Fairfield, CT Ages 3–6 Beginner Friendly

Build
Confidence.
Discipline. Focus.
Off the Mats Too.

Gracie Sports Kids Program · Fairfield

Our kids program helps children develop confidence, discipline, focus, respect, and anti-bullying skills in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

  • Anti-Bullying Skills
  • Confidence & Discipline
  • Beginner Friendly — No Experience Needed
  • Structured Classes & Positive Environment
  • Real Life Skills — Not Just Martial Arts

4.9/5 from 500+ Fairfield families

The Real Problem

Modern Kids Are Facing
Real Challenges.

As a parent, you see it every day — and you're not alone. These challenges are real, but they're fixable.

Too Much Screen Time

Many kids today spend hours on phones, tablets, and video games instead of developing real-world confidence and social skills.

Low Confidence

Some children struggle to speak up, socialize, or believe in themselves — limiting who they can truly become.

Bullying

Kids need confidence, awareness, and the right skills to feel safer — not just physically, but emotionally too.

Lack of Focus

Without structured activities, many kids struggle with attention and discipline at school and at home.

Transformation

More Than Martial Arts.

We don't just teach Jiu-Jitsu. We help kids grow into stronger, more confident human beings.

Confidence

Kids learn to believe in themselves — on the mats and in everyday life.

Discipline

Structured classes build respect, accountability, and healthy habits.

Focus

Training improves attention and listening skills that carry into school.

Fitness

Healthy activity kids actually love — instead of endless screen time.

Social Skills

Children build real friendships, communication, and teamwork.

Anti-Bullying

Kids become more confident, aware, and prepared to handle tough situations.

See It In Action

See Why Fairfield Parents
Love Our Program

▶ Replace with your video — see comment above Kids training at Gracie Sports
GRACIE SPORTS KIDS — HIGHLIGHT REEL
▶ Learning Real Jiu-Jitsu Kids training at Gracie Sports
See how kids develop technique, focus, and coordination.
▶ Building Strong Fundamentals Parent testimonial at Gracie Sports
Kids learn real movements in a safe and structured environment.
▶ Technique Starts Early Kids drilling techniques at Gracie Sports
Simple drills that build confidence and body control.
Real Stories

What Parents Are Saying

Don't take our word for it — hear from the Fairfield families whose kids have transformed.

"Since joining Gracie Sports, my son is so much more confident and focused at school. His teachers noticed the difference. I wish we'd started sooner!"

Maria R.

Mom of Ethan, age 8

Confidence

"My daughter was being bullied at school. After 3 months here, she walks differently — head up, shoulders back. The coaches genuinely care."

James T.

Dad of Sofia, age 10

Anti-Bullying

"My boy is super shy. But from the very first class he was smiling. Now he runs into the gym — he absolutely loves it here!"

Aisha M.

Mom of Marcus, age 6

Shyness

"The discipline has carried into homework time. My son sits down and focuses now. His grades improved. Worth every penny and more."

Carlos V.

Dad of Diego, age 11

Focus

"My kids made best friends here. The environment is positive, uplifting, and so welcoming to new families. We absolutely love Gracie Sports."

Linda P.

Mom of twins, ages 7 & 9

Social Skills

"After my daughter earned her first stripe, I saw something change in her eyes. She is PROUD of herself now. That is priceless."

Sarah K.

Mom of Lily, age 9

Self-Esteem
Pick Your Time

Class Schedule

Structured classes designed for each age group. Drop in any week — no commitment needed.

Age Group Days Time Duration
Little Champs
Ages 4–6
Mon & Wed 4:00 PM 45 min
Kids Program
Ages 7–10
Tue & Thu 5:00 PM 60 min
Junior Champions
Ages 11–14
Mon, Wed & Fri 6:00 PM 60 min
Saturday Open Mat
All Ages
Saturday 10:00 AM 90 min
Book a Free Intro Class

No experience needed. No equipment required. Just show up!

Zero Anxiety

Your Child's First Class

We make it easy and fun from day one. Here's exactly what happens.

1

Book Your Free Intro

Click the button, pick a day that works, and we confirm your spot within minutes.

2

Meet Our Coaches

Arrive 10 minutes early. Our coaches greet every new family and make your child feel welcome.

3

Try a Beginner Class

Your child joins a fun, structured class with kids their age. No pressure. No experience needed.

4

Leave With a Smile

They'll make new friends, learn something cool, and ask "when can we come back?"

Our Legacy

Built on Family,
Tradition & Heart.

