COMMON GROUND KIDS
Learn By Playing
We use an innovative, games-based approach to learning that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving,
and having fun!
COMMON GROUND KIDS CLASSES
Learn By Playing
We use an innovative, games-based approach to learning
that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving,
and having fun!
LET US BE YOUR GUIDE
Skills made simple.
We use Ecological Dynamics to simplify the process
of acquiring complex skills. A science-backed approach where
students play skill-development "games" that harness the natural way humans solve problems and learn to move.
Introduction to BJJ
WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that teaches you how to use your entire body to control another person. Unlike many other martial arts that focus on punching, kicking, and causing physical injury to your opponent, BJJ allows you to neutralize an aggressive attacker by pinning them to the ground and restricting their ability to do you harm.
The promise of BJJ is that even a smaller, weaker practitioner can use skillfulness to overcome differences in size and strength.
It is an empowering discipline that teaches kids that it's not about how big or strong you are — rather, it's about your ability to learn, practice, and develop skill that makes the difference.
WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN?
Your child will learn the fundamental skills of BJJ, which include: how to take the fight to the ground, how to get to a dominant position and stay on top, and how to escape if you're being pinned down.
As your child becomes more experienced, they will also have the opportunity to learn age-appropriate submission holds. Submissions in BJJ are techniques that have the power to end a fight, such as joint locks and strangles.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Your child will experience many physical and social-emotional benefits from practicing BJJ. Our students learn how to be physically assertive, develop coordination and movement skills, improve their fitness level, and understand how to control their own strength.
Students will also learn how to overcome challenges while in a safe, supportive training environment. With our teaching approach at Common Ground, your child will have experiences that nurture positive character traits such as grit, critical thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Your child will also learn how to be a good training partner. This means having empathy, balancing your own needs with the needs of others, and understanding the impact of your actions on the well-being of others.
The Common Ground Method
SMALL CLASS SIZES
We believe it is important to give each child a high level of attention to promote their individual education and growth. To ensure this, we purposefully keep our class sizes small. The maximum student-to-teacher ratio in our kids classes is 6:1. As we have two instructors on the mat at all times, class sizes are capped at 12 students.
COACH-TO-KID CONNECTION
Our coaches work directly with each student in every class. In addition to delivering instruction, we take on the role of "training partner" for students during many of the skill-development games. This gives us the ability to tailor the level of challenge for each individual child, give personalized feedback and praise, and build a strong connection with all of our students.
As coaches, we are also able to monitor and develop each child's ability to control themselves physically and train safely with their peers.
This hands-on approach works especially well for students who are shy, introverted, or have a hard time in overly competitive situations with other children. By working with each student directly, we can provide them with the one-on-one guidance, encouragement, and successes they need to build their confidence and skill level.
LEARN BY PLAYING
We use an innovative, games-based approach to learning that is backed by the science of how humans learn movement skills.
The scientific framework is known as "Ecological Dynamics." According to this framework, we learn how to move by interacting directly with our environment — not, as it was traditionally thought, by being given step-by-step instructions.
In practice, this means that we teach our kids by playing fun, skill-development "games" that allow students to experience a problem and discover a solution.
Each game is carefully designed to guide students towards an effective solution, while providing the opportunity to explore, think critically, and understand the "why" of each technique on a deeper level.
These games are played against a "live," resisting training partner — either with a coach, or another student. This aspect of training against resistance is essential to developing real-life skill in martial arts, and keeps our classes engaging and fun.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Common Ground, we help our students grow into confident, conscientious, and emotionally mature individuals through martial arts training.
We accomplish this by creating an empowering environment for children to learn new skills, overcome challenges, and discover what they are capable of.
Our Kids Program prioritizes healthy self-development over competition. It is designed for students to attend class once or twice a week. We do not expect kids to maintain a rigorous training schedule, as would be necessary to be competitive in BJJ tournaments. Rather, we focus on building a strong connection with each of our students to nurture their growth, and giving them a positive relationship with martial arts.
Meet the Instructors
Parent's Guide
Click through the table of contents below to learn more about our Kids Program.
