Kids Martial Arts & Jiu-Jitsu in Takoma Park
Strong, confident, focused kids — built one class at a time. Kids ages 4–12 learn real Brazilian jiu-jitsu in a safe, structured program at our family-owned academy. Your child's first class is free.
Built for kids — grouped by age and size
WDC BJJ has run a family-owned academy in Takoma Park since 2015. No experience needed. No toughness required. Just your child, a gi, and coaches who genuinely love teaching kids. If your child is shy, brand-new to sports, or starting martial arts for the first time, this program was built for them.
Little Grapplers
Our youngest group, where learning happens through movement, games, and play that quietly builds focus, coordination, and confidence.
Little Grapplers Page →Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Real technique taught at their level — escapes, control, and teamwork — in a structured class with friends their age.
Book a Free Trial Class →Older kids session
An additional evening session for older kids who want more mat time with partners their own size — Monday through Thursday at 6:00 PM.
See the Schedule →The same reassuring rhythm, every class
Movement and games
Younger kids learn through games and drills that build balance, coordination, and listening skills — the foundation skills of jiu-jitsu disguised as the fun part of the day.
Technique, in simple language
Coaches break positions and movements into small, clear steps. Your child will never be expected to keep up with a pace set for older kids.
Partner practice, supervised
Kids practice what they learned with a partner their own age and size, with a coach watching every group.
Mat time and cooperation
Controlled practice that teaches respect, patience, and teamwork — not fighting.
Never thrown in the deep end
New students are never thrown into the deep end. Coaches introduce the basics step by step alongside the group, and no child is ever asked to perform in front of a room full of people on day one. Many of our kids start quiet. They find their voice on the mats at their own pace — that's what the program is for.
When kids train
Weekdays: 5:00–5:45 PM, Monday–Thursday (ages 4–12, grouped by age and size)
Ages 10–12 second session: 6:00–6:45 PM, Monday–Thursday
Saturday: 9:00 AM (younger/smaller kids) · 10:00 AM kids class from November 7, 2026
Kids Competition Team (invitational): Friday 5:00 PM
Free trials: weekdays 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM
Led by a champion who teaches kids himself
Professor Deivid Dias
GFTeam black belt, IBJJF Pan American Champion, IBJJF American National Champion, Master Worlds medalist, and a member of the GFTeam Hall of Fame, with more than a decade of coaching. Deivid comes from a direct line of legendary teachers — the Fadda lineage — and runs a family-owned academy, so teaching children is personal, not a side business. He's supported in the academy every day by Nilxon Ventura, our gym manager, who runs the door and makes sure every family is checked in and comfortable.
What to expect
Book a free trial — a weekday 5:00 PM class or Saturday 9:00 AM. It's a real group class: your child trains with the group, not a private sales pitch. Wear comfortable athletic clothes (no pockets or zippers) and bring a water bottle. Arrive 15 minutes early and check in at the door. Enrollment includes a free uniform. After class, we'll walk you through how the program works and answer every question — no pressure, no commitment.
Read the First-Class GuideKids who love class go to camp
WDC BJJ Summer Camp 2027 — five weekly sessions of martial arts day camp for ages 4–12, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM with aftercare to 6:00 PM. Registration is OPEN — Enrolling Now for Summer Camp 2027.
See Summer Camp 2027Your first class is free.
No experience needed, and no contracts or long-term commitment — just come train. Enrollment includes a free uniform for kids, youth, and adults.
1. Send the free-trial request or call us.
2. We confirm the right class for your age and schedule.
3. Arrive 15 minutes early in athletic clothes.
4. Train in a real group class — then decide with zero pressure.
What our community says
We moved to Takoma Park from Brazil and were so happy to find Deivid Dias and his Jiu Jitsu dojo right in TP. My son had practiced Jiu Jitsu in Brazil and was hoping to continue his training. Deivid has been wonderful about finding the right training class for him and he has found a jiu jitsu family here in the US. We are very happy with the dojo and with the training he is receiving.
The atmosphere and community are unlike anywhere else! The coaches and programs are incredible and everyone is welcome! I highly recommend for youth and adults alike!
This gym provides an incredibly welcoming environment for all ages, experience and fitness levels. The lead instructor, Deivid Dias, is an excellent teacher who truly cares about the BJJ competency levels of his students as well as their well-being. He works everyday to maintain a safe and professional atmosphere in the gym. I would highly recommend this gym anyone interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Everything you're wondering
Ages 4–12, grouped by age and size: Little Grapplers (4–6) and Kids Jiu-Jitsu (7–12), with an extra evening session for ages 10–12. Teens ages 13–17 have their own dedicated program.
Kids training is built for kids: age-appropriate techniques, constant coach supervision, and a room culture of respect. We never treat children like small adults.
Yes — and you won't be alone in asking. Technique is taught in small steps, games carry the learning for the youngest group, and no one is expected to perform on day one.
Two to three times a week is a great rhythm once enrolled — consistency matters more than intensity. Start with the trial, then we'll help you find the schedule that fits.
Yes. Classes run year-round and our free trial classes run every week — book a weekday 5:00 PM or Saturday 9:00 AM trial and we'll place your child in the right group from day one.
Programs vary by how often your child trains, and we don't publish prices online. Come try a free class, and we'll walk you through the option that fits your family — with no contracts or long-term commitment.
Little Grapplers (4–6)
The youngest group gets its own page — games, movement, and first steps on the mats.
Little Grapplers →Teens Jiu-Jitsu (13–17)
When they're ready to level up: a dedicated teens program, not kids' classes and not adult classes.
Teens Program →Summer Camp 2027
Five weekly sessions of BJJ day camp for ages 4–12 in Takoma Park.
Summer Camp →After-School Jiu-Jitsu
We’re gauging interest in an after-school program on school days — class plus supervised homework time. Not running yet; tell us if your family would use it.
Join the Interest List →