young as 3 years old, adjusting for each child's maturity level and size. Little Ninjas train alongside other age groups but are separated into their own group during class. They learn basic movements, body control, and fundamental positions in a fun, engaging way.
Youth (Ages 5-16)
Within classes, we break kids into age groups based on development. Typically ages 5-10 train together, and ages 10-16 train together. This ensures appropriate partners and age-appropriate instruction.
Transition to Adult Classes
At age 16, kids begin transitioning to adult belt rankings and adult classes. Some mature kids join adult classes earlier if they're big enough and ready.
Class Structure
All kids classes are one hour, providing enough time for warm-ups, technique instruction, drilling, and live training without overwhelming younger students.
Schedule Flexibility
Classes run six days per week across our 4 locations. Train at any location with your membership for maximum schedule flexibility.
Who Teaches Kids Jiu-Jitsu Classes?
Black Belt Instructors
Meet Our Black Belt Instructors for Kids Jiu Jitsu
- Matt Smith - 4th degree black belt (David Camarillo lineage)
- Eduardo Crema - 2nd degree black belt, North American Brown Belt Champion
- Tiago Scalco - Black Belt
- Pete Sierra - Black Belt
All Instructors Background Checked - Every instructor is cleared to work with children. Safety is our top priority.
Women Instructors Assist - Women instructors regularly take part in assisting with kids classes, providing positive role models for all students.
Qualifications Beyond Belt Rank - Matt Smith Sensei has a Bachelor's from Fresno State in Psychology with a minor in Criminology, and a Master's in Education. See individual instructor bios for each coach's qualifications.
Having 3-4 black belts teaching kids is rare in Fresno. Your child receives master-level instruction from experienced black belts who have dedicated decades to the art.
Meet Our Kids BJJ Instructors
Matt Smith
Founder & Head Instructor, 4th Degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Matt Smith brings over five decades of martial arts experience and educational leadership to Pacific Martial Arts, which he founded on June 1, 1996. His lifelong dedication to personal development, disciplined training, and sharing martial traditions has earned him recognition across multiple disciplines.
Eduardo Crema
2nd Degree Black Belt
Originally from Venezuela, Eduardo Crema is a 2nd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over a decade of teaching experience, having earned his black belt in 2017. With a foundational background in high school wrestling, Eduardo brings a dynamic and technical approach to both Gi and No-Gi training and competition.
He is a decorated competitor, holding the title of North American Brown Belt Champion, with multiple podium finishes at IBJJF Opens and ADCC Opens
Tiago Scalco
Black Belt
Tiago Scalco is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with a strong competition background and roots in the Atos Jiu-Jitsu lineage. He has competed at the highest levels of the sport, earning podium finishes in IBJJF tournaments and showcasing his skills on professional stages such as Fight 2 Win.
With years of experience both competing and coaching, Tiago brings a technical, detail-oriented approach to training. His style reflects a balance of high-level competition strategy and practical application, helping students develop both confidence and precision on the mats.
Pete Sierra
Black Belt
Pete Sierra bio
Kids Jiu-Jitsu: Building Confidence Through Competence
What Makes Our Kids' BJJ Program Unique
PMA's approach focuses on long-term skill development rather than short-term programs. We believe continued, high-quality training from expert instructors builds lasting confidence.
Our Philosophy - We teach confidence through competence with consistent training. Kids train with black belts regularly, developing real skills that are pressure-tested in live training. Over time, this builds genuine confidence that comes from knowing what they can do.
Why Consistent Training Works:
- Kids train with black belts regularly
- Skills are pressure-tested in live training
- Competition proves techniques work
- Confidence comes from actual competence
- Consistent training builds lasting confidence
- Competition proves techniques work
- Confidence comes from actual competence
- Consistent training builds lasting confidence
Proof of Competence - Our kids place 1st-3rd at highest level competitions. They've placed at IBJJF Kids Pans and won at Jiu-Jitsu Con (an international tournament with 15,000 competitors). They place at USA Wrestling Championships. These achievements come from consistent, high-quality training over time.
The Most Training Hours Available - Kids have the ability to train up to 3.5 hours daily in BJJ, six days per week. Most other schools don't have this flexibility on class times. PMA is the perfect environment because of the flexibility of the schedule and the amount of training hours kids can put in every day.
Complete Grappling System - For their Jiu-Jitsu membership, kids can train Gi Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo - all included in their membership. This complete grappling education is unique to PMA.
National Level Instructors - Kids learn from instructors who are national level competitors and national level champions. Division 1 wrestlers including a national champion teach wrestling technique.
