Now accepting new students! Amazing kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Portland.

Get 2 Weeks of Life-Changing Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Portland... Plus a FREE Uniform!... For Just $29!

“It’s done wonders for our child.” Come see why parents and kids can’t get enough of our life-changing kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Try us out risk-free. Spots are limited, hurry!

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A Few Words from Prof. Omar Santiago

Chief Head Kids Instructor – Mata Leao Combat Sports

Hi, I’m Professor Omar Santiago, and I’m proud to lead our Kids Martial Arts Classes here at Mata Leao Combat Sports.

With over 15 years of experience running our youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of young athletes. Over that time, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to mentor children through martial arts in a way that keeps them engaged, focused, and excited to learn. My passion has always been helping kids grow—both on and off the mats.

Our program is about much more than just self-defense. It’s designed to build confidence, focus, and discipline. We use the structure of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts training to teach real-world values: respect, perseverance, teamwork, and responsibility. These are life skills that stay with them well beyond the gym.

At Mata Leao Combat Sports, we believe that Martial Arts Classes for Kids should be both challenging and fun. That’s why every class is crafted to be high-energy, positive, and developmentally appropriate for each age group. Whether your child is outgoing or shy, full of energy or working on their confidence, they’ll find a place here to grow at their own pace.

I truly believe that Kids Martial Arts Classes-especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offer a unique opportunity for children to learn how to overcome challenges in a controlled, safe, and supportive setting. It helps them develop strength, resilience, focus, and humility—skills that set them up for success in all areas of life.

Whether your child is stepping onto the mats for the first time or has previous experience, our goal is to help them build a strong foundation in martial arts while discovering the joy, discipline, and personal growth that come with it.

I look forward to meeting your family and helping your child thrive in our program.

— Prof. Omar Santiago

It’s More Than Self-Defense. It’s a Way of Life.

In our Portland kids martial arts classes, we don’t just help kids get fitter, safer, and stronger. We help them build life-changing skills to excel in school and at home.

Focus. Confidence. Respect. Discipline. Goal setting and more. Every Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class enriches your child’s life.

We also help your child stay safe with real-world self-defense tactics to deal with bullies and more.

Helps Your Child Do Better In School, And at Home.

After years of research and hard work, our kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Portland are designed to get kids more focused and disciplined. The result? Kids from all over Portland do better in school, and listen better at home.

We help kids grow their ‘listening muscles’ – so they can focus more on their studies, and listen better to you. In fact, martial arts have helped children do this for thousands of years.

Focus games, listening games, attention exercises, and more are designed to boost eye contact, listening skills, and attention span.

Action-Packed Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Portland Build Discipline & Focus. For Life.

While self-defense for kids is so important, it’s only the beginning. The discipline your child builds with martial arts helps them get their homework done. The focus helps them pay more attention in class. The respect gets them helping more around the house.

Our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program builds a solid foundation for success. And it lasts for life.

Get 2 Weeks of Life-Changing Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Portland... Plus a FREE Uniform!... For Just $29!

Plus, your child will gain…

Respect

Our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes help kids learn how to listen better, respect themselves and others, and grow more consideration for others. This leads to more help around the house and paying better attention to you.

Focus

Our Portland Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program builds laser-like focus. Through setting goals, advancing ranks, training, and practicing, kids increase their attention span. This helps them achieve more in school, too.

Confidence

As your child increases their strength, makes friends, and masters challenging kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, they’ll see how strong and capable they truly are. Even shy kids gain the confidence to open up.

Discipline

In our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, your child will practice and work hard to advance ranks, master techniques, and even care for their uniform. This builds discipline. They learn the value of hard work and the rewards you get from it.

Fitness

Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training gets you using muscles you never knew you had. Kids grow stronger, faster, more coordinated, and more agile. Even if your child was not athletic before, they’ll gain these abilities.

Social Skills

Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors create a welcome environment. Kids from all over Portland feel at home, letting them open up and make friends with kids who are positive influences and role models.

Community

At Mata Leao Combat Sports in Portland, we are focused on uniting kids and parents. We support each other, cheer each other on, and help each other grow. Our tight-knit community will welcome you openly. We can’t wait.

Mentorship & Guidance

Our instructors care. A lot. They’ll help your child dig deep to find the strength and courage to tackle all of their goals and discover their strength. Martial arts have provided guidance for millions of kids over thousands of years. Let’s help your child, too.

