01
Rule of Engagement
Avoid the fight at all costs.
The best fight is the one that never happens. Walk away, use your words, and find an adult.
Kids · Ages 3–13
We teach kids to deter bullies with words, and to stay safe with non-violent, leverage-based control if they’re ever physically attacked. Featured on CNN, ABC, NBC and Oprah.
Every month in the United States
0children miss school because they fear bullies.
Fewer than 15% of kids report bullying. Most victims know they need to stand up to the bully — they just can’t, for fear of the physical harm behind every threat. Teach them to defend themselves, and the rest follows.
Most martial arts fight fire with fire. Bullyproof fights fire with water — no punches, no kicks, just control, calm, and confidence.
01
Increased awareness
Kids learn to tell harmless play from harmful harassment — so they know precisely when and how to act.
02
Unshakable confidence
Bullies look for easy targets. A confident child is a Bullyproof child.
03
Total responsibility
We prepare kids to deal with bullies without turning them into one. Discipline, responsibility, respect.
The Rules of Engagement
Teaching a child jiu-jitsu without teaching them when to use it is like handing someone a tool without instructions. Bullyproof is the only kids program that teaches precisely when kids can — and can’t — use what they learn.
02
Rule of Engagement
If physically attacked, defend yourself.
Kids know they have their parents’ support to take a stand when their safety is on the line.
03
Rule of Engagement
If verbally attacked: talk, tell, tackle.
The Three T-steps. Speak up assertively, tell a trusted adult — and only then, if it turns physical, act.
04
Rule of Engagement
Never punch or kick. Control and negotiate.
Leverage-based control holds neutralize the threat without violence, until help arrives.
05
Rule of Engagement
Use minimal force, and negotiate.
Even in a submission, the goal is to end the conflict — and maybe even make a friend.
Perfect programs for every age
Ages 3–5
Mat Munchkins
A playful first taste. Parents join on the mat as we guide little ones through games that build “comfort with closeness.”
Ages 5–7
Little Champs
Time-tested “Gracie Games” teach basic self-defense and the principles of leverage and control. So fun, kids beg for more.
Ages 7–12
Jr. Grapplers
33 non-violent techniques to “neutralize and negotiate,” with verbal assertiveness as a major part of the curriculum.
By invitation
Black Belt Club
The highest honor for young practitioners: discipline, respect, courage, leadership, loyalty, and compassion.
Verbal Jiu-Jitsu
Verbal harassment is one of the most pervasive and damaging forms of bullying. Through role-playing exercises, kids learn to tell “bullying” from “joking,” speak assertively, and use eye contact and confident posture to stop bullies before anything gets physical.
Gracie Character Development
Every class includes 10–15 minutes on the featured trait. Kids earn points toward Gracie Game Day — a two-hour party so fun that parents put on a gi to join. Just ask the parents whose kids now do chores unprompted.
Months 1–2
Responsibility
How we coach
“Great job keeping your elbows in! Now let’s get that hip out a little more.”
When a child makes a mistake, we emphasize what they did right. Layered positive reinforcement helps kids reach their potential without losing their love for the art.
Camps · Ages 6–12
Holiday and summer Bullyproof camps pack bully identification, verbal assertiveness, peer-pressure resistance, non-violent self-defense, and a lot of games into a single week. No experience needed. Space is limited.
“A place where character, discipline, and confidence are taught with patience, care, and heart.”
“Matt has taught my husband and ALL 8 of my children Jiu-Jitsu since a very young age.”
“He will never forget how to defend himself.”
“My daughter has gained confidence and leadership.”
“After a year of watching I signed myself up. I’ve been to four classes and I’m hooked!”
“Even early on, he began to carry himself with the self-confidence that deters bullies.”
“He happily completes chores without being prompted — he’s so motivated to earn points for Gracie Game Day!”
“Best instructor ever because he always knows what a student needs to know to become better.”
“Discipline. Respect. Responsibility. Accountability. He walks the walk.”
“If you want to learn how to defend yourself on the street it’s definitely the right academy.”
“It was the only camp my girls wanted to do this summer.”
“It’s serious, but it’s fun. It’s necessary, but it comes with integrity.”
“He also teaches life skills — that’s what propels it from excellent to FANTASTIC.”
“You come in as a student but walk out as a family member.”
“Marines, Navy SEALs and all ages and genders have benefitted from his style.”
“Expert, diligent and serious — but the kids also have a great deal of fun.”
“It has enhanced my family’s respect level and my children’s manners and focus.”
“My son said, “that was an awesome bday.””
“Unequivocally the best school in San Diego to learn the art of self defense.”
“I can tell they really care about all their students.”
“Our 4 year old gets so excited before each class.”
“They feel empowered and have learned how to stand up to bullies.”
“100% the best place for learning and practicing this gentle art.”
“Matt and the program have made a tremendous difference in our son’s life.”
“This is the real deal. And the best part? He makes it fun for the kids!”
10-Day Free Trial ·10-Day Free Trial ·10-Day Free Trial ·10-Day Free Trial ·
Your first step
Most schools limit kids to one free class. We offer all children a 10-day free trial with unlimited access to our beginner Bullyproof classes. If they don’t have the time of their life, you’ll never be charged.
