Youth Martial Arts

Focus, Self-Defense, Healthy Fitness, and FUN!

Teaching your child tools for success in life

Your child will receive self defense training to build skills that are appropriate for 4-6 year olds with Little Ninjas and 7 and older with Krav Kids. This means that your child will learn and grow at a pace that is not too easy or too challenging. Using age specific training, your child will be learning from our lessons with the stage of development that is both physically and mentally appropriate to their age and give them exactly what they need at each level.

Setting your child up for lifelong success

You will have your children equiped with skills that they will utilize in every area of their life. As a bonus, you will be offered a character development program that focuses on a word of the month such as discipline, balance, coordination, fitness, control, memory, teamwork and focus. Our youth students will work on this word with mat chats and a simple assignment that reinforces the word we are highlighting for the month.

Our program helps develop focus, discipline and confidence in children and has proven to be very successful at building physical, social and emotional skills, setting the next generation up for lifelong success.

To a Caring Parent:

There are countless benefits kids get with martial arts. Here at CT Krav Maga & MMA, our experience has been that children have transformed their lives with our youth classes. Not only are they learning discipline, but they are learning determination, focus, self-respect, and so much more. They are learning how to complete tasks when asked the first time. They lose weight and gain strength. They learn healthy habits and communication skills. But most importantly, they are having FUN while doing it!

Try Us Out!

You have nothing to lose with our money back guarantee. If after two weeks your child does not enjoy our program, we will offer a full refund. Plus you get to keep your free gift!

Little Ninjas
4-6 Years Old

If you are like most parents, you have probably had to repeatedly ask your child to complete a task, such as putting away toys or getting dressed, and have wondered if your child has a hard time listening. We have been there too with our own kids and we can help!

We provide a program that is based on edutainment – education through entertainment. It is scientifically proven that children learn best through play. However they do not realize that woven into that play are the building blocks we are establishing that set them up for success. By appealing to their social and intellectual curiosity, our youth students have a fun time learning new skills that are the foundation to our Krav Kids program.

Little Ninjas are taught age appropriate curriculum to them so that they can learn at a pace that is line with their stage of childhood development.
We teach based on the children having a fun education in class, because studies have shown this is the most effective way for children to learn at this age.

Our youngest martial artists are instructed in 4 core areas:

INTELLECTUALLY: how to focus during verbal instruction and and how to follow more than 2 instructions at once.

EMOTIONALLY: how to persevere through a new task if a little nervous or very excited.

SOCIALLY: how to show restraint if others are acting silly and how to show respect for personal space.

PHYSICALLY: how to build strength in their body such as kicking without falling down or sitting still without wiggling.
Krav Kids
7+ Years Old

Krav Kids is a structured program that builds our youth students who are 7 and older in core skills based on Krav Maga. We focus on self defense and safety in each class. Our Krav Kids program is a kid friendly Krav Maga program, with Krav Maga being one of the best self defense systems in the world.

We nurture our Krav Kids students both socially and emotionally in a friendly family atmosphere. We instill skills in our youth students that build them physically and mentally for success.

The skills learned in our Krav Kids program focus on striking to start with punches and kicks. As children advance, they are introduced to grappling with elements from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Our goal is to provide well rounded skills in which a child can defend him/herself from a standing or on the ground position. Physical exercise and conditioning are also part of the program in order to add to your child’s ability to defend themselves successfully.

Our youth martial artists who are 7 and older are taught:

COURAGE – this skill helps students develop the confidence to defend themselves as well as the ability to lead others.

FLEXIBILITY – this skill helps students develop a better range of motion in their legs, core, and upper body.

INTENSITY – this skill helps students increase their focus and power.

PERSEVERANCE – this skill helps students improve their ability to not give up physically, intellectually, emotionally, or socially while under pressure.

SPEED – this skill helps students improve their technical, explosive, and reactive speed abilities.

CONCENTRATION – this skill helps students improve their ability to remain focused despite challenges or distractions.

AGILITY – this skill helps students improve their footwork, kicking skills, and body control.

TECHNIQUE – this skill helps students develop fine motor skills in their feet and hands.

