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Kids BJJ in Sarasota
13 gyms in Sarasota, Florida show real evidence — from their own sites or parents' reviews — of running kids or youth BJJ classes. BJJ is a genuinely good fit for children: it builds confidence, focus, and fitness in a disciplined, respectful setting, and young beginners drill technique and positional games rather than sparring hard. The best move before enrolling is simply to go watch a class — ask each gym what age ranges its classes serve and what its rolling policy is for kids, and notice whether the coach is patient and the room is calm and organized. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 13 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Fellowship Jiu-Jitsu Sarasota
5 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
“Three years ago, we walked into Fellowship Jiu Jitsu with two of our children, not fully knowing what to expect. Today, all five of us train, and it has completely changed our…” — Joseph
2. Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Sarasota (BJJ-SRQ)
4.8 ★★★★★ 93 reviews
“This place is the translation of a family on the mat. An amazing environment for anyone interested in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Everyone on the mats is friendly. The gym is…” — Paula
3. Sarasota BJJ / Six Blades Jiu Jitsu (BJJ-SRQ)
5 ★★★★★ 83 reviews
“Came through to visit some family for the holiday and decided to swing through and do a drop in class. Fantastic place with a great group of folks and exceptional technique…” — Jonathan
4. Manasota Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
“Great vibes. Phenomenal teachers and coaches both for adults and kids. Owners are very welcoming. Lots of colored belts. Clean mats. Bathrooms are spotless. Will definitely…” — Jason
5. TeamAlves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school
5 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
“Team Alves is not only one of the cleanest gyms I’ve trained at in my 18 years of Jiu jitsu but also by far one of the friendliest and most welcoming. Professor Alves (Manny) has…” — Ryan
6. VTT Brazilian jiujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 67 reviews
“Amazing gym for all levels. Beginners feel welcomed and supported, while advanced fighters get high-quality training and real challenges. The coaches truly care, the environment…” — Taylor
7. Siesta Key BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
“I’ve been told I’m a parent with high expectations and I take this as a compliment and a way of life. I feel your children’s sport should fit in the same category. Vieira Academy…” — Allison
8. Wolfpack Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
“I am a black belt under Professor Charles Dos Anjos. You will not find better instruction in the art of Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor has been able to assemble a great team of…” — Rob
9. Raiz Jiu Jitsu Sarasota
5 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
“The owner & instructor, Leo, is awesome! He is great with the kids, and the kids all love him. You can tell that he genuinely loves teaching. He is patient and encouraging. It is…” — Coragami
10. BRCJJ Martial Arts | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
“I am a student of Coach Bruno for over 5 years. His amazing coaching has helped me reach so many of my jiu jitsu goals. He runs safe and fun classes for men, women and children.…” — Vicki
11. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Sarasota Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
12. Sarasota Jiu-Jitsu Academy LLC
5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“My son and I enjoyed training with instructor Tom. Great group of people, friendly and respectful.” — Laura
13. Shuhari Martial Arts
4.7 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“If you're looking for a dojo run with integrity and dedication, this is the place. My kids trained here and Mark is there for every class leading with patience and persistence.…” — Ryan
Enrolling your child in Sarasota: practical notes
- Watch a class first. Any welcoming gym will let you and your child observe before signing up. Look for a patient coach, a calm and organized room, and kids who are having fun while staying on task.
- Ask about age ranges. Confirm which class fits your child — many gyms split younger kids from older kids and teens — so the pace and content match their age.
- Ask about the rolling policy for kids. Reputable gyms keep young beginners on positional drills and controlled games; live rolling should be introduced gradually, kept light, and closely supervised.
- Keep gear simple to start. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies lend a gi, and they'll tell you when it's worth buying your own. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the lowest-pressure way to find out if it clicks for your child. See free BJJ trial classes.