Discipline, Confidence
& Fun —
Starting Week One.

Free trial week for your child. Gi included. Ages 5 to 14. Nothing to buy, no commitment.

"She went from crying about going to begging to go extra days. The coaches are firm but kind — exactly what kids need. This place changed her."
— Patricia O., parent of 9-year-old · 8 months training

★★★★★ 5.0 · 100 reviews · 🏆 IBJJF Medalists · 🥋 Atos Affiliate

Start your free week.

No credit card. No commitment.

👦 5–14 Ages served

🏆 1st Youth Team Overall 2024

👥 3 Days/week · Mon, Wed & Fri

⭐ 5.0 100 Google reviews

What parents are saying.

★★★★★

"Island Jiu Jitsu has been wonderful for my family. All 3 of my girls (ages 11-7) have taken part over the years learning self defense skills, calm and control under pressure, endurance, strength and self confidence. My 5 year old son just started and as a hyper active child Jiu Jitsu has been wonderful in teaching him self control. We are very pleased with Island Jiu Jitsu and would encourage anyone considering it to come to a class to try it out!"

Alyssa Churchley

Mother of 4 · Multiple years

★★★★★

"My daughter has been here since June and she's changed so much. She started out very shy, refused to talk to anyone. She's now making friends, speaking up in school and actually asks to go to class! The coaches are so patient with the kids and genuinely care about more than just teaching them Jiu Jitsu. Couldn't ask for a better place."

Emma Riggs

Parent · 6+ months

★★★★★

"The coaches and the atmosphere here are amazing! My daughter started classes in November, and she's grown so much, not just in Jiu Jitsu, but in confidence and mindset. The facility is clean and welcoming, and I love how much the coaches care about every student. She looks forward to every class and has made such great friends. Highly recommend!"

Shannon Yates

Parent

★★★★★

"My twins (boy and girl, age 10) both train here. The coaches handle mixed groups so well. Both have grown enormously in confidence. My son stopped getting bullied at school after 3 months of training. My daughter placed 2nd at her first tournament. We are customers for life."

AC2

Andrea C.

Parent of twins, age 10

★★★★★

"My son was struggling with anxiety and his therapist suggested a martial art. Island BJJ was the best thing we could have done. He's calmer, more confident, and has a group of friends he genuinely looks up to. The coaches see the whole child, not just the athlete."

Melissa F.

Parent

★★★★★

"My 8 year old son has been coming for 5 months and the improvement in his focus and attitude has been remarkable. His teacher even commented on how much more settled he is in class. We are so grateful for Island BJJ."

Kelsie B.

Parent of 8-year-old · 5 months

★★★★★

"Island Jiu Jitsu has been an amazing experience for my 6-year-old! He just finished his first week of classes and he absolutely loves it. The coaches are fantastic with kids — encouraging, patient, and great at making learning fun. Highly recommend for any parent looking for a top-notch kids' program in Muskegon!"

Samantha Allman

Parent of 6-year-old

★★★★★

"My daughter is 9 and has been training for 8 months. She went from crying about going to begging to go extra days. The coaches are firm but kind — exactly what kids need. This place changed her."

Patricia O.

Parent of 9-year-old · 8 months

★★★★★

"My son and I signed up for classes about a month and half ago, both adult classes and kids classes are in a league of their own as far as quality! The coaches for the kids impress me more and more with each class, they treat these kids so well. If I could I would give them a 10/5 stars. Thanks Coach Nick!"

Doug Watkins

Parent & adult student

★★★★★

"My 7 year old loves it. He asks every morning if it's a Jiu Jitsu day. Coach Carmel is incredible with the little ones — so patient and makes it so fun. The progress we've seen in 4 months is remarkable."

James H.

Parent of 7-year-old · 4 months

A parent and a student — same story.

Watch Video

★★★★★

"I signed my two sons up first — after watching them, I had to get on the mats myself. It's helped them grow into their bodies and become more athletic. And for all of us — confidence and self-esteem."

Brian Delger

Parent of 2 · Adult student · 3+ years at IJJ Michigan

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★★★★★

"He was able to work through conflict a lot better. He can calm himself down more and follow directions better. He needed to learn how to lose — and Jiu-Jitsu really helped him learn how to lose and recover from that."

Ricky's Parent

Parent · 3 years at IJJ Michigan

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★★★★★

"My daughter didn't want to come — 'No dad, do I have to?' We get home and she's like, 'Dad, can I go back?' Instead of being so shy, she's more talkative, more interactive with people."

Parent of daughter

Parent · 4 years at IJJ Michigan

Watch Video

★★★★★

"Confidence has gone through the roof. You're going to see a different side of your kid that you've never seen before — and in a positive way. Do I feel safe bringing my kids here? Absolutely. They're in great hands."

IJJ Michigan Parent

Parent · IJJ Michigan

What's included in your free week.

Your cost: $0.

✓ Gi (kimono) provided — your child needs to bring nothing
✓ Classes separated by age group and body size
✓ Classes on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
✓ Evaluation with the dedicated kids program instructor
✓ 100% supervised environment — parents can watch any class
✓ No contract, no enrollment fee

Parents are always welcome to watch any class. No advance notice needed. Full transparency.

Learn from those who compete at the highest level.

Carmel Hernandez

Kids Program Coach — Atos

Dedicated kids coach since 2021
IBJJF Expert Division competitor
Specialty: child development through sport

"Combines BJJ technique with confidence, respect, and teamwork development. Every child's first experience matters most."

Nick Jones

Black Belt 1st Degree — Atos

Head Coach — Island BJJ
Trained at Atos HQ, AOJ, Clark Gracie
IBJJF Pan American Medalist

"Oversees the entire curriculum. Ensures every age group has the right methodology for growth on and off the mat."

Eva Pereda

Purple Belt — Atos

First woman purple belt at the academy
Kids assistant coach
Known as the Gym Mom

"Ready to help anyone who needs it — whether they've been here for years or just walked through the doors."

Common questions.

What's the minimum age to start? +

We accept children from 5 years old. Classes are organized by age group and body size — not skill level. A 5-year-old never trains with a 14-year-old.

Will my child get hurt? +

BJJ is called the 'gentle art' for a reason. Our kids classes have controlled contact and constant supervision. The first thing every child learns is how to fall safely. Our kids program injury rate is near zero — lower than recreational soccer.

Will this make my child want to fight? +

The opposite. BJJ teaches that the greatest victory is not needing to fight. Children who practice martial arts have lower rates of aggressive behavior — they learn when to use strength and, more importantly, when they don't need to.

What if my child wants to quit after a week? +

There's no commitment. The free week is exactly for discovering if it makes sense. If it doesn't, no problem. If it does — and it usually does — the BJJ belt and stripe system is designed to keep kids engaged: every bit of progress is visible on the gi.

Can I watch the classes? +

Yes, always. Parents are welcome at any class, without prior notice. Full transparency.

Discipline, Confidence
& Fun —
Starting Week One.

What parents are saying.

A parent and a student — same story.

What's included in your free week.