Ju-Jitsu Lessons
Evolve Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense Program | North York, Toronto
Overview
An 10-week introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practical self defense for kids ages 8 to 13. Certified instruction, small groups, and real skill progression at BJJ North York.
Program Description
The Evolve Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense Program gives kids a structured introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most effective and confidence-building martial arts in the world. Over 10 weekly sessions, students learn the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu alongside practical, age-appropriate self defense skills, including how to stay calm under pressure, set boundaries, and safely create distance from a threat.
Classes are delivered by the experienced instructors at North York BJJ, an established Toronto academy known for its welcoming culture and strong kids program. Every session builds on the last, so students finish the program with measurable skills, greater confidence, and a foundation they can continue building on.
Sessions run Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm, starting October 14th. Spots are limited to 20 students per group.
Program Schedule
Classes take place every Wednesday evening from October 14 to December 16.
Program Length: 10 weeks
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: North York BJJ, 4000 Chesswood , North York, ON M3J 2B9 (upstairs)
Ages: 8 to 13
Group Size: Limited to 20 students
10-week curriculum
Week 1: Foundations
Mat rules, respect, discipline, basic movements, breakfalls, and how to fall safely. Safe falling is one of the most useful physical skills a child can learn.
Week 2: Base and Balance
Stance, posture, movement, and grip fundamentals. Students learn how to maintain their balance when pushed or pulled.
Week 3: Ground Movement
Bridging, shrimping, technical stand ups, and other essential movements used to create space and safely return to their feet.
Week 4: Escapes
Students learn the core techniques for escaping from underneath an opponent. These skills demonstrate how technique can help a smaller student respond to a larger partner.
Week 5: Positional Control
Understanding dominant positions and how to maintain them safely. Students are introduced to controlled and supervised partner drilling.
Week 6: Self Defense Against Grabs
Practical responses to wrist grabs, clothing grabs, and bear hugs. Students learn how to break grips, maintain their balance, and create distance.
Week 7: Boundaries and Awareness
Verbal boundaries, confident body language, and situational awareness. Students learn age appropriate strategies for handling bullying, walking away, and getting help from an adult.
Week 8: Technique and Decision Making
Students practice choosing the appropriate movement, escape, or control technique for different situations through structured partner exercises.
Week 9: Putting It Together
Light, supervised situational drills combine movement, balance, escapes, and positional control. Students apply what they have learned in a safe and structured setting.
Week 10: Review and Graduation
A complete skills review, progress evaluation, and graduation class that parents are invited to watch. Every student receives a progress report and certificate.
Who are the Coaches?
Coach Nick
Coach Nick is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt under Andrew McColl and a highly accomplished competitor. He earned a Top 5 IBJJF ranking at purple belt and has won gold at several major tournaments, including the IBJJF New York Open and Toronto Open.
A University of Toronto graduate, Nick brings a thoughtful and structured approach to every class. His goal is to make Jiu-Jitsu fun, challenging, and accessible while helping students build confidence, discipline, and strong technical skills.
Coach Jesse
Coach Jesse is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt under Andrew McColl with more than nine years of training experience. A former OHL hockey player and current youth hockey coach, Jesse brings extensive experience working with young athletes.
His competitive accomplishments include first place finishes at the New Jersey Open, Nashville Open, Boston Open, and Ontario Open. Jesse is an energetic and encouraging coach who creates a welcoming team environment where every student feels comfortable learning and improving.
Safety First
Jiu-Jitsu is taught in a controlled, padded environment with no striking of any kind. All drilling is supervised, partners are matched by size and experience, and instructors teach students to train with control and respect from day one. Leslieville BJJ maintains clean, professionally maintained mats and follows strict hygiene protocols.
Contact UsPricing and Options
Why Families Love Evolve
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Small groups matched by size and experience for safe, real progress
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Experienced instructors and a safety first, no-striking approach
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A structured 10-week curriculum with measurable skills and a progress report
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Practical self defense and anti-bullying skills kids actually use
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Trusted by families across North America since 2006
Testimonials
My child has gained so much confidence since starting Jiu-Jitsu. The coaches are patient, encouraging and make every class fun
Jiu-Jitsu has been amazing for focus, discipline and fitness. My son looks forward to training every week.
Let's Make Memories
