Little Gracies: Building the Foundation for Confident Movement (Ages 3–5)

At Renzo Gracie New Hampshire, we believe confidence starts early. Before technique, before competition, before stripes and belts, kids need a strong foundation in how they move, how they listen to their bodies, and how they use their voice.

That belief is what inspired Little Gracies, our newest program designed specifically for children ages 3–5.

 

What Is Little Gracies?

Little Gracies is a movement-based Jiu Jitsu foundation class for our youngest students. At this age, kids learn best through play, repetition, and exploration. Instead of formal techniques, this class focuses on fundamental movements that directly support their future in Jiu Jitsu.

Think obstacles, balance, crawling, rolling, jumping, and controlled movement. Every activity has purpose.

For example, when a child learns to duck under an obstacle, they are building the same body awareness and coordination they will later use in a sprawl. When they practice getting up safely, they are learning confidence on the mat and in their body.

Progress Still Matters

While Little Gracies is movement-focused, it is still fully part of our Jiu Jitsu program. Students earn stripes and belts just like they would in our regular kids classes. Progress, effort, and consistency are all recognized and celebrated.

This program lays the groundwork for technical training while still honoring the structure and tradition of Jiu Jitsu.

More Than Movement

Little Gracies is about more than physical skills.

We help kids:

  • Use their voice with confidence

  • Follow direction in a structured but fun environment

  • Build focus and listening skills

  • Learn to move with intention

  • Feel comfortable in a martial arts space

These are skills that support not just Jiu Jitsu, but school, sports, and everyday life.

Flexible for Families

Children ages 3–5 enrolled in Little Gracies are always welcome to join any scheduled kids Jiu Jitsu classes as well. Some children thrive with the added movement foundation, while others enjoy participating in both.

Parents can choose what works best for their child, knowing both options support growth and confidence.

Class Schedule

Windham

  • Saturday mornings, 9:00–9:30 AM

  • Monday and Wednesday, 4:30–5:00 PM

Exeter

  • Saturday mornings, 9:00–9:30 AM

  • Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30–5:00 PM

During Saturday classes, Little Gracies students are split off from the older kids class so they can learn in an age-appropriate environment.

Start Their Journey Early

Little Gracies is the first step in a lifelong Jiu Jitsu journey. It builds confidence, coordination, and comfort on the mat while keeping kids connected to the larger RGNH community.

If you have a 3–5 year old who loves to move, explore, or build confidence, this program was made for them.

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Jiu Jitsu, Confidence, and the Power of Bullying Prevention

Every parent worries about bullying. Whether it’s on the playground, in the cafeteria, or online, kids are navigating a world where words and actions can sting. And as parents, we want to give them the tools to not just protect themselves, but to grow into confident, compassionate people who know their own worth.

That’s where Jiu Jitsu comes in.

When a child first steps onto the mat, you can see the nerves in their posture. Their shoulders might slump, their eyes dart around the room, and there’s a hesitation in how they carry themselves. But something begins to change almost immediately. Through the drills, the laughter, the lessons, and the challenge of learning something new, they start to stand a little taller. Their eyes begin to lift. They realize they are capable of more than they thought.

That quiet transformation is powerful. Because bullies don’t just look for someone smaller or weaker—they look for someone unsure. Jiu Jitsu gives kids confidence that shows. Not because they’re aggressive, but because they know who they are and what they can handle.

On the mats, kids learn to stay calm under pressure. Every sparring match teaches them that panicking doesn’t solve the problem. Instead, you breathe, think, and move. That lesson sticks. When conflicts arise outside the academy, our students carry that same calm with them. They know they have options, and that gives them the ability to defuse situations before they escalate.

And maybe most importantly, Jiu Jitsu instills respect. Respect for their instructors, for their training partners, for the art itself—and for themselves. Our students quickly see that real strength isn’t about pushing others down. It’s about lifting others up, staying in control, and using what you know responsibly.

We’ve seen it countless times: the child who once shrank away from confrontation now has the courage to walk away with dignity, or to stand up not just for themselves but for a friend who needs support. That’s the gift of Jiu Jitsu. It’s not just a martial art. It’s a way of building kids into strong, kind, and resilient individuals who know they are never alone.

Because here at Renzo Gracie NH, every child has a team behind them. And that makes all the difference.

