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: Safety, Warm Ups, and Basic Technique
Students learn mat rules, respect, discipline, breakfalls, and how to fall safely. The class introduces warm ups and basic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu movements, including bridging, shrimping, and technical stand ups.
Week 2: Escaping Bad Positions
Students learn how to create space and escape safely when underneath a partner. The focus is on staying calm, protecting themselves, and using technique instead of strength.
Week 3: First Offensive Move
Students are introduced to their first offensive technique. They learn how to move into a stronger position and maintain control safely during supervised partner drills.
Week 4: Submissions and Submission Safety
Students learn their first age appropriate submission while focusing heavily on safety. They are taught when to tap, how to recognize a tap, and why every technique must be released immediately.
Week 5: Building Stronger Defence
Students continue developing their defensive skills by reviewing escapes and learning how to respond when an opponent changes positions.
Week 6: Layering Attacks
Students learn how to connect positions and offensive techniques. The focus is on recognizing when one technique is not working and safely transitioning to another.
Week 7: Self Defence and Awareness
Students practise age appropriate responses to grabs while developing balance, confident body language, verbal boundaries, and situational awareness. They also discuss walking away and getting help from an adult.
Week 8: Expanding Submission Skills
Students are introduced to additional age appropriate submissions and learn how to apply them with control. Submission safety, tapping, and responsible training remain the priority.
Week 9: Putting It All Together
Students combine movement, escapes, positional control, attacks, and submissions through light, supervised situational drills. They practise making good decisions in a safe and structured setting.
Week 10: Review and Graduation
The program concludes with 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. We 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
