Burridge Martial Arts and Fitness
Kids BJJ or Kickboxing? How to Choose the Right Martial Art
If you are looking for a martial arts program for your child, one of the first decisions may be what type of training they should try.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing are both popular choices for children, but the experience of training them is very different.
BJJ is a grappling martial art built around positions, control, escapes and submissions. Kickboxing focuses primarily on standing movement, punches, kicks, defence and padwork.
Neither is automatically better for kids.
The better choice usually comes down to your child's personality, what type of movement they enjoy and, most importantly, which class makes them want to come back.
At Burridge Martial Arts in Abbotsford, both Kids Kickboxing and Kids BJJ are available for children ages 6–12, and complete beginners are welcome.
What Is Kids Kickboxing?
Kids Kickboxing is a striking-based martial arts class.
Children learn how to stand and move properly while developing basic punching, kicking and defensive skills. Training is adapted for their age rather than simply giving children a smaller version of an adult fight class.
Classes can include:
- Stance and footwork
- Punches and kicks
- Defensive movement
- Padwork
- Balance and coordination drills
- Controlled partner exercises
- Fitness and movement games
At Burridge Martial Arts, the Kids Kickboxing program is for ages 6–12 and emphasizes safe, controlled striking along with confidence, coordination, discipline, listening and self-control. There is no contact to the head in the kids program.
For many children, hitting pads is one of the things they immediately enjoy about kickboxing. They get clear feedback from each technique and spend a lot of time moving, striking and working through combinations.
What Is Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, usually shortened to BJJ, is a grappling martial art.
Instead of punching and kicking, children learn how to move and control another person using positioning, leverage and technique.
Training can include:
- Learning how to fall safely
- Basic grappling positions
- Escapes
- Positional control
- Balance and body awareness
- Basic submissions
- Partner drills
- Controlled live training
BJJ also requires children to solve problems while another person is moving and resisting.
A technique may work perfectly during a demonstration, but applying it against a moving partner requires the child to adjust their position, timing and balance.
That problem-solving aspect is one of the reasons many kids become absorbed in BJJ.
At Burridge Martial Arts, Kids BJJ is also for ages 6–12 and introduces these skills gradually in a supervised environment.
The Biggest Difference: Striking vs Grappling
The easiest way to compare the two is to picture what your child will actually be doing during class.
In kickboxing, most of the activity happens while standing.
Kids practise moving around the mat, throwing combinations, kicking pads, defending techniques and working through movement drills.
In BJJ, there is much more close physical contact.
Students practise gripping, controlling positions, escaping and eventually working against a partner who is actively trying to do the same thing to them.
Some children know immediately which sounds more fun.
Others have absolutely no idea until they try both.
Which Is Better for an Energetic Child?
Either can be a very good outlet.
Kickboxing often feels immediately active because there is plenty of movement, padwork and repetition.
A child who loves running, jumping, kicking and constantly being in motion may be naturally drawn toward it.
But BJJ is hardly a quiet activity.
Grappling can be physically demanding, and children have to continually move, balance and react while working with another person.
The more important factor is whether your child stays engaged with the activity.
A high-energy child who loves puzzles and wrestling may be much more focused during BJJ than during kickboxing. Another child may become completely absorbed the moment they put on gloves and start hitting pads.
Which Is Better for a Shy or Nervous Child?
There is no universal answer.
Sometimes parents assume that a shy child should avoid kickboxing because striking appears intimidating.
Other parents assume BJJ will be uncomfortable because of the close physical contact.
Either concern can be reasonable.
The first few classes are unfamiliar regardless of the martial art. Your child is meeting new coaches, learning new rules, working around unfamiliar students and attempting movements they have never done before.
A good children's program should give them time to settle in.
The best sign is not whether your child looks completely comfortable five minutes into their first class.
Look instead for whether they begin participating, respond to their coach and seem a little more comfortable as the class continues.
What if My Child Doesn't Like Physical Contact?
This can influence the decision.
BJJ requires close partner contact. Children will regularly be holding, controlling and grappling with one another.
Some kids love that immediately, particularly if they already enjoy wrestling around with siblings or friends.
Others need more time to become comfortable with it.