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A 13-Year-Old’s Courageous Response: Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense in the Real World

Girl defending herself with Jiu Jitsu

Every day, we walk through life hoping our loved ones will never face danger. But for one brave 13-year-old girl in Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, California, the unexpected happened—and thanks to her jiu‑jitsu training, she walked away safe and empowered.

What Happened

On May 6, 2025, while walking home from school, this young teen was ambushed by a man who attempted to punch her in the face. Drawing on three years of jiu‑jitsu training at the Carmel Youth Center under Sensei Michael Blackburn, she reacted instantly—punching, locking him in a headlock, delivering knee strikes, spinning him around, and throwing him to the ground. In the process, she broke his ankle. She then ran home safely.

For the full original account of this inspiring story, check out The Guardian’s coverage: [California teenage girl fends off attacker by using jiu‑jitsu]The Guardian+2TikTok+2.

Why This Matters

This incident isn’t just a tale of technique—it’s a powerful reminder that preparedness and confidence matter. The calm under pressure and quick decision-making she demonstrated aren’t just earned—they’re trained.

At Renzo Gracie NH, we build more than physical strength. We cultivate mental resilience, situational awareness, and real-world adaptability—skills that could one day make all the difference.

Join Us at Renzo Gracie NH

Thinking about enrolling—or bringing your child in? Here’s why now is the perfect time:

  • Build confidence and empowerment—for kids, teens, and adults alike.
  • Master practical self-defense, not just drills.
  • Train locally—we offer classes in Manchester, Windham, and Exeter.
  • See for yourself—stop by, watch a class, or start with a free trial.

Start Today, Stay Prepared

Life doesn’t come with warnings. But with jiu-jitsu, you can build the confidence and skills to protect yourself—and those you care about. If you’ve been waiting for “someday,” this story is your sign to act now.

Ready to take the first step?

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Why Jiu Jitsu is One of the Best Activities for Kids

Jiu Jitsu builds strong, confident kids from the inside out. While it’s easy to see the physical benefits—strength, flexibility, coordination—the deeper changes are often what parents value most.

Confidence That Sticks
Jiu Jitsu teaches children how to face challenges head-on. Every class is an opportunity to learn, make mistakes, and try again. That sense of progress adds up to real confidence. Kids walk a little taller when they know they can get through hard things.

Respect That Shows Up Everywhere
From day one, Jiu Jitsu students learn how to treat their coaches, training partners, and themselves with respect. These lessons naturally follow them to school, home, and beyond. Kids begin to understand the value of discipline, listening, and humility.

Real-World Problem Solving
Jiu Jitsu is like a moving puzzle. Kids are constantly using their minds while learning how to move their bodies. They think critically, react quickly, and make decisions under pressure—all in a safe, supportive environment.

Energy Well Spent
Many kids have energy to spare. Jiu Jitsu offers a structured, positive outlet that leaves them tired, happy, and proud. It also helps them build stamina and focus, which can carry into schoolwork and other areas of life.

A Place to Belong
Being part of a Jiu Jitsu academy means being part of a team. Classes are full of kids who support each other and cheer each other on. It’s an environment where every child is seen, valued, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

At Renzo Gracie New Hampshire, we’ve seen firsthand how Jiu Jitsu helps kids become more confident, resilient, and respectful—on and off the mats. Whether your child is shy or full of energy, Jiu Jitsu can meet them where they are and help them grow in the best ways.

We’re here to help them start strong.

Ready to try a class? Fill out the form below or stop by one of our locations in Windham, Manchester, or Exeter.

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Keeping Elbows In for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Why Is This so Important?

Keeping your elbows in is a fundamental concept in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a few key reasons, primarily related to protecting yourself, maintaining control, and improving your ability to move and submit effectively. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Protection Against Submissions

  • Armbar Defense: One of the most common ways opponents attack the arms in BJJ is through the armbar, and keeping your elbows in tight to your body significantly reduces the chances of them getting isolated and extended. If your elbows are flared out, it becomes much easier for your opponent to attack with submissions like armbars, kimuras, or Americana.
  • Control & Escapes: When your elbows are too far out, your opponent can more easily control your arms, making it harder for you to escape from bad positions like side control or mount.

