Parent first class guide
YOUR CHILD’S FIRST CLASS
Your child doesn’t need to be confident, athletic or familiar with martial arts to start. The first visit is a chance to meet us, see the room and try something new at a comfortable pace. This guide will help you arrive prepared, support your child and know what to ask afterwards.
Download the parent guidePDF · 6 pages · Printable checklist included
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
A little preparation makes the first visit feel more familiar. You don’t need to buy a uniform or practise techniques at home.
Confirm the right class
We’ll help choose a class based on your child’s age, size, experience and comfort level. Tell us if they have tried martial arts before, are coming back after a break, or feel unsure about joining. Wait until we have confirmed the date and time before travelling to the academy.
Pack the simple things
We’ll lend your child a clean jiu-jitsu uniform, called a gi (pronounced “gee”). Bring a clean, fitted T-shirt and comfortable athletic clothes they can wear underneath, plus a water bottle. Avoid clothing with hard zippers or buttons. If your child already owns a gi, they can bring it for the trial.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Allow time to meet the coach, find the changing area and get comfortable. Park behind the building and use the rear entrance, then head to the second floor. We’re at the top of the stairwell. If you cannot find the entrance or are running late, call or text us.
Tell us what would help
Let the coach know about anything relevant to your child’s participation, such as an injury, a support need or anxiety about close contact. A short conversation before class helps us understand how to welcome them. You don’t need to put personal details in a public conversation.
WHAT THE FIRST CLASS LOOKS LIKE
The exact activities vary with the group. Your child’s first class is an introduction, not a test of toughness or talent.
A welcome before the action
We’ll greet you, help with the trial gi and introduce your child to the coach. They can look around, ask questions and see where you’ll be watching. There is no need to know the terminology or arrive with any skills.
Movement and games
Children are introduced to movement through coached activities and games. They practise listening, taking turns and following a simple instruction. The goal is to help them engage with the class and feel comfortable trying, even when a movement is new.
The basics, with guidance
The coach introduces appropriate skills gradually and supervises partner work. Children learn to pay attention to their partner and stop when asked. This is controlled learning, not an invitation to be rough. There is no punching or kicking in our kids jiu-jitsu classes.
Space to pause
A child can watch, take a break, ask a question and join at their own pace. If something feels uncomfortable or confusing, encourage them to tell the coach. They don’t have to push through fear to make the visit worthwhile.
A ROOM BUILT ON RESPECT
We want children to build confidence while learning to look after themselves and their partners. These expectations are part of the class from the start.
Safety is taught, not assumed
We introduce training gradually, match children thoughtfully and supervise beginners closely. Tapping is a signal to stop; children also learn to stop when a partner or coach asks. No physical activity is risk-free, and light knocks or bumps can happen. Tell the coach straight away if your child is hurt or uncomfortable.
Clean gear and a clean training space
Students must train in clean clothing. We do not allow training while sick or with a potentially contagious skin issue. If you are unsure whether your child should attend, contact us before coming in. It is better to rearrange the visit than put other families at risk.
Parents are welcome to watch
You can watch from the sidelines, where your child can see you and you can see them. Please let the coach give the instructions during class. Calling out corrections or coaching from the side can leave a child trying to follow two sets of directions. Save questions for a pause or after class.
Control beyond the mats
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art, but we teach boundaries, calm problem-solving and self-defence as a last resort. The aim is confidence and good judgement, not picking fights. At home, remind your child that techniques belong in supervised practice, not games with siblings or friends.
CONFIDENCE CAN TAKE A SECOND TRY
Some children join immediately. Others need to watch before they feel ready. Both are useful information, and neither needs to become a big moment.
Before class: keep the invitation small
Try: “We’re going to meet the coach and see what the class is like. You can ask questions and try when you feel ready.” Avoid promising they will love it or telling them they have to be brave. Familiar, matter-of-fact language leaves room for their own experience.
If your child hangs back
Let the coach know rather than pushing them onto the mats. They may want to watch, pause or take part in only one activity. We’re happy to accommodate another trial if the first visit doesn’t give your child a proper chance to try. Talk with us about arranging that second class.
Afterwards: ask about the experience
Simple questions work well: “What was fun?”, “Was anything confusing?” or “What would you like to try next time?” Notice effort, listening and willingness to try rather than whether they were good at it. It’s fine if they need time to decide.
If they want to continue
We’ll explain the class options, membership costs and uniform needs before you choose. A gi is needed for ongoing training, but there is no need to buy one before the trial. There is no long-term commitment unless you choose one. Competition is optional; enjoying class and making progress are worthwhile goals on their own.
YOUR FIRST-VISIT CHECKLIST
Save this page on your phone or print it for the day of the trial.
- Confirm the class date and time with the academy.
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
- Pack a clean fitted T-shirt and comfortable athletic clothes.
- Pack a water bottle; bring their own gi if they have one.
- Check that your child is well enough to train.
- Tell the coach anything that would help your child participate.
- Use the rear entrance and go to the second floor.
- Let your child know they can watch, pause and ask questions.
- Watch from the sidelines and leave coaching to the coach.
- Ask about a second trial if your child needs another try.
PDF · 6 pages · Printable checklist included
Questions before you come?
If your child is nervous, if you’re not sure which class fits, or if you need help finding the entrance, call or text the academy.