Youth Martial Arts
Beaufort MMA is a family friendly mixed martial arts club in Beaufort SC. As well as training adults, we also teach children how to properly defend themselves if attacked. Our focus is on self-defense, but we also teach the children the importance of respect, discipline, teamwork, and a healthy competitive attitude (just like Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other traditional martial arts styles). Each class is taught with these elements at the core, but the martial arts classes are also fun and engaging for children.
Tiny but Tough Martial Arts (3-5 yrs old)
This class is a developmental and physical introductory class to martial arts for children that are 3, 4, or 5 years old. While some self-defense is taught in this class, the focus is for young children to learn self-control, balance, coordination, and to socialize them with other children their age in a controlled setting. The class is short enough to keep their attention, but long enough to allow each child to learn martial arts techniques such as basic punches, kicks, rolls, and grappling. The 3-5 yr old martial arts class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm – 5:45pm.
Youth Mixed Martial Arts (6-14 yrs old)
Our kids’ MMA class is comprized of children from 6-14 yrs old. Since most children this age have an established amount of coordination, the focus is placed primarily on self-defense, fitness, competition, and character-building. For children that have participated in traditional martial arts styles like Karate or Tae Kwon Do in the past, our class may seem a little out of the ordinary as each class is fast paced and full of action. The drills and techniques are physically challenging and give the kids a great workout while teaching them the importance of determination. We teach the kids to “never give up” if something is challenging, instead instilling a desire to spend time learning and practicing in order to succeed. Each student will learn essential striking and grappling which includes punches, kicks, takedowns, grappling positions of control, and ways to make large opponents give up. This class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00pm-7:00pm.
Youth and Teen Martial Arts Competition Team
As part of our youth martial arts program, we also teach the importance of a healthy competitive attitude. This extends to their education and job experience by establishing a strong work ethic as well as striving to do their very best. The kids and teens can compete in several styles such as wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), boxing, and kickboxing. These opportunities are not forced on any student, but additional training is recommended if a young student would like to compete. We have several additional class opportunities available upon request. Please contact us or visit the gym if you are interested in your child or teen joining our competition team. Please note that in order to be elligible for the competition team, your child must participate in at least 70% of the regularly scheduled classes.
Parent and Child Classes
One of the best ways to reinforce your child’s martial arts training is to take interest in their progression and participate in their learning process. Due to the space and time requirements of the martial arts program, we do not offer parents the ability to work with their children in the kids class, but we do appreciate and welcome help with the class. If you are interested in practicing the techniques with your children, you may also attend our Saturday morning open mat where your children can “teach” you how they do their techniques. As well as a great learning tool, this is also a great bonding experience and can have lasting benefits in your relationship with your child.