2. Energy Conservation

  • By keeping your elbows in, you use your body’s structure more efficiently. When your elbows are out, you’re using unnecessary muscle energy to hold your arms in awkward or vulnerable positions. This can tire you out faster, especially in longer sparring sessions.

3. Posture and Balance

  • Keeping your elbows in helps you maintain better posture, especially in positions like guard or top positions (like side control or mount). This balance is essential for effective pressure, control, and the ability to react quickly to your opponent’s movements.
  • It also minimizes openings for sweeps or submissions, making you a more difficult target.

4. Improving Offensive Opportunities

  • When your elbows are tucked, you can use your arms more efficiently to maintain grips and manipulate your opponent’s movements. For example, in guard, keeping your elbows in helps you maintain a stronger closed guard, keeping pressure on your opponent and making it harder for them to pass.
  • It also opens up a variety of submissions, such as the kimura, where a tight elbow position is critical for setting up the lock.

5. Preventing Injuries

  • When you flare your elbows out, you place more strain on your joints, which can increase the risk of injury over time, especially during transitions or scrambles where you’re trying to fight for position.

In short, keeping your elbows in is essential for maintaining good structure, controlling the fight, avoiding submissions, and conserving energy. It’s one of the basic principles that can make a huge difference in both defense and offense in BJJ!

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Moving our Salem Academy to 20 Rocking Ham Rd.

We would love to introduce you to the areas NEWEST & MOST PREMIER Jiu Jitsu academy.  This new academy is fully state of the art boasting 4000 square feet of mat space, showers, and over 100 parking spaces.  Also, we have a 1700 square foot MMA area.  Keep your eye out for upcoming new programs and classes!

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Master Renzo Gracie Teaching his NH students

gracie-family

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Train With The Family

Adult & Childrens classes can now be held at the same time at both locations.  The goal of every parent is to raise a happy and well-adjusted child.  At Renzo Gracie NH we live by our values, family, teamwork, loyalty and integrity.  We believe these basic values hold true for any family and we invite you to come in or call to learn more about our new family training classes.

We are offering a special spring 2017 discount to those interested.

50% off family enrollment special.  

visit us to learn more..

We look forward to seeing you!

Shortly after my son turned four, my wife and I brought him to Renzo Gracie NH to check out the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Kids Program. After meeting with Professor Kevin Landry, I knew Renzo Gracie NH was perfect for us.

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Team mate of the month 2

What brought you into RGNH

I wanted to learn extra self defense, as a women you can never have enough. 

What was the biggest change you’ve noticed since you enrolled

I’ve noticed I’ve gained a newfound confidence in every sense of the word. 

What was the biggest change you’ve noticed since you enrolled

I’ve noticed I’m healthier and my body feels better from all the exercise. 

What was the biggest change you’ve noticed since you enrolled

I’ve noticed I’ve gained a giant extended family that I wouldn’t trade for anything. 

What was the biggest change you’ve noticed since you enrolled 

I’ve noticed I’m more confident in my ability to defend myself if the need ever arises. 

What was the biggest change you’ve noticed since you enrolled 

I’ve noticed I enjoy being here and learning new techniques every day!

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Team mate of the month

What brought you into RGNH

I have always wanted to try a martial art, but it never seemed like the right time, and i never had enough confidence. One day I decided it was time for me to invest in my personal development on a physical level. I walked into RGNH and was immediately drawn to the warm environment. I didn’t have to look any further. I had found my academy.

What was the biggest change you’ve noticed since you enrolled

I have noticed a big difference in my level of confidence, the ability to get out of my comfort zone and try something completely new, both inside the academy and out.

What would you say to the person that is intimidated to come try a class

I had a friend say this to me and my response to her was, “step foot in my academy and you will never turn back. The environment is warm and the people are amazing.”

Do you feel strength is required

no. I never thought so. If I did then as a 4′ 11″ woman I wouldn’t have considered it. This was confirmed when inexperienced that the right technique can work for any size person. It is all about the technique.

What is the best challenge RGNH brings you

to challenge myself and not quit. You will have great days and bad days, but when you look back on the time you have spent training, you realize how far you have really come. That, in and of itself, is extremely gratifying.

Is short how do you feel RGNH has helped you

I have made amazing friends, I am in the best physical shape of my life, and I have gained confidence in my ability to do anything I set my mind to.

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