Easton's Comprehensive
Jiu Jitsu Guide for Parents
The foundation of our future leaders and champions.
Table of Contents
About Our Program
We design our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program at Easton Training Center to provide benefits beyond the mats. We believe jiu-jitsu can positively impact the next generation.
Our primary objective is to help children become better versions of themselves through jiu-jitsu. We focus on character first and champions second. “Are they good people? And can they kick butt?” In that order.
Jiu-jitsu is an unrivaled tool for self-defense and personal development. Our students learn to work well with others, focusing on effort, respect, and discipline while developing invaluable self-defense skills. Jiu-jitsu helps build character, resilience, physical fitness, and emotional intelligence, fostering better overall wellness and growth.
Thank you for allowing us to play a small role in your child’s development. We receive this responsibility gratefully and sincerely. We look forward to helping your kids learn and grow at Easton!
Easton's Core Values
Excellence
We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement.
Trust
We authentically earn and grant trust.
Compassion
We honor the dignity of all.
Stewardship
We empower others.
Adaptability
We adapt to change quickly and positively, without victimhood.
What is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art.
Using takedowns, the jiu-jitsu player brings the fight to the ground. Once on the ground, the goal is to achieve a dominant body position, using timing, leverage, and technique to control an opponent safely and, if necessary, joint manipulations and chokes to end the altercation.
What Jiu-Jitsu is not
Jiu-jitsu is not MMA (mixed martial arts) but one of the many martial arts featured in such competitions. In jiu-jitsu, we do not strike (punch, kick, elbow, or knee).
The absence of striking allows for the safe practice of the art while avoiding injuries and gives our young students the tools to defend themselves without harming another.
Jiu-Jitsu can be described simply as:
- Avoiding strikes on the feet, we secure a takedown, bringing the fight to the ground.
- On the ground, we advance to a dominant position.
- Once in that dominant position, we use a submission to end the fight.
The History of Jiu Jitsu
Our Lineage
Kano Jigoro and the Kodokan School
In 1854, the Treaty of Kanagawa opened Japan’s ports to foreign commerce, ending over 200 years of isolation. This influx of foreign ideas significantly impacted Japanese society, including martial arts development.
Between 1882 and 1889, Kano Jigoro established the Kodokan school in Tokyo, Japan. Kano sought to modernize Japanese martial arts, emphasizing the scientific principles of leverage, balance, and movement efficiency.
This new martial art was called Judo. Kodokan Judo included traditional Japanese arts like Kito-Ryu, which emphasized throws and balance, and Tenjinshino-Ryu, which focused on joint locks and pins. Additionally, Sumo and foreign influences like Western Wrestling contributed to the development of modern martial arts in Japan.
The Kodokan school became the central hub for Judo training, attracting students from across Japan.
Spread to Brazil
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Japan experienced stagnating economic conditions, leading to poor living conditions and high unemployment. This financial hardship pushed many Japanese to immigrate to the Americas for a better life.
One of Kodokan’s students, Mitsuyo Maeda, played a crucial role in the spread of Judo (and subsequently, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). In 1914, Maeda traveled to Brazil, where he demonstrated Judo and taught the art to locals.
Carlos Gracie began training under Maeda’s students in 1917. Impressed by the effectiveness of Judo techniques, Carlos started developing his style, focusing more on ground fighting.
Development & Expansion of Jiu-Jitsu
Carlos Gracie and his brothers, particularly Hélio Gracie, continued to refine and adapt the techniques they learned from Maeda. They focused heavily on ground fighting, submissions, and positional control, effective in real-life self-defense situations and competitive matches.
Hélio Gracie, due to his smaller stature, emphasized the ground techniques further to rely more on leverage and technique rather than strength. The ground game made the art more accessible and practical for practitioners of all sizes.
The Gracie family showcased their skills in Vale Tudo (anything goes) matches in Brazil, proving the effectiveness of their techniques. In the 1990s, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained international fame through the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where Royce Gracie demonstrated the superiority of BJJ in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions.
Professor Amal Easton
Amal Easton began his martial arts journey with Muay Thai, studying under Ajarn Chai Sirasuti and Kru Doug Pandorf. He developed a passion for martial arts early on and pursued it alongside his academic studies in anthropology, photography, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In 1992, while studying acupuncture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Easton was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Marcos Gonzales, a blue belt trained by the Machado brothers. This experience ignited his passion for BJJ, and he decided to delve deeper into the art.