Gracie Sports Fairfield was founded on the most authentic lineage in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — a legacy now carried forward with love, honor, and purpose.

Deborah Gracie and Mestre Marcio Stambowsky — founders of Gracie Sports Fairfield
In Memoriam Mestre Marcio Stambowsky 1956 – April 2, 2026  ·  7th Degree Red & Black Belt
Founder & Professor

Deborah Gracie

Deborah Gracie carries the most iconic name in martial arts — and she has earned every letter of it. As a proud member of the legendary Gracie family, she brings the authentic lineage, philosophy, and technical mastery that define true Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At Gracie Sports Fairfield, Deborah has built more than an academy. She has built a community — a place where children grow into confident, disciplined, and resilient human beings, one class at a time.

7th Degree · In Memoriam

Mestre Marcio Stambowsky

Mestre Marcio dedicated over 35 years of his life to spreading authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu throughout Connecticut. A direct student of the Gracie family and the highest degree holder on the East Coast, he was the heart and soul of this academy — and of countless lives he touched along the way. He passed on April 2, 2026. His teachings live on in every student who steps on these mats.

"The mat teaches you what life cannot. It doesn't lie, it doesn't flatter — it reveals who you truly are."
Your Coaches

The Team Behind
Every Transformation

Our coaches don't just teach Jiu-Jitsu — they build confidence, discipline, and character in every child, every class.

Head Kids Coach at Gracie Sports Fairfield

Coach Thyago Ribeiro

Instructor

Coach Thyago has been working with kids for over a decade. His philosophy is simple: every child is capable of greatness — they just need the right environment to discover it. He mentors young people, celebrates every win, and creates a space where kids feel safe to grow.

BJJ Black Belt 10+ Yrs Teaching Kids Anti-Bullying Specialist
Kids Assistant Coach at Gracie Sports Fairfield

Coach Ivo Bruno

Instructor

Coach Ivo brings warmth, patience, and energy to every class. He has a gift for connecting with shy kids and turning them into confident leaders on and off the mat. Parents trust him completely — kids absolutely love him.

BJJ Black Belt 10+ Yrs with Kids Youth Development Cert.
Mentorship First
100% Safe Space
Leadership Values
Positive Community
Compare

Why Parents Choose Us

Not all kids' activities are created equal. Here's the real difference.

Other Activities Gracie Sports Program
Passive learning & watching Active confidence building every class
Screen-based entertainment Real, meaningful social interaction
No discipline structure Structured growth with respect & accountability
Temporary fun with no outcome Long-term life skills that last forever
No anti-bullying focus Dedicated anti-bullying curriculum built in
Got Questions?

We Have Answers.

Everything parents ask before their child's first class.

Absolutely. Some of our most successful students came in barely able to make eye contact — and left with their heads held high. Our coaches specialize in working with shy kids. We never rush, never single anyone out, and create an environment where it's perfectly okay to go at your own pace.
Zero experience needed! All of our kids classes are designed for beginners. We start from scratch and build from the ground up. Kids who've never stepped on a mat before are our favorite students — they come in with no bad habits and an open mind!
Yes — Jiu-Jitsu is one of the safest martial arts for children. Our kids classes are structured with age-appropriate techniques, controlled drilling, and strict safety protocols. We maintain small class sizes to ensure every child gets proper supervision.
For the first class, comfortable athletic clothing is perfect — shorts, t-shirt, or leggings. No special equipment needed. Once your child joins, we can guide you on a beginner's gi (uniform). We have affordable options available.
Yes! We have a comfortable viewing area for parents. We actually encourage you to watch, especially in the beginning. Many of our parents end up starting their own classes after watching their kids train!
We recommend 2–3 times per week for consistent progress. That said, even once a week produces real transformation over time. We work with your family's schedule — life is busy, and consistency matters more than frequency.
We welcome kids starting from age 4! Our Little Champs program for 4–6 year olds focuses on body awareness, coordination, and following instructions — all wrapped in a fun, game-based environment. It's never too early to start building confidence!
100% Free · No Commitment

Give Your Child More
Than Just an Activity.

Help them build confidence, discipline, focus, and real-life skills that last a lifetime. The first step is one free class.

Start With a FREE Intro Class

No credit card. No commitment. Just bring your child and see the magic.

Beginner Friendly
Family Environment
Safe Training
Positive Coaching
FREE INTRO CLASS — Claim Now
Emma just joined! Little Champs · 2 min ago