NORFOLK BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU CLASSES FOR TEENS
Discover self defense classes for teens right here in Norfolk. In a fun, safe, and encouraging environment, your teen will learn practical self-defense, build confidence, and develop lifelong discipline — all while making new friends and staying active.
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A Positive, Powerful Program Just for Teens
Why parents and teens love our Teen Self-Defense classes:
A Path to Real Skills, Confidence & Independence
Learn Smart, Practical Self-Defense
Age-appropriate
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids ages 12-15 that teach them how to
handle common threats calmly and effectively.
Grow Stronger, Inside & Out
Classes
combine drills, games, and guided exercises that build coordination,
balance, and total body control — while sharpening mental focus and
decision-making.
Build Life Skills Beyond the Mat
Students
develop resilience, discipline, and empathy that show up in school,
friendships, and everyday challenges. They’ll finish each session more
prepared to navigate life with confidence and respect.
Why Teens & Parents Trust Gracie Teen Self-Defense
At Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Norfolk, our Teen Self-Defense program is about so much more than learning to grapple. Here’s why families choose us:
Real Self-Defense for Real Situations: Teens learn smart, effective techniques to stay safe without relying on size or strength.
Confidence That Carries Into Life: Training builds resilience, assertiveness, and decision-making that teens use at school, with friends, and beyond.
Total-Body Fitness & Awareness: Classes improve balance, coordination, and reflexes — all while keeping teens active and engaged.
Positive, Supportive Environment: Certified instructors lead every session with patience and encouragement, creating a place where teens feel comfortable to learn and grow.
Progress They’re Proud Of: With milestones, stripes, and belts to earn, teens stay motivated and see exactly how far they’ve come.
This Program Is Right For Your Teen If...
You want them to be prepared for anything
By learning to handle tough situations with calm and confidence, teens gain life skills they’ll rely on through high school, college, and beyond.
You’re looking for a place that’s fun, not intimidating
Train alongside other teens in a friendly, supportive environment where everyone’s learning together.
You’re teen is totally new to this (or wants to level up)
No experience? No problem. We’ll help them start strong and keep improving at their own pace.
Get The Gracie University® Advantage
In addition to live classes, every student receives a subscription to Gracie University Online, which gives you unlimited online access to the Gracie Bullyproof streaming instructional video archive.Use this resource to review past lessons, learn new techniques, and prepare for future belt tests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any computer or mobile device!
Take advantage of this powerful tool and take your technique to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about our Children's Martial Arts Program.
Will my child become a bully?
Through our work, we have seen that confident kids make kinder kids. We teach children
how to not only stand up to bullies for themselves, but how to stand up for others. Our
Rules of Engagement teach children to avoid the fight if at all possible by first using
their words, and then telling an adult.
When they do need to resort to physical self-defense, we do not teach children punches
or kicks in the Gracie Bullyproof program, but rather, empowered by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
to neutralize, defend, control, and negotiate if possible.
What do I need to bring to my first kids BJJ lesson?
Upon arriving for your child's first jiu-jitsu class, we will provide a uniform, called a gi,
for them to wear. We recommend wearing comfortable undergarments or leggings, and a t-shirt or
rashguard that they can wear under their gi.
Someone will be there to help you tie your child's belt for the first time!
My child has ADHD. Will martial arts help?
My Child Has ADHD. Is jiu-jitsu for them?
Yes! One of the great things about martial arts classes is that it's an individual sport done in
a group environment. We find all our students improve in their focus, self control, discipline
and social skills. But the best part is…. They don't even realize that is what our highly trained
kids martial arts instructors are actually doing. They just think they are having fun!
The best way to find out for yourself is to take advantage of our limited time offer. You'll find
our team so helpful and dedicated to helping your child become the best version of themselves. If
you are concerned about group classes for your child, we also offer private classes until they
feel ready to take on the group class setting!
Kids karate classes vs. kids BJJ classes. Which is best?
Many parents ask, what's the difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate classes? While we
believe all martial-arts have value, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only been proven to be the
most effective martial art for a smaller person to defend themselves in a real fight for nearly
a century, it also can be the most gentile.
We don't want our kids or students turning into bullies themselves, and we also believe
self-defense should be scalable, depending on the situation. Whereas kids Karate lessons or
Taekwondo classes rely solely on landing punches and kicks, jiu-jitsu for kids focuses on
neutralizing a threat with verbal boundaries, distance management, body control, and
eventual negotiation.
Are parents allowed to watch?
We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! Even better… you can join in our martial arts classes for adults, and have yet another thing in common with your little one. We love seeing the bond of families who train together!
My child is not athletic. Will they feel left out?
We believe jiu-jitsu is for children of all skill levels and abilities. Your child belongs here.
Through our kids martial arts classes, we have seen our students improve co-ordination, balance,
motor skills, focus and discipline. Plus, they make lots of great friends!
Our instructors are highly skilled in teaching martial arts to kids. It's their PASSION!