After completing his acupuncture studies in 1995, Easton moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to train at the Gracie Barra Academy. He dedicated three and a half years to intensive training, studying under renowned instructors like Roberto “Gordo” Correira, Rillion Gracie, Eduardo “Veio” De Lima, and José Leão Teixeira (Zé Beleza). During this time, he earned his blue and purple belts and immersed himself in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.
After returning to the United States in 1998, Easton faced the challenge of finding training partners. He quickly established his first academy, Boulder Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which later became Easton Training Center.
Amal Easton continued to refine his skills and knowledge by traveling back to Brazil and New York to train with top instructors. He earned his black belt from Renzo Gracie, becoming one of the few Americans to receive this honor. Easton was also the first American to win the Black Belt National Championship 2002.
Easton Training Center has expanded significantly since 1998, growing to multiple locations across Colorado. The academy has produced numerous high-level grapplers and mixed martial arts fighters.
Jiu Jitsu Today
A guard is any position where we can control our partner using our legs.
While on the bottom, we seek to defend ourselves, sweep our partner to gain the top position or submit our partner using joint locks and chokes.
When on top, our goal is to pass the guard to gain a more dominant position and increase our control over our partner.
Key Principles and Techniques
- Leverage and Technique: BJJ emphasizes using leverage and precise techniques to control and submit an opponent; a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger opponent using technique and leverage.
- Ground Fighting: A significant portion of BJJ focuses on grappling on the ground, including guard positions, sweeps, and submissions.
- Self-Defense: BJJ is also valued for its practical self-defense applications, teaching practitioners to defend themselves in real-life situations.
Jiu Jitsu: Simply Put
There are two types of takedowns and four positions on the ground. For our purposes, that’s it!
Takedowns
The goal of the Jiu-Jitsu player is to bring this fight to the ground. There are two major types of takedowns: wrestling and judo. Our classes teach these takedowns, and there are many variants to give our students the ability to take someone down should they have to.
Wrestling takedowns generally involve grabbing your partner’s legs with your arms and manipulating their balance to bring them down.
Judo throws generally entail using your hips and feet to throw or trip your partner.
Once on the Ground
The four fundamental positions in Jiu-Jitsu are:
- Guard
- Side Control
- Mount
- Back
The Guard
A guard is any position where we can control our partner using our legs.
While on the bottom, we seek to defend ourselves, sweep our partner to gain the top position or submit our partner using joint locks and chokes.
When on top, our goal is to pass the guard to gain a more dominant position and increase our control over our partner.
Side Control
Side control is the first dominant position after the guard in the positional hierarchy.
On top of side control, our job is to maintain this dominant position and use it to advance to an even better position or submit to our partner.
While on the bottom, our goal is to recover guard or to reverse our partner and land on top.
Mount
The mount is the next position along the positional hierarchy and is a common position in street fights that end on the ground.
On top, the practitioner seeks to control the position to nullify the attacker and, if desired, execute a submission to end the altercation. The practitioner may also seek to advance position, with the next position, the back, being the most dominant.
When on the bottom, our goal is to recover guard to return to a place of control or to reverse the position and get on top to regain safety.
Back
The most dominant position in jiu-jitsu, all that is left to do once you have someone’s back is to submit them.
When someone takes your back, your job is to escape to a more advantageous position.
Positional Hierarchy
The positions in jiu-jitsu follow a hierarchy, which goes from the least amount of control to the maximum amount of control. As we ascend this hierarchy, our ability to inflict damage on our opponent increases, and our opponent’s ability to hurt us decreases.
From worst to best:
- Your opponent has your back.
- Your opponent has the mount.
- Your opponent has side control.
- You are on the bottom of the guard.
- You are on top of the guard.
- You are on top and side control.
- You are on top of the mount.
- You have your partners back.
All of Jiu-Jitsu is an effort to ascend this hierarchy, increasing our ability to end the fight safely as we do so.
The Uniforms & Equipment
We practice Gi and No Gi Jiujitsu in the Easton Kids Martial Arts Program.
Gi
In our Gi classes, we wear traditional kimonos. The back of the Gi must have an Easton school patch.
- Gi Top or Jacket (left lapel folded over the right lapel)
- Gi bottom or Pants (tied by drawstrings)
- Belt (worn the entire class. It will fall off during training, which is okay—we like it!).
No Gi
In our Gi classes, we wear traditional kimonos. The back of the Gi must have an Easton school patch.