Introduction
to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
-
What is BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that teaches you how to use your entire body to control another person. Unlike many other martial arts that focus on punching, kicking, and causing physical injury to your opponent, BJJ allows you to neutralize an aggressive attacker by pinning them to the ground and restricting their ability to do you harm.
The promise of BJJ is that even a smaller, weaker practitioner can use skillfulness to overcome differences in size and strength.
It is an empowering discipline that teaches kids that it's not about how big or strong you are — rather, it's about your ability to learn, practice, and develop skill that makes the difference.
-
What will my child learn?
Your child will learn the fundamental skills of BJJ, which include: how to take the fight to the ground, how to get to a dominant position and stay on top, and how to escape if you're being pinned down.
As your child becomes more experienced, they will also have the opportunity to learn age-appropriate submission holds. Submissions in BJJ are techniques that have the power to end a fight, such as joint locks and strangles.
-
What are the benefits?
Your child will experience many physical and social-emotional benefits from practicing BJJ. Our students learn how to be physically assertive, develop coordination and movement skills, improve their fitness level, and understand how to control their own strength.
Students will also learn how to overcome challenges while in a safe, supportive training environment. With our teaching approach at Common Ground, your child will have experiences that nurture positive character traits such as grit, critical thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Your child will also learn how to be a good training partner. This means having empathy, balancing your own needs with the needs of others, and understanding the impact of your actions on the well-being of others.
The Common Ground Method
-
Small Class Sizes
We believe it is important to give each child a high level of attention to promote their individual education and growth. To ensure this, we purposefully keep our class sizes small. The maximum student-to-teacher ratio in our kids classes is 6:1. As we have two instructors on the mat at all times, class sizes are capped at 12 students.
-
Coach-to-Kid Connection
Our coaches work directly with each student in every class. In addition to delivering instruction, we take on the role of "training partner" for students during many of the skill-development games. This gives us the ability to tailor the level of challenge for each individual child, give personalized feedback and praise, and build a strong connection with all of our students.
As coaches, we are also able to monitor and develop each child's ability to control themselves physically and train safely with their peers.
This hands-on approach works especially well for students who are shy, introverted, or have a hard time in overly competitive situations with other children. By working with each student directly, we can provide them with the one-on-one guidance, encouragement, and successes they need to build their confidence and skill level.
-
Learn by Playing
We use an innovative, games-based approach to learning that is backed by the science of how humans learn movement skills.
The scientific framework is known as "Ecological Dynamics." According to this framework, we learn how to move by interacting directly with our environment — not, as it was traditionally thought, by being given step-by-step instructions.
In practice, this means that we teach our kids by playing fun, skill-development "games" that allow students to experience a problem and discover a solution.
Each game is carefully designed to guide students towards an effective solution, while providing the opportunity to explore, think critically, and understand the "why" of each technique on a deeper level.
These games are played against a "live," resisting training partner — either with a coach, or another student. This aspect of training against resistance is essential to developing real-life skill in martial arts, and keeps our classes engaging and fun.
-
Our Philosophy
At Common Ground, we help our students grow into confident, conscientious, and emotionally mature individuals through martial arts training.
We accomplish this by creating an empowering environment for children to learn new skills, overcome challenges, and discover what they are capable of.
Our Kids Program prioritizes healthy self-development over competition. It is designed for students to attend class once or twice a week. We do not expect kids to maintain a rigorous training schedule, as would be necessary to be competitive in BJJ tournaments. Rather, we focus on building a strong connection with each of our students to nurture their growth, and giving them a positive relationship with martial arts.
Meet the Instructors
Alex Aung
BLACK BELT, 3RD DEGREE
Alex is the head instructor of Common Ground. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and previously worked as a child psychotherapist. Alex is also a parent, and is knowledgeable about working with children and youth.
Sally Chung
PURPLE BELT
Sally is an experienced instructor who specializes in working with women and kids. She is passionate about empowering children to believe in themselves and feel confident in their abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT AGE RANGE IS ACCEPTED?
For our Little Kids class, we accept students from 5 to 9 years old. For our Big Kids class, we accept students from 10 to 13 years old. Teens who are 14 and older may be eligible to attend our adult classes, at the head instructor's discretion.
WHEN DO CLASSES TAKE PLACE?
