Junior Mixed Martial Arts in Mentor, Ohio
GriffonRawl Junior Mixed Martial Arts is our dedicated youth program for children ages 5–12. Because Junior MMA is the only youth martial arts program we offer, it gives children the opportunity to develop strong, tried-and-true fundamentals from the different combat sports taught throughout our academy—all within one structured program designed specifically for kids.
Students are introduced to fundamental Boxing and Muay Thai striking, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, takedowns, grappling, and realistic self-defense. The goal is not simply to teach children how to fight. We use martial arts as a tool to help kids become more confident, disciplined, physically capable, respectful, and comfortable working with others.
Three Classes - A Well-Rounded Week
Our three weekly Junior MMA classes are structured to give kids exposure to different areas of martial arts while continuing to reinforce fundamentals.
Monday is typically our striking-focused day, with instruction built around Boxing and/or Muay Thai. Children learn age-appropriate fundamentals such as stance, movement, defense, punches, kicks, combinations, and how to safely work with training partners. Controlled, light striking sparring may be available near the end of class and is optional—not mandatory.
Wednesday typically focuses on Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students work on takedowns, positional control, escapes, grappling fundamentals, and other age-appropriate skills. Controlled live grappling is commonly included near the end of class so students can learn how techniques work against a resisting partner while coaches supervise the training.
Saturday places an especially strong emphasis on discipline, structure, fundamentals, and quality instruction. Across the week, the program continually revisits the basics because we believe strong fundamentals create the foundation for long-term growth.
Two Coaches in Every Class
Every Junior MMA class is run with two coaches present. This gives our staff the ability to provide more supervision, answer questions, help newer students, and divide children into appropriate groups when needed.
Kids develop at different speeds, and our goal is to challenge each child while keeping the environment positive, structured, and age-appropriate. Experienced students can continue progressing while brand-new students receive the attention they need to build a strong foundation.
Self-Defense, Fitness & Confidence
Junior MMA gives children practical self-defense skills while helping them become stronger and more physically active. For kids already involved in other sports, martial arts can be an excellent way to stay conditioned and continue developing coordination, balance, strength, and endurance. For children who are not involved in other sports, it provides a challenging and engaging way to get in shape and discover what their bodies are capable of.
Just as important are the lessons that extend beyond physical technique. We emphasize discipline, respect, structure, dedication, communication, teamwork, and the understanding that improvement comes through consistent effort. Children learn to listen, work with partners, overcome challenges, make friends, and become more confident in themselves.
Hard Work, Structure & a Little Fun
We expect our Junior MMA students to work, listen, and learn. At the same time, we understand that kids are kids. When the group works hard and earns it, coaches may incorporate a small amount of fun and games into class—often using activities that still involve movement, exercise, teamwork, or another healthy physical challenge.
This balance helps children associate hard work with accomplishment while allowing them to enjoy being part of the team. We want kids to look forward to training while understanding that fun comes after effort, focus, and responsibility.
Safe, Controlled Training
Safety and communication are priorities throughout the program. Striking sparring, when offered, is light, controlled, supervised, and optional. Children are never required to participate in striking sparring.
Live grappling is used more regularly because learning to safely apply Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu skills against controlled resistance is an important part of development. Coaches supervise the training and teach students to be responsible partners—not simply to try to overpower one another.
Progression, Attendance & Team Shirts
Our Junior MMA program uses a colored-shirt progression system that gives children something visible to work toward. New students begin in the required Junior MMA White Belt Shirt. As children train consistently and develop, they may earn the opportunity to progress into different colored shirts based on attendance, improvement, effort, and the coaches’ discretion.
The purpose is bigger than changing the color of a shirt. Progression teaches children that advancement is earned through consistency, hard work, listening, and dedication.
Required & Recommended Training Gear
A Junior MMA White Belt Shirt is required for new students as part of the program dress code. Students also need a pair of Junior MMA gloves and a properly fitted mouthpiece. Groin protection is optional and left to the parent’s discretion.
GriffonRawl has a limited amount of loaner equipment available to help new students get started while families determine what they need. Our on-site GriffonRawl Pro Shop stocks the required Junior MMA shirts, training gear, and other equipment used in the program.
The Pro Shop also carries GriffonRawl team apparel for kids and families who want to represent the team outside the gym, whether at school, events, competitions, or around town.
A Youth Program Built for More Than Martial Arts
Some children will eventually become competitors. Many will not—and that is perfectly fine. Junior MMA is about giving kids useful skills and positive experiences they can carry with them as they grow.
Whether a child needs more confidence, greater discipline, a physical challenge, realistic self-defense skills, supplemental conditioning for another sport, or simply a positive place to belong and make friends, our coaches want to help them move forward.
Strong fundamentals. Hard work. Respect. Confidence. Teamwork. And a little fun earned along the way.
Strong Fundamentals • Discipline • Confidence • Teamwork
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Key Benefits
Anti-Bullying/Self-Defense!
Discipline!
Respect!
Fitness!
Gain Confidence!
Fun!
Experienced Trainers!
Fully Equipped Facility!
Empower Your Child Through Martial Arts
Have questions about our Junior MMA program, gear requirements, or class schedules? Reach out to us today and help your child build confidence, discipline, and lifelong fitness.