Little Ninjas Class Schedule

Tuesday
4:30 pm
Thursday
4:30 pm

Krav Kids Class Schedule

Monday
4:15 pm

5:30 pm
Tuesday
5:30 pm
Wednesday
4:15 pm

5:30 pm
Thursday
5:30 pm
Friday
6:30 pm (Teens)
Saturday
9 am (Krav Kids)

Clear Focus

In martial arts, we have kids do one thing at a time. For younger kids, and kids with severe ADD, they may only do one thing for 30 seconds – but for that 30 seconds that’s all they focus on. The better and better they get at focusing, the longer we have them focus for. Eventually, kids might focus the entire session on just one exercise or activity. Before you know it, they do this at home too. They focus on their homework, on their chores, on conversations with you, and anything else they put their mind to.
Determined to Succeed

From Day 1 in martial arts your child sets goals, and accomplishes them. The more and more he does this – the more ambitious he becomes. Eventually he learns to set higher goals – and he learns to go after them with everything he’s got. He learns that fulfillment and respect are earned through completing challenges. Kids who go through martial arts are much more likely to succeed later in life as well. A recent study showed that 63% of black belts become college graduates! They then go on to live wonderful, fulfilling lives. And then they pass these principles onto their own children.
Finally Paying Attention

Parents of children with attention problems breathe sighs of relief after just a few short weeks. That’s because in martial arts, we teach kids to look people in the eyes when they’re being spoken to. We teach them that this is how you show people you’re listening, and paying attention. After just a few short weeks, kids naturally begin doing this at home – and in school. Parents and teachers often look at each other with wide-eyes when they reflect on the changes. They can’t believe how much better their children pay attention.
Completing Tasks the First Time

In martial arts, we have just a few simple rules. One of those rules is that when your child is asked to do something – he does it the first time. We never yell at kids, or scold them, if they don’t do this. But every kid does it because he sees the other kids in the class doing it too. And he wants to make friends and be a part of the group. It’s usually just a couple weeks before kids start doing this at home, too. I can’t tell you how many parents have thanked me profusely when it starts to happen. For parents of children who have a hard time following directions – this is truly a blessing.
Self-Respect

When it comes to bullies, kids in martial arts don’t back down. They have the confidence to look a bully in the eyes, and stand their ground. This is what nearly always happens: the bully gets scared and backs down! It happens 9 times out of 10– and for that other 1 time, your child has the tools to defend himself. If necessary, he’ll be able to get away, and seek out an authority figure. Most confrontations can be talked through. Occasionally, however, words aren’t enough. For either situation your child will be prepared. No one will be able to hurt him, or take anything away from him.
Weight Loss & Exercise

It’s easy these days for kids to not exercise. As a result, many children experience weight problems at a young age. Your child will be active the entire time. But there’s no pressure on him to do anything he can’t. We’ll encourage him to do his best – but this isn’t boot camp or anything like that!

See What Parents Are Saying

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Enrolled my son in their MMA classes. He really loves it. The instructors are really good with kids. Plus they learn self defense.

Michael Barnett

Staff here is wonderful. They are friendly, helpful, and truly have a passion for the classes they teach. Along with the martial arts classes, they also have kick boxing and kettlebell classes on the bottom floor. Definitely a place to check put if you are looking to change up your workout routine or learn Krav. Great classes for kids to learn the basics of Krav Maga and continue on to more challenging classes as they progress.

Gary B.

The instructors and team here are extremely awesome!! I love coming here!!

Julie Musgrove

I love everything about this place! Everyone is welcoming, friendly, and respectful. They are knowledgeable and its such a positive place to train. I love it!!

Bec Santos

The instructors are very patient and make sure the proper technique is being performed. I have learned many self defense techniques to protect myself and my family. I never felt comfortable at a gym or in groups…but at Ct Krav Maga & MMA North Branford,CT.. I feel very comfortable and relaxed. No matter what level you are everyone is very helpful and patient. The programs are amazing!!! and the prices are reasonable!! This is definitely one of the best choices I have made in my life and my children’s life. The Kids Krav instructors are very dedicated to the kids and my little one looks forward to his classes……I would recommend Ct Krav Maga & MMA North Branford,CT to everyone!!!

Biyonka Mendez

Best classes and instructors. Dennis and his team are highly trained and exceptional trainers.

Marisa Hill

Been here 12 years, great people, great instructors!!

Laura DeFrancesco

You become a family here. I drive a half hour just to train here. I had started when I lived in Branford, and I just can’t imagine going somewhere else. Amazing staff and training. Best decision I’ve made!

