Minis BJJ in Islington: Ages 4 and Up
Very small scale classes for our youngest students super keen to start learning BJJ
BJJ minis runs Mondays at 4:45pm term time
A playful, gentle introduction to grappling for little ones. No striking, no rough stuff, just games that quietly build coordination, balance, listening and the confidence that comes from learning to move and hold your own. It is one of the kindest ways for a small child to start a martial art.
We are a small, friendly club at Finsbury Leisure Centre (EC1), easy to reach from Old Street, Angel, Barbican and Farringdon.
Minis is a small, select group by design, so places are limited. Our new term starts on Monday 7 September: register your interest now to save your little one a spot. When term starts, the first class is a free trial (comfy kit they can move in, water, no experience needed).
What a Minis class looks like
Short, fun and full of movement. We teach through games rather than drilling, so the little ones build real skills without long stretches of listening to complicated explanations. Before graduating to the bigger kids classes we make sure they understand key things like safe falling, looking after their training buddies and we sneak in jiujitsu ideas and concepts. Classes are small, so every child is looked after.
For the full picture of how we teach our youngest, see our jiu jitsu for minis programme.
Safe hands
Our BJJ programme is led by Abbie O’Toole, a black belt and multiple IBJJF Open gold medallist, and classes are run by our coaching team. Every instructor working with children holds a valid enhanced DBS check and has completed safeguarding in martial arts training, and we are insured and registered with the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association through our parent club, Kinetic Zen.
Pricing
The first class is a free trial, no commitment. After that it is one fee per term, which secures your child’s place for the whole term:
| Term | One class a week |
|---|---|
| Autumn | £112 |
| Spring | £90 |
| Summer | £105 |
Renew for the next term early and save £10 (for the autumn term, rebook by 31 July).
Cost should never be the reason a child misses out. Thanks to a local sponsor, we hold a small hardship bursary for families who are struggling. Have a quiet word with us and we will sort something, discreetly.
Questions parents ask us
Is four too young to start? For some children yes, for others no, and the free first class is how we find out together. At this age it is about play, balance, listening and confidence, not competition. If your child is not quite ready, that is completely normal; come back when they are.
Is it safe? Is it fighting? There is no striking. It is gentle, supervised, games-based movement, one of the softest ways into a martial art.
How long is a class? Short by design (about 45 minutes), which suits little attention spans.
What should they wear? for a first class, anything comfy they can move in. For regulars we train in a BJJ Gi, its smart, part of the safety protocols of the class and helps the kids mindset. Bring water.
How do we start? Register your interest on WhatsApp and we will save your little one a place for the new term.