✶ New – Starting April 29

Mini BJJ Rotterdam

Mini BJJ – Jiu Jitsu for Toddlers aged 3 to 5

Parent and child on the mat together. Playful movement, wrestling and growing — every Wednesday at Haven BJJ Rotterdam.

3–5 years Parent & child on the mat Wednesday 16:00–16:45

Why Mini BJJ for toddlers?

Motor development

Rolling, falling, crawling and climbing: Mini BJJ helps toddlers develop their motor skills in a playful way. The exercises match how young children naturally move and explore.

A healthy way to burn energy

45 minutes of movement, play and action. Toddlers can release their energy on the mat and often come home satisfied and pleasantly tired. No screens — just real activity.

Parent and child together

In Mini BJJ you step onto the mat together. You help, encourage and join in with the exercises. That makes the class safe, familiar and a valuable moment together.

Confidence and resilience

By moving, falling and getting back up in a safe way, toddlers build confidence in their own body. They learn to handle contact, follow instructions and move comfortably in a group.

Is Mini BJJ safe for my toddler?

Yes. Safety is our top priority in Mini BJJ classes.

We understand the question: "jiu jitsu" sounds like a martial art to many parents. But Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is about control and self-defence, not kicking and punching. In Mini BJJ the focus is on movement and learning through play, with rolling, falling, crawling and wrestling as the foundation.

In Mini BJJ classes there is no striking, no kicking and no locks are taught. Everything takes place on soft mats, in a controlled environment, always with the parent present.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is well suited to young children because the sport is about position and control, not strength or speed. Toddlers who learn to fall without fear develop something valuable for later: confidence in their own body.

When children are ready, they can usually move on to the regular Kids BJJ classes from around age 5.

Practical information

Schedule

Wednesday1× per week
16:00 – 16:4545 minutes per class
Weena 1099, Rotterdam5 min walk from Rotterdam Central

★ Start: Wednesday 29 April

Pricing

€75 / 5 classes

Punch card — €15 per class — tracked digitally via the app

5 punches, no membership
No long-term contract
Buy punches whenever you want
First class free & no obligation
No gi needed — regular sportswear

Buy punch card

Request free trial class

The Coaches

You’re in good hands. The Mini BJJ classes are taught by two experienced and enthusiastic coaches.

Kevin de Waard

Head Coach Kids

Kevin is Head Coach Kids and also teaches Mini BJJ. His enthusiasm is contagious — he creates a safe environment where everyone can learn with enjoyment. Outside the mat, Kevin works in youth care and is a proud father.

More about Kevin →

Sarah Tuohy

Head coach Women's Program

Sarah is Headcoach of the Women's Program and also teaches Mini BJJ. As an international medal winner and sports dietitian, she combines technical expertise with a warm, supportive approach.

More about Sarah →

Frequently asked questions

Is Mini BJJ safe for a 3-year-old?▼

Yes. Safety comes first. In Mini BJJ classes there is no striking, no kicking and no locks are taught. Everything takes place on soft mats, in a controlled environment, always with the parent present. The focus is on movement and learning through play: rolling, falling, crawling and wrestling.

Do I as a parent have to join in, or can I watch?▼

In Mini BJJ the parent steps onto the mat with the child. This is an essential part of the class — you do the stations and exercises together. That makes it extra fun for your toddler and for you. Sportswear for the parent is sufficient.

Does my child need a gi (jiu jitsu uniform)?▼

No, a gi is not needed. Comfortable sportswear is fine — leggings or jogging trousers without zips, and a t-shirt. The same applies to the parent joining in.

What is the difference between Mini BJJ and toddler judo?▼

Both focus on motor development in a playful setting. In Mini BJJ toddlers learn the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: falling safely, crawling, rolling and positional awareness on the ground. Classes are small, personally guided and always with the parent on the mat.

When do the classes start?▼

The first Mini BJJ class is on Wednesday 29 April. Classes are weekly on Wednesdays from 16:00 to 16:45 at Haven BJJ, Weena 1099 in Rotterdam.

How does the punch card work and what does it cost?▼

Mini BJJ works with a punch card: 5 punches for €75 (€15 per class). Through the app you reserve your class, and upon arrival you check in via our tablet. There is no monthly membership or long-term contract — you buy a new card whenever suits you.

Can my child do a free trial class?▼

Yes! The first class is free and non-binding. Sign up here for the trial class.

From what age can my child start?▼

Mini BJJ is specially designed for children aged 3 to 5 years. Children who are already 5 and ready for more structure can then move on to the regular Kids BJJ classes (5–9 years).