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Practical advice for parents researching martial arts for their kids and adults thinking about their first BJJ class. Written by the people on the mats every day.
Real advice from real coaches. Bookmark this page — we publish new articles every month covering kids martial arts, adult BJJ, and what makes a great academy.

Parents want a safe and trusted place for their kids to train. With so many martial arts schools available, it can be tough to know which one fits your family. Here's what to look for — and what to walk away from.
Read the article →Some kids love team sports. Others don't. Many freeze when they try soccer, baseball, or basketball because the pace feels too fast or the groups feel too big. Martial arts can be a different kind of fit.
Some kids walk into a room full of classmates and freeze. They hide behind a parent or speak so softly that others can't hear them. Martial arts gives these kids a safe path forward.
Three things parents say after their first visit: how clean the facility is, how patient the coaches are, and how much their kid wanted to come back the next day.
The first three months of BJJ are the hardest — and the most rewarding. Here's what to expect, how often to train, and what to focus on so you stay long enough to fall in love with it.
Adult membership at Renzo Gracie Middletown gets you more than BJJ. The connected gym includes free weights, sauna, steam room, lap pool, and full locker rooms — all included.
Walk in. Try a class. Meet the coaches. Decide if Renzo Gracie Middletown feels like the home you want for yourself or your kids.
Step 01 / 02 — Quick Info
Two quick details — we'll show you the class schedule on the next step. No pressure, no card required.