Martial arts builds balance and coordination that will stick kids for life, while improving their overall fitness. Our group classes help them develop their social skills, focus, self-discipline and self-confidence in their growing abilities. Our kids’ and teens classes also deal with how and when to use martial arts. Our instructors talk about bullying – what it is, how to deal with it, and how not to be a bully to other kids.
We offer two types of classes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Capoeira/Integrated Striking. We split our classes by age, but our age groups are flexible – we will work with you and your kids to find the best match.
For specific times and classes, please see our Schedule.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a great martial art for children. It offers a safe, challenging outlet, with no striking (and the risks that this often brings). As with all of our classes, students find their own level of involvement. Some kids are happy coming to class a couple of times a week and working on their skills. Other kids are interested in competing in the growing number of local BJJ competitions. No matter what you kids are looking for, our dedicated instructors will be with them every step along the way. Learn more about what BJJ can do for your kids.
Class begins with a warm-up that includes basic motions, such as shrimping along the ground and falling safely. Most of the class is instructional – learning moves, practicing them, and then putting them together into sequences. If the kids pay attention and focus, class closes with a game that builds athletic skills and teamwork, such as a BJJ version of freeze-tag.
Capoeira
Here we get things heating up with acrobatics and capoeira movements, perfect for strengthening and balancing the entire body. As we warm up and build our coordination, we progress to an array of kicks and strikes. We’ll learn footwork, stances & correct form, from how to make a fist (and when) to flying kicks. Working together in a fast paced follow-the-leader format, as well as pairing off for drills, this training is sure to get your kid’s heart racing and plenty of exciting techniques to try!
Kids 4-8
This is a fun, safe environment where younger kids can learn how to defend themselves, gain balance and coordination, and learn new skills while burning off a lot of energy. These skills are hands on, making it easier for them to learn and hold their attention. Several of our older, more experienced students help out with class, providing inspiration, role models, and a chance to learn from the Big Kids.
Kids 8+
Classes focus on learning new skills and improving the basic fundamentals of balance, coordinate, strength and flexibility. We also focus on how to use martial arts responsibly – how to take care of partners and friends.
Erik Rhay
Erik “Pixador” Rhay started training over eleven years ago. His early path in Capoeira, a Brazillian martial & cultural art, led him to Sifu Tyrone Angolia. Learning 7 Star Praying Mantis kung fu from Sifu Angolia instilled in him a love of hard work and pursuing excellence through mental focus & physical expression. This love would transform into a lifestyle of learning, teaching and travelling to explore, expand and share what martial arts could provide.
Over the next decade he would teach capoeira for various schools and non-profit organizations up and down the west coast. Leading the Capoeira Malês kids classes (ages 4-teen) in Seattle, WA as well as the after-school program in partnership with YMCA Powerful Schools. He also did workshops, interactive demos and performances for a number of events and organizations, like the University of Oregon, The Oregon Country Fair, Eugene Celebration, Northwest Folkfest and more; magnifying the joys of martial arts through sharing them, and learning more about himself through teaching others.
He has continued training & working with his long-time Sifu and now Professor, Tyrone Angolia, assisting him with his classes and programs for the last few years. “Pix” has also been a cornerman, training & sparring partner for several MMA camps, both amateur and professional, and is actively competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reaching the podium in every tournament entered.
Competition Record
- 1st place No-Gi North American Grappling Association 2014
- 2nd place Gi North American Grappling Association 2014
- 3rd place No-Gi Big 5 Grappling 2014
- 1st place No-Gi North American Grappling Association 2016
- 1st place Gi North American Grappling Association 2016
- 1st place Gi Ground Warrior Submission Challenge 2017
- 1st place Gi Subleague Submission Challenge 2018
- 2nd place Gi Ground Warrior Submission Challenge 2019
- 3rd place Gi IBJJF Portland Open 2019
He looks forward to continuing his Martial path, striving to become a better martial artist, competitor and teacher.