Kickboxing still involves partner work, but much of the early training can involve striking pads and practising movements with more space between students.
That may initially feel more comfortable for some children.
On the other hand, a child who dislikes the idea of being punched or kicked—even in controlled training—may strongly prefer BJJ.
Listening to your child's reaction is more useful than trying to decide which martial art they should enjoy.
Which One Builds More Confidence?
Both can.
But martial arts does not create confidence simply because a child puts on a uniform or attends class.
Confidence develops when children repeatedly accomplish things that originally seemed difficult.
Maybe they finally learn a kick they struggled with.
Maybe they remember a three-technique combination without help.
Maybe they escape a position in BJJ that used to frustrate them.
Maybe they work with a new partner without becoming nervous.
Those experiences gradually give children proof that they can learn, practise and improve.
Both kickboxing and BJJ provide plenty of opportunities for that to happen.
What About Discipline and Focus?
Both programs require children to listen to instruction, follow rules, work safely with other students and pay attention during demonstrations.
The activity itself can also help keep children engaged.
Kickboxing requires them to remember combinations, coordinate their hands and feet and react to instructions.
BJJ requires them to remember sequences, recognize positions and make decisions while their partner is moving.
A child who struggles to focus in one activity may sometimes concentrate extremely well when they find something that genuinely interests them.
That is another reason trying the class can tell you more than simply reading about it.
Which Is Better for Self-Defence?
Both teach practical physical skills, but in different situations.
Kickboxing helps children learn distance, movement, balance, striking technique and defence while standing.
BJJ teaches them how to control positions, escape and remain calm when physical contact becomes very close.
More importantly, children's martial arts should also teach control.
Knowing how to perform a technique does not mean a child should be encouraged to use it unnecessarily.
Good coaching should reinforce responsible behaviour, safe training and respect for other people.
Have questions about grappling and safety? We have a separate parent guide explaining how children's BJJ training is structured.
Does My Child Have to Compete?
No.
Children can learn martial arts, improve their skills and progress through training without ever entering a competition.
Some kids eventually become interested in competing, while others are perfectly happy simply attending classes and getting better.
Competition should be an opportunity rather than the reason every child is expected to train.
Can Kids Train in Both BJJ and Kickboxing?
Yes.
In fact, this can be a great option for a child who genuinely enjoys both.
The two martial arts are different enough that children get variety from training them together.
Kickboxing develops striking, footwork and standing movement. BJJ develops grappling, positioning and close-range control.
There is no need to start with both, though.
If your child is new to martial arts or already has a busy schedule, beginning with one program can make the transition easier.
Once they are comfortable, they can always try the other.
Burridge Martial Arts currently offers individual Kids Kickboxing and Kids BJJ memberships as well as a combined option for ages 6–12.
What if My Child Is Six?
Six is a transition age for BJJ at Burridge Martial Arts.
Some six-year-olds are ready for the longer, more technical Kids BJJ class, while others benefit from continuing in Tiny Tots BJJ while they develop more focus, confidence and comfort working with partners.
Placement is based on the individual child rather than age alone.
If you are unsure, speak with one of the coaches and we can help you decide which environment is likely to be the most appropriate starting point.
So Which Martial Art Should My Child Choose?
If your child already has a strong preference, start there.
Kids who are excited about:
- Punching and kicking
- Hitting pads
- Fast-paced standing movement
- Learning combinations
may naturally prefer Kickboxing.
Kids who are excited about:
- Wrestling and grappling
- Learning positions
- Escaping and controlling
- Physical problem-solving
may naturally prefer BJJ.
But there is no need to get the decision perfect before your child begins.
What a martial art looks like from the sidelines can feel completely different once they participate.
The best martial art for your child is usually the one they enjoy enough to keep learning.
Kids Martial Arts in Abbotsford
Burridge Martial Arts offers Kids Kickboxing and Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children ages 6–12 in Abbotsford, BC.
Both programs welcome beginners, and children do not need previous martial arts experience before attending.
If your child is unsure which program they would enjoy, start with our one-week free trial. They can experience the gym, meet the coaches and try training before you decide what fits them best. The current trial includes access to Kids Kickboxing and Kids BJJ.
