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Kids BJJ in Honolulu
16 gyms in Honolulu, Hawaii 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 16 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Gracie Technics Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Honolulu, Hawaii
5 ★★★★★ 208 reviews
“Gracie Technic Jiu-Jitsu was an incredible experience. My 15-year-old son from California called ahead to ask about doing a drop-in class while we were visiting Honolulu, and they…” — Michael
2. Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 78 reviews
“Papakōlea Jiu-Jitsu in Kakaʻako is a true gem for families seeking to build their child’s confidence, resilience, and character. From the moment we stepped in, it was clear this…” — Nina
3. Känsept Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
4. Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Ronn Shiraki Academy [RSA] Honolulu, Hawaii
5 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
“I've been training jiujitsu for 5 years on and off. I got the chance to train here for a month while I was visiting the island. I really enjoyed the vibe here as the instructors…” — Nirtyanath
5. Island Jiu Jitsu, LLC
4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
“I visit Hawaii often and never thought to train while I was on the island. This week was different as I have a competition coming up so I was looking to train. The 6am no-gi…” — Javin
6. Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team HK
4.9 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
“I was one of the lucky ones that got to train with Relson back in 2000. When he comes to work he means business, I remember when I first started he wasn't worried about tying a…” — Sports
9. Sapateiro Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
“I took my 7-year-old son to Sapateiro BJJ while vacationing this past summer for almost a month, and I have nothing but amazing things to say about this gym! Coach Ed is patient…” — Jade
10. Kahala Jiu Jitsu
4.7 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
“Great instructors, my two kids have been with them for almost a year and they have improved so much being only 6 and 4 years old.” — Shaun
11. Jiu Jitsu - Honolulu
5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“A great place to train with top notch coaches in the proven Relson Gracie Jiujitsu! Good for beginners to long time practioners!” — Keith
12. HNL JIU JITSU ACADEMY
5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“HNL Jiu Jitsu is an excellent place to train, for both adults and children! It's located in the Aina Haina Shopping Center, in between the vet clinic and Massage Envy.” — Jay
13. Gracie Barra Aloha Stadium
4.8 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“Both of my 7 year old boys started at Gracie Barra Aloha Stadium in June. My boys were very shy and very hesitant before their first class. In the last 2 months, I have seen them…” — Shanen
14. Tako Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
“Can't ask for better instructors and fellow students. Be prepared to work, but it's great vibes and no-fluff training. For those interested in the kids' classes, I can't recommend…” — Keone
15. One way/Kohaku Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
“This dojo is a great place for beginners & anyone who want to start learning BJJ / self defense. You will be surrounded with people with aloha vibes who will help each other stay…” — Shina
16. Uptown Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
“If you are looking to help you child learn Jui Jitsu, don't look any further. The teachers are amazing and kids love to come to their weekly classes” — Honza
Enrolling your child in Honolulu: 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.