- Rashguard
- Boardshorts (no pockets, zippers, or metal fasteners. Must use velcro or drawstrings.)
- Belt (our students line up, bow in, and close out class with their belt on. They take it off for the class duration).
Please do not wear any other type of clothing under your uniform or in no gi classes.
The students may not wear jewelry in class or while training.
Students may wear glasses during class but must remove them for some drilling and all training.
Mouthguards are required.
Please bring a water bottle to every class.
Personal Hygiene & Washing Your Uniforms
The uniform shrinks slightly after the first wash or two. We recommend washing it in cold water with regular detergent and letting it air dry. Bleach may weaken the fabric.
Please wash your uniform after each class. We are in close contact and sweat a lot when we train, and no one wants to be the smelly one!
Before class, use mouthwash and deodorant, and trim your fingernails to avoid scratching your partner.
How to Tie Your Belt
- Hold both ends of the belt to ensure it is even, and place the middle of the belt at your navel.
- Wrap the belt around your back, switching hands behind, and bring the belt back in front, making an “X.”
- The top of the “X” is wrapped under both belt layers and pull out the slack.
- Flipping the lower belt end over and placing the higher belt end on top make one more “X.”
- Reach through the hole and pull the top end through and to the side. You have now tied your belt!
Class Levels
Ages 4-6 Little Tigers
White Belt +
Little Tigers is our youngest age group, and it is a great time to start your child on their jiu-jitsu journey. The program aims to enhance focus, build confidence and resilience, teach basic jiu-jitsu techniques and sparring while introducing core values, and prepare students for the next level of training.
Little Tigers is the introductory level for this age group, where newer students will receive attention and guidance to ensure the best possible experience during their initial phase of Jiu-Jitsu. Our team will introduce every new student to an instructor who will guide them during their orientation before joining the class.
Little Tigers is a six-month curriculum, and we repeat most techniques three weeks at a time.
Students will stay at this level until they become eligible to transition into our Tigers program. We respect each student’s progression and focus on ensuring a seamless transition between levels.
Little Tigers to Tigers Transition
When our students move to Tigers from Little Tigers, it is a big step up and a different experience. We have a step-by-step process to skillfully advance our students from one class level to the next, which can begin 90 days before a student’s 7th birthday. Some students will be ready to advance in less than 90 days, while others may take longer.
- Month 1: Start training in the standing portion of class with no submissions.
- Month 2: Then, add in learning techniques at that level.
- Month 3: Then, add the drilling portion of the class.
- Then, the whole class.
The following class levels will continue to build on the Little Tigers’ goals and incorporate a broader and diverse set of Jiu-Jitsu techniques and skills. Regardless of rank, all new students to the Tigers class start in Fundamentals and stay for a minimum of six months.
Ages 7-13 Tigers
The Tigers program aims to establish a solid technical foundation in jiujitsu to serve our students for the rest of their journey.
We teach self-discipline and personal responsibility, reinforce respectful behavior, and build focus, confidence, and resilience.
With increased sparring and training, our students develop physical awareness, coordination, strength, speed, and balance.
Fundamentals—White Belts
Fundamentals is the introductory level for this age group, where newer students will receive attention and guidance to ensure the best possible experience during their initial phase of Jiu-Jitsu. Our team will introduce every new student to an instructor who will guide them in their orientation before joining the class.
Our Tigers Fundamentals is a six-month curriculum. The techniques rotate weekly, and some repeat within the six-month cycle.
Students will stay at this level for at least six months until they become eligible for the next level. We respect each student’s progression and focus on ensuring a seamless transition between levels.
Intermediate—Grey/White Belt +
Our intermediate students are familiar with the core techniques and sparring.
Intermediate is an 18-month curriculum. Students focus on techniques for two weeks; some repeat within the 18-month cycle.
Students will stay at this level until they become eligible for the advanced program; however, all Tigers regularly attend intermediate classes. We respect each student’s progression and focus on ensuring a seamless transition between levels.
Ages 9+ Advanced Tigers
Grey Belt +
This age group is the oldest in our program and marks an essential transition to the adult program. We aim to develop high-level sparring skills, encourage teamwork, foster self-control, and use goal setting for self-improvement, equipping students with confidence and skills to excel in Jiu-jitsu.
We expect exemplary focus, respect, and an outstanding work ethic from every student.
Grey Belts may attend this class if they also attend the intermediate level. Older students with more experience may exclusively participate in the advanced class with the Coach’s permission.