Little Kids class takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:15 - 5:00pm.
Big Kids class is coming soon in October 2024. It will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:15 - 5:00pm.
CAN MY CHILD COME 1X A WEEK?
Yes, your child can choose to attend either one class or two classes per week. Students are not required to attend both sessions.
IS ANY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?
No previous experience is required. Beginners are welcome.
ARE YOU TAKING NEW STUDENTS?
Yes, we are currently accepting new students. To maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio in every class, enrollment will be capped and space is limited. Once our enrollment is full, there will be a waiting list to join our Kids Program.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
Use the button below to complete an application for a Free Trial Class. You will have the opportunity to request a complimentary phone consultation, where you can let us know your questions or concerns and learn more about our program.
NEW STUDENT
SPECIAL
- 30-day Kids Class Pass
Access to Kids Classes for 30 days
- No commitment required
No contract, no initiation or cancellation fees
- FREE Uniform ($130 value)
High-quality uniform and white belt
- FREE Trial Class
Try a class for free, before you decide.
Click the button below to get started.
Kids
Special Offer
$140
FOR YOUR FIRST MONTH
- 30-day Class Pass
- No commitment
- FREE Uniform
- FREE Trial Class
FREE
High-Quality
Uniform & White Belt
MSRP $130.00
Alex Aung
BLACK BELT, 3RD DEGREE
Alex is the head instructor of Common Ground. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and previously worked as a child psychotherapist. Alex is also a parent, and is knowledgeable about working with children and youth.
Sally Chung
PURPLE BELT
Sally is an experienced instructor who specializes in working with women and kids. She is passionate about empowering children to believe in themselves and feel confident in their abilities.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAYING
Under the Ecological Approach, students learn by playing "games" that are carefully designed to help you develop technical skill. Students engage in an active process of problem-solving against a live, resisting training partner. This approach promotes critical thinking and adaptability in the face of complex, novel problems.
"LIVE" TRAINING FROM DAY ONE
Training "live" against resistance is essential to acquiring skill in combat sports. This is how we are able to develop the timing, awareness, and ability to perform techniques in real life. With the Ecological Approach, every class is live from start to finish. All students — even beginners — can safely train live from day one.
GREAT FOR BEGINNERS
Our games are designed so that anyone can play, even if you don't have any previous experience. We de-construct complex skills into simple tasks and guide students through the process of discovering the solution. As a beginner you get to fully participate in a safe, fun, and controlled way, and quickly learn how to play the game.
YOUR HAPPY PLACE
Feel safe when you train.
We consciously create a safe, supportive, and welcoming
training environment. Our culture is informed by decades of experience
in the mental health field, and guided by the values of
community, harmony, and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT AGE RANGE IS ACCEPTED?
For our Little Kids class, we accept students from 5 to 9 years old.
For our Big Kids class, we accept students from 10 to 13 years old.
Teens who are 14 and older may be eligible to attend our adult classes, at the head instructor's discretion.
WHEN DO CLASSES TAKE PLACE?
Little Kids class takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:15 - 5:00pm.
Big Kids class is coming soon in October 2024. It will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:15 - 5:00pm
CAN MY CHILD COME TO ONE CLASS A WEEK?
Yes, your child can choose to attend either one class or two classes per week. Students are not required to attend both sessions.
IS ANY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?
No previous experience is required. Beginners are welcome.
ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS?
Yes, we are currently accepting new students. To maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio in every class, enrollment will be capped and space is limited. Once our enrollment is full, there will be a waiting list to join our Kids Program.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
Use the button below to complete an application for a Free Trial Class. You will have the opportunity to request a complimentary phone consultation, where you can let us know your questions or concerns and learn more about our program.
NEW STUDENT
SPECIAL
Kids
Special Offer
$140
FOR YOUR FIRST MONTH
- 30-day Class Pass
- No commitment
- FREE Uniform
- FREE Trial Class
FREE
High-Quality
Uniform & White Belt
MSRP $130.00
BE CLOSE TO THE SOURCE
Lineage you can trust.
We are proud to represent a strong lineage of innovation
and world-class expertise. We teach techniques that have been developed at the highest level so you can feel confident in your Jiu Jitsu.
