All our kids classes follow structured 18–25 week curriculums designed to give students insight into every area of jiu jitsu.
Alongside technical learning, we place a strong emphasis on developing general physical qualities—such as strength, balance, and coordination—while also building important soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence.
Kids Class Structure
Bronze Level
All students start here, our Bronze level helps kids build core physical skills, develop teamwork, and learn the basic movements and principles of jiu jitsu in a fun, supportive environment. This is the introductory level for this age group, where newer students will have attention and guidance to create the best experience out of their initial phase of jiu jitsu.
Students will stay at this level until they become comfortable with the core techniques and sparring. We respect every student's progression as an individual journey and we focus on creating a smooth transition from one level to the next.
​
Silver Level
Our Silver programme strengthens key physical abilities while deepening students’ jiu jitsu skills. Bringing more martial arts into the classes, at this level we refine our students’ technique, build confidence, and gain the tools needed to perform successfully in competitions. Students in the Silver level are more familiar with the core techniques and sparring. In this level, the classes have more drills and fewer games, with students starting to learn how to use the sparring rounds and specific training to create a challenging and fun atmosphere.
In the Silver level, students will learn how to control their emotions, focus on technical development, and create strong communication skills that will allow them to ask more technical questions and get more from their training journey.
​
Gold Level
Our Gold programme is invite-only, advanced level training designed for dedicated students who have shown strong ambition to excel and compete. This programme focuses on advanced techniques, high-level training, and competition preparation, helping athletes perform confidently and consistently at the highest level.
This is a high intensity class focused on training young students to perform in competitions.
To stay in this class, students are required to have a minimum of 4+ training sessions per week and be consistent in competitions.
In this level, the instructors will use training scenarios that emulate the competition environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every Bronze level student will be evaluated during the classes and the instructors will promote students to the next level based on their skill and ability to focus in the class.
Every level has an increase of intensity in the curriculum and it's important that every student who is promoted is able to handle the adjustment.
Belt promotion does not mean that the student will move to the Silver level, since belt promotions are more related to their consistency and effort.
Parents can approach the instructors to ask about their child's progress and what is missing in order to move to the next level.
Private lessons working on that specific skillset can speed up the student’s individual learning process.
Gold is a class customised for competitors. Students who are in the Gold class train 4+ times per week and have years of experience in training and competitions.
If the goal for your child is to join this group, we recommend increasing the amount of classes per week and to start joining local competitions.
It's important for parents and students to be patient and consistent in order to create the best experience during this process.
Private lessons can also help your child to develop a competitive set of skills and work on scenarios that will allow them to level up faster.
For No-Gi classes you can wear a sporty shirt and shorts without pockets or zips. However, after a few weeks, you will be expected to wear grappling specific gear like a rashguard and shorts with spats optional.
For Gi classes we can lend a Gi for your free trial class. If you become a member, you are expected to have grappling specific gear like a Gi, a belt, and a rashguard.
We have our own 5th Element Jiu Jitsu branded training gear, ask one of our coaches for more information.
​
As a standard, we only accept black or white Gis in our classes.
In our kids programme we teach with a strong focus on discipline, respect for training partners and coaches, highlighting the importance of resilience under pressure and emotional regulation, which are characteristics necessary for a challenging, close-contact sport with a slow learning curve.
No. Our kids programme starts from age 4 and above.
Yes — we cater for children with additional needs. Please get in touch before your trial and we'll make sure everything is set up properly for them.
We have multiple coaches offering private lessons, you can ask one of our coaches for more information, the private lessons are most beneficial for U10s and U14s.
We do quarterly gear orders so make sure to message us directly or ask a coach in person for our product catalogue and order form to get your order in.
We use a blend of Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and Judo in most of our classes taking the best bits from each grappling martial art to make an effective blend.
Age-Appropriate, Engaging & Carefully Supervised
Building Confidence
Our kids classes help children develop essential life skills while staying active. Training focuses on respect, teamwork, confidence, and self-control — all taught through structured movement and play.
Located in the heart of Durham
Kids Training Environment
Our academy provides a clean, controlled, and welcoming training environment where safety and respect come first. Every session is structured, well-coached, and tailored to the experience level of those on the mat.
Step by Step Jiu Jitsu Training
Building Skills
Kids develop confidence, coordination, and discipline through structured Jiu Jitsu training designed specifically for their age. Classes encourage respect, focus, teamwork, and self-belief, helping children grow both physically and mentally in a safe, positive, and supportive environment.
Who We Train
At 5th Element Jiu Jitsu Academy, we believe training goes beyond techniques and drills. Our academy is a place where people come to build confidence, discipline, and resilience.
Kids
Bronze Level
Teens
Bronze, Silver & Gold Levels
Adults
Bronze, Silver & Gold Levels