Getting Started with Kids Jiu-Jitsu at Pacific Martial Arts
Ready to let your child try Jiu-Jitsu? Contact us to schedule a FREE first class and discover why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts for kids in the world. Our instructors and coaching staff will help you find the right program and class schedule for your child. Your child can also train in Kids No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu at PMA, all under one membership.
Whether you’re looking for effective self-defense, a fun workout, or a way to build character and discipline, learning Gracie Jiu Jitsu at PMA provides kids the tools for success. Join our academy and help your child become part of Pacific Martial Arts' thriving kids martial arts community.
With locations in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and Oakhurst, we serve adults and kids throughout the Central Valley who are passionate about learning authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under top-level black belt instructors.
Contact us today to learn about current programs, special offers, Summer programs for kids, and family discount options at our school
PMA Fresno, CA
PMA Madera, CA (Tesoro Viejo)
PMA Clovis, CA
PMA Oakhurst, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for answers to questions that new students and parents ask about our BJJ programs.
How do I start learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
The best way is to book your free consultation. We'll answer any questions you have and help you get started with a free class so you can see how fun our BJJ program really is. Our curriculum is beginner-friendly, which is another great reason to choose PMA. We introduce you to fundamental techniques gradually, allowing you to build confidence as you learn more complex techniques.
What age can my child being training in BJJ at Pacific Martial Arts?
We offer programs starting at age 3, thought the fastest way to determine if your child is ready is to bring your child to a free class.
Can I get a free BJJ class to try it out?
Yes, of course! Click the "Book Your Free Consultation" button below or click here to book your free consultation and join us for a free class.
How often should my child train in BJJ?
2-3 times per week for steady progress. Some kids train daily (up to 3.5 hours). It depends on their age, interests, and schedule.
How does BJJ prevent bullying?
- Physical confidence - kids know they can defend themselves
- Mental toughness - handling adversity in training transfers to handling adversity in life
- Respect learned - you learn to respect training partners who can submit you
- Discipline developed - bullies lack discipline; BJJ builds it
- Composure under pressure - when someone's on top of you, you learn to stay calm
Jiu jitsu teaches kids when to walk away, when to de-escalate, and when physical defense is necessary. They develop judgment and restraint alongside physical skills.
What are the physical benefits for kids training in Jiu-Jitsu at PMA?
- Full-body workout building functional strength
- Improved flexibility and coordination
- Better balance and body awareness
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Healthy habits established early
- Energy outlet for active kids
What are the mental benefits for kids training in BJJ at Pacific Martial Arts?
- Discipline and focus
- Goal-setting and achievement
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Resilience and perseverance
- Respect for authority and peers
- Confidence through competence
What Safety Protocols does PMA use for Jiu-Jitsu grappling and sparring?
- Coaches and assistants spaced throughout training room
- We stop and reset kids if they get too close to each other
- If submission is getting close, we step in and reset
- We follow IBJJF rules (if technique isn't allowed in competition, we don't allow it in training)
- Sick, injured, or kids with skin infections don't spar
- We do not teach leg locks to kids (not legal in kids' divisions)
- All techniques follow IBJJF kids competition rules
- We have a zero tolerance policy for bullying among students and we have a Disruptive Behavior Policy
Can parents watch classes?
Parents can watch every class, however we don't allow parents coaching their kid if the parent isn't a student (prevents injury from bad advice)
What are your mat cleaning protocols?
- Mats disinfected before every session
- After sessions: dust mopped with clean dustmop
- Sprayed with hospital-grade disinfectant/fungicide
- No-rinse cleaner used
- Wiped with new microfiber mop
What does my kid need to start?
First Class (Free Trial):
- Shorts and t-shirt
- Water bottle
- Arrive 10 minutes early
- No gi needed for trial
After Joining:
- Gi uniform included with $50 enrollment
- If training more than twice per week, get a second gi (can purchase at PMA or online)
Do kids have to compete?
No. Only about 10% of kids compete. Most train for fitness, confidence, and fun. Competition is optional.
Get Started
Free Consult & Free Class
Book a Free Consultation to share your goals then join us for a Free Class to get a feel for our classes, community, and coaches.
Visit Us
Hours of Operation
Fresno Location
Mon, Wed, Fri: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tues, Thurs: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sun: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Clovis Location
Mon, Wed: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm
Tues, Thurs: 6am-7:30am, 9am-10:30am, 4pm-8pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Contact Us
4 Locations
Pacific Martial Arts Fresno
(inside Herndon Valley Fitness)
6735 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93710
Pacific Martial Arts Clovis
275 N Clovis Ave., Suite 147, Clovis. CA 93612
Pacific Martial Arts Madera (Tesoro Viejo)
14566 CA-41, Madera, CA 93636
Pacific Martial Arts Oakhurst
40278 Oak Park Way, Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: (559) 436-4641
Email: [email protected]
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