Nikki Sacco

Great place for beginners to try a few different classes to see what they like. Staff and other members make you feel comfortable right away, it’s like a family, and newbies are always welcome.

Maryann Melio

Absolutely love this place!! I’ve been training here for close to a year and have seen many gains in my skills. Dennis is a great instructor and makes you feel welcomed right away. The environment here is super cooperative and friendly, with the more skilled people helping out the newbies. I love that they offer a wide range of classes like Krav Maga, BJJ, Combat Hapkido, Kickboxing, and Fight Evolution. This place is great for a well rounded training experience and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in training in martial arts!

Kristin Good

Everything you need in one place.many styles of exercise and martial arts all ran by great instructors with solid credentials. Group sessions are personal and comfortable with great attention served on each student. Can’t wait for my next class!

Jason Ruff

My son (4) has been doing the Little Ninjas program for about a year and it is an excellent program with exceptional instructors. I have recently enjoyed a start in level 1 Krav Maga and the adult program is intense and rewarding. I only gave the studio 5 stars because 6 stars was not an option.

Nathan Miller

Hey, I just wanted to tell you that Michael did his homework today the first time I asked him! I’m still in shock! I know it’s because of what he learned in class. You have put together an incredible program. Thank you so much.

When Brian got off the bus today, and got in the car, he couldn’t stop talking about how he stood up to this bully who had been picking on him for weeks! He said the bully backed down, and everyone saw it! I got so choked up that he looked at me and asked me why I was crying. I just told him I was so proud of him.

At first I wasn’t sure if Ashley would like the program. After all, she’s only 6, so she never really sticks to anything. Boy was I wrong! She gets extremely upset if we ever have to miss a class now. And I can tell she’s more focused, more attentive, and just all around happier after starting this program.

Gary has a bit of a temper, but I’ve already noticed the change. He’s more respectful to me. And his teachers can’t believe it! He calls them “ma’am” and “sir”. No other kid in his class shows their teachers this much respect. It really makes me feel great, and I feel like I’ve done a great thing for myself and my child by enrolling him in this martial arts class.

FAQ's

Is martial arts just for boys? Or can my girl take martial arts too?

There are just as many girls in many of our classes as there are boys. Girls love martial arts just as much, and get the same fulfillment out of it as boys do. Also, if I’ve learned anything in my years of teaching, its that girls are just as tough as boys. Many are even tougher!So you don’t have to worry about your little girl getting hurt, or feeling scared because she’ll be practicing with boys. In fact, the boys may even be the ones who are scared.

Will my child have fun? Will they want to stick with the program?

When parents take their kids to appointments – normally the parent has to run around and do everything in their power to get their children to the appointment on time. “Hurry up!” they shout, “We’ll be late!” (How many times have you said this?)

With martial arts, something fascinating happens – often the children are the ones yelling these things! They don’t want to be late, and they never want to miss a class. In fact, I know of many parents who use martial arts as an incentive to get chores done. If the kids are good, do their chores, and do their homework – they get martial arts as a reward.

That’s because your child will have a ton of fun. He’ll be laughing and smiling throughout the entire class. And because He’ll constantly be setting and reaching goals – He’ll want to stick with the program. It will become a part of his life as if it was always there.

What age is appropriate for martial arts?

We have programs for kids who are 4 years old all the way to teenagers. And we even have programs for adults. So to be honest – every age is appropriate. No child is too young or too old. We have a class that fits just right.

Will my child get hurt?

I’ve had children come to my program for years without ever obtaining a single injury. This is actually the case with most children.

Have children gotten injured in my martial arts class? Yes, some have. But the injuries were no different than those which kids who play baseball and other sports get. In the words of a parent I recently spoke with, “The instructors pay attention to detail when it comes to safety.”

From padded floors, to proper gear, to step-by- step instruction , we do everything in our power to insure your child’s safety. I can’t guarantee your child won’t be injured, but I can tell you that almost no children receive injuries in my program, and that’s because we take your child’s safety very seriously.

Will martial arts make my child violent?

Absolutely not! We don’t teach kids how to kick and punch so they can go down the street and beat up the neighbor’s kid. Instead, we teach kids self-defense as a tool for personal growth and development. Kids learn to treat others as they want to be treated. They learn to respect all living things – from their parents to pets.Often, kids who were violent before they joined our class changed, and became non-violent. So no, martial arts won’t make your child violent!