18-month curriculum. This is where evolution happens. As the martial art evolves, so does this class.
Our students stay at this level until they are ready to enter the adult program. Students may transition to the adult program at 13 with the instructor’s permission; however, many students attend Tigers Advanced class until they are promoted to the adult belt system (the year they turn 16).
Class Structures
We train hard every day in every kid’s class. Our class structure always contains the same core components (in different configurations):
- Warm Up
- Instruction
- Drilling
- Training
- Mat Chat
The Belt System
We follow the IBJJF belt guidelines to ensure uniformity and that the kids always have a goal to aspire toward.
The first two white and gray-white belts last at least six months each.
The students may receive a stripe on their belt each month, assuming they have attended the required classes (a minimum of eight per month) and are focused in class, respectful to their partners, training hard, and practicing discipline on and off the mats.
After that, each belt lasts at least one year, with the students receiving 11 total stripes per belt, potentially one each month.
The IBJJF established these guidelines to prevent kids who start at a young age from achieving their highest potential rank early and then waiting for years until entering the adult system (the year the student turns 16).
The belts are a great motivator for our students in a way that acknowledges their progress, but the belts do not matter. Your child’s happiness and growth do!
All of Jiu-Jitsu is an effort to ascend this hierarchy, increasing our ability to end the fight safely as we do so.
Student Expectations
We aim to use Jiu-Jitsu to give your child the tools to succeed. The more sincerely they practice the art, the greater the benefit they will receive.
That is why we ask the following from our young students: Our four principles. F.R.E.D.
Focus
The ability to control one’s attention is a foundation for a successful life. Stay seated and maintain eye contact during instruction.
While practicing with their teammates, we expect our students to focus on the task.
Purposefully cultivating these powers of attention will give them the tools to perform better on and off the mats–in school at and at home.
Respect
We can only improve our skills with our training partners and in our training space. The mats do not care about our perceived differences. Our training partners are essential and deserve to be treated with respect.
We have created an environment where children from all walks of life come together to use this art as a tool for personal development classes, designed so that everyone may participate and feel welcome.
We work together to help each individual achieve their goals while feeling the fellowship of the community.
All instructors are referred to as coaches.
Black Belt Instructors are referred to as “Professors.”
Energy
The more sincerely our students seek to understand jiu-jitsu, the greater the transference of benefits to their daily lives. We ask our students to put forth effort and attention during class, making the most of our time together on the mat to create the most positive change in their lives.
We ask that our students attend at least twice weekly to ensure that learning compounds upon itself.
We want your kids on the mats as much as your schedule allows. There is no upper limit to the number of classes they can take.
Discipline
Discipline can be simply expressed as doing what you must do even when you don’t want to.
Discipline is essential for achieving goals, maintaining focus, and developing good habits. It enables individuals to make consistent, productive efforts in various aspects of life.
Parent Guidelines
- No coaching from the sidelines.
Whether you train or not, coaching from the sidelines is prohibited during our kids’ classes. It can be distracting and encourages them to focus on parental approval rather than listen to our coaches and the task. Your child can’t fully concentrate on jiu-jitsu and listen to both coaches and parents simultaneously. Encouraging or cheering for your child during sparring can create an unhealthy competitive environment. Remember how you would feel if someone applauded when your child made a mistake.
- You represent Easton.
Even if you may not be an Easton student. We ask that our students and parents conduct themselves in a positive manner that represents Easton’s values.
- Stewardship is our core value.
Our words and actions must build your child’s confidence rather than diminish it. Our goal is to create an environment where our students pursue success instead of avoiding failure.
- Parents and coaches can work together.
By modeling the lessons we want our students to learn. Kids are more likely to copy what you do than what you say.
- Respect the coaches.
We always encourage parents to talk with coaches to get on the same page about a student’s progress. If there is something you would like to discuss, do so appropriately and respectfully.
- Let the coaches do their job.
Please remember that your student receives a lot of coaching in class, and it may not be productive to coach them at home. Students need parents to be parents and coaches to be coaches.
- Avoid showing negative emotions.
When watching your child perform, try to stay composed. If you react negatively when your child fails, you will likely create a fear of failure. We seek to cultivate a growth mindset where mistakes are lessons to be learned and grown from.
Competition Program
Our Philosophy
We are a school that values the growth benefits of competition over winning. Competition is a powerful vehicle for personal growth, providing students with a safe and supportive arena to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones. While we train to win, not all students compete, and we do not pressure them. Instead, we focus on keeping them on the mats and enjoying jiujitsu. If some students are internally motivated to train extensively, we support them, too.
