Ages 4-8 Curriculum

Alliance BJJ Kids Program

Positions, Escapes, Sweeps When Possible

The Approach

Each class teaches one defensive position (with escapes) and one offensive position. We work sweeps when possible. At ages 4-8, mastering weight distribution and positional awareness is what matters. Attacks are bonus content - most kids this age can't retain the details. The goal: build strong positional foundations so when they move to the bigger kids class, they already have the movements down.

50-Minute Class Structure

1. Line Up & Bow In (2 min)

2. Warm-up With Counting (8 min)

Bear crawls, shrimp crawls, duck walks, spiderman crawls, bridges, mat slaps, frog jumps, sumos, lunges, cheetahs (racing). Gets them tired so they listen better. All movements they'll see in real BJJ classes.

3. Defensive Position + Escapes (12 min)

Example: Mount bottom - frames, bridge, turn, shrimp. Partner drill with counting.

4. Offensive Position (10 min)

Example: Mount top - wide base, weight distribution, posting hands. Partner drill with counting.

5. Position Games (15 min)

King of the Mount, Backpack Control, Side Control, Chicken Judo, Shrimp Races, etc. Rotate partners.

6. Positional Sparring (10 min)

Start in the position learned. Light resistance, 2-min rounds, switch partners.

7. Mat Chat & Bow Out (2 min)

Review positions, character focus, count together, bow out.

Warm-ups & Games

Warm-up Movements

Click for description

  • Bear Crawl
  • Shrimp Crawl (hip escapes)
  • Front Hip Escapes
  • Duck Walks
  • Spiderman Crawls
  • Bridges
  • Monkey Rolls
  • Mat Slaps (breakfalls)
  • Frog Jumps
  • Sumos
  • Lunges
  • Leg Stretches
  • Cheetahs (racing)

Position Games

Click for description

  • King of the Mount
  • Backpack Control
  • Side Control
  • Guard Control
  • Bridge Battle
  • Shrimp Races
  • Turtle Power
  • Chicken Judo
  • Sumo Circle
  • Animal Relay Races
  • Escape Counter

What Students Will Learn

Defensive Skills

  • Mount bottom escapes (bridge, shrimp)
  • Side control escapes (frames, space)
  • Closed guard maintenance
  • Turtle defense (stay tight)
  • Back defense (protect neck)

Offensive Skills

  • Mount top (weight, base)
  • Side control (pressure, shoulder)
  • North South (chest pressure, control)
  • Back control (hooks, seatbelt)
  • Top pressure basics
  • Maintaining positions

Core Movements

Shrimping (hip escape), Bridging (upa), Base maintenance, Breakfalls, Forward rolls, Weight distribution awareness

Goal: When students graduate to bigger kids class, they have movements locked in and understand positions. Then the bigger kids class can teach attacks, complex sweeps, and guard breaks without having to also teach basic movement patterns.