We emphasize the lessons competition teaches about success in life. Competing at the highest levels, we prioritize good sportsmanship, honoring our competition and partners. Win or lose, we remain humble and grateful, avoiding overt celebration, trash-talking, taunting, or cheating. We do not encourage cutting weight and measure success through sportsmanship and respect for training partners.
Respect for officials and referees is essential. We do not argue, throw tantrums, or protest when things don’t go our way, acknowledging that officials are human and can make mistakes. Parents and coaches must model respectful ways to handle frustrations as children observe and learn from their behavior.
We view our competitors as worthy training partners who help us improve, not as enemies. We maintain a healthy respect for our opponents while staying competitive, never sacrificing character, honor, or integrity for winning. Teamwork is paramount, and we value effort and attitude over results. Success depends on how students respond to challenges.
We avoid critiquing a student’s performance immediately after a competition, providing time and space to process their experiences and address mistakes later at the academy. We also provide unconditional love and support regardless of outcomes.
Competition Class
Competition Class Requires Coach Approval. Our schools offer a competition class for Tigers who want to compete. This is a high-intensity class focused on training young students to perform in competitions. We cover various topics such as point systems, multiple rule sets, and how to handle common competition scenarios. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of having fun, staying humble, and being grateful for our partners. Our weekly curricula are based on feedback from our coaches at tournaments, creating an evolving program tailored to our team’s needs.
Every student in a competition class is expected to uphold our principles, exhibit composure, and have an outstanding work ethic.
Competition Team Patch
Students can join our competition team anytime and earn their patches by participating in two divisions across seasonal tournaments. Once earned, the patch is theirs to keep forever. Additional participation is optional, and students can purchase extra patches at their home academy.
Seasonal Program
Our goal is for this program to enhance our students’ Jiu-Jitsu journey! Our Seasonal Program features at least two local “seasons” per year, each featuring designated tournaments. Speak with your coach before registering. Join for one or all seasons; there are no participation limits.
Seasonal Rewards
Students can earn limited-edition patches each season by participating in BJJ competition divisions, regardless of their results, to celebrate and challenge themselves to grow with unique themes for each season.
Travel Season
In addition to our local competition seasons, Easton makes the annual pilgrimage to the toughest and highest-level competitions for kids each summer. Please speak with your coach for more information and determine whether your child is ready for these events.
Competition Program Mailing List & Schedule
FAQ
Your Questions Answered
What if my kid refuses to go or runs off the mat during class?
It’s normal for young students to need several tries to complete a class or feel comfortable joining. Parents can ask instructors for feedback and advice to help their children during this process.
When can my child begin competing, and what do we sign up for?
We allow students to join competitions if the instructors agree they are ready. Competitions teach valuable lessons, so students need to understand what to expect before entering. To help them, ask the instructors about the next local competition and take your child to watch their teammates and gauge their interest in joining the next event.
Will my child fall behind if they participate in other sports?
We encourage the lifelong practice of jiu-jitsu and martial arts. It’s okay for our students to participate in other sports. Engaging in multiple sports helps in developing essential movement skills. While specializing in one sport can lead to success, it’s not the norm we promote.
What can I work on at home with my kid?
Warm Up Movements & Solo Drills
Our Little Tigers and Tigers class group warm-ups may vary slightly in execution, but they all draw from the same basic movements and techniques. Our students will have hundreds of opportunities to practice these movements in every class. All of our students learn these warm-up movements. We have a list of techniques and instructions for students who wish to practice at home independently.
- Bridges
- Side Bridges
- Hip Out / Hip In
- Frame Escape Drill
- Seated Break Falls
- Standing Break Falls
- Technical Stand Up / Up and Base
- Front Roll
- Back Roll
- Shot Drill
Conclusion
We are excited to serve your child through jujitsu. We will do our best to teach our young students this beautiful art in a way that improves every other area of their lives and gives them the tools to defend themselves.
We ask that you communicate openly as you are comfortable about your child’s progress in school and at home. We will do anything and everything we can to serve your family best.
We hope to use Jiu-Jitsu as a foundation to improve the rest of your child’s life. Jiu-Jitsu is a great tool for personal development, and we are grateful you have allowed us to share it with your family.
We look forward to years of growth and camaraderie together!
See you on the mats!
Jordan Shipman
Easton’s Kids Program Director