FUN

At Mata Leao Combat Sports, every kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class is packed with action, fun, and games. We keep kids smiling and laughing. That’s how we disguise all of the learning and character building! Kids just know they’re having fun. But as a parent, you’ll see all these traits developing in real time.

Grow Your Child’s Confidence & Focus With Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

What can our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program help with?

Improved Listening
Improved Behavior
Management of ADD/ADHD
Improved Concentration
Increased Resilience
Improved Coordination & Balance
Increased Strength & Fitness
Increased Athletic Ability
Improved Social Skills
Increased Confidence & Self-Esteem
And of course… FUN!

“My kids have been there for 2 years and they enjoy the sports.“

“This place rocks. I drive almost an hour, past half a dozen other decent gyms to be here with the best. The best spot for kids, beginners and high level fighters alike. Professor Omar teaches in a way that is extremely digestible and insightful. Truly a level above whatever else you will find around. You will wish you started yesterday!”

“My daughter started doing Jiu Jitsu classes and Muay Thai classes about a year ago. This place is the best. She’s learned a ton, competed in tournaments, and made a bunch of new friends. Professor Omar and coach Haleigh have cultivated an awesome and positive community around martial arts.”

“They have a few bags and a lot of workout equipment. Aside from Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu they also offer strength training and conditioning classes. They have a great program for kids and my son loves it. He immediately felt a part of the group and has been learning a lot from the great instructors here.”

“Our grandson has been taking lessons for 3 years. This has been a great experience and he has grown in skill and confidence. Classes are fun and challenging and keep him wanting to keep learning. Omar Santiago is a great teacher and motivator.“

“My son has been training here for a while now. Omar and Haleigh are fantastic. Great establishment. They definitely care about their students.“

It's the will. Not the skill.

Build Self-Discipline

Your starting fitness and skill levels don’t matter – as long as you put in the effort in every class, you’ll see results.

Gain Confidence

When you step out of your comfort zone in our classes, you allow space for unshakable confidence to grow.

Improve Focus

Mindfulness practices don’t go away when you step off the mat. The skills you gain in class flow into everything you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers about our children's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program in Portland

Will my child become a bully?

Our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training builds humility, confidence, and respect in children. These traits turn kids into the opposite of bullies. They become leaders.

Do parents need to stay?

That’s completely up to you. If you need some time to yourself to relax, go get a coffee or a bite to eat. Parents deserve all the time off you can get. If you’d like to stay and observe, you are more than welcome to as well.

What do I need to bring to my first lesson?

When your child first arrives at Mata Leao Combat Sports of Portland – all they need are some comfy athletic clothes and a water bottle. We’ve got the rest covered.

They might be nervous about their first kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class in Portland. That’s perfectly normal! As soon as they see how kind and welcoming the instructors and other kids are, that nervousness turns into excitement.

My child has ADD/ADHD, will Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu help?

Absolutely. While there is no ‘cure’ for ADD or ADHD, it can be managed. Our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes help kids develop the tools they need to maintain focus & concentration. Through following instructors, Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, and mastering moves, kids develop tools to stay focused and on track.

Are parents allowed to watch?

Absolutely. Our community of parents often becomes friends. We’re sure you’ll meet some other great moms and dads and bond over your child’s martial arts journey. Feel welcome to sit in one of our chairs and watch as long as you’d like. But please don’t feel pressured to stay if you need to take off. Many parents use our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class time as a chance to get coffee, relax, get beauty treatments, etc. It’s completely up to you!

My child is not athletic, will they feel left out?

For kids who are not natural athletes, team sports can be devastating to self-esteem. These kids often feel like they are ‘letting the team down’ because they can’t keep up as well.

But in martial arts, kids are in a group environment, but every child is on their own unique journey. They can go at their own pace. Some kids advance faster, others slower. That’s okay.

What’s important is that your child is having fun, challenging themselves, making friends, and growing stronger inside and out.

The coordination, strength, and speed come with time – even in kids who are not ‘natural athletes’!

My child is addicted to video games, will this be suitable?

Yes! In fact, kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training might be the best solution to this problem. That’s because martial arts are challenging both physically and mentally. This keeps kids engaged and focused. Plus, every Portland class is full of fun, fitness-boosting games where kids are learning focus, confidence, and respect without even realizing it.

We disguise learning as fun – and keep your child laughing and smiling. They won’t miss their games for a moment.

What’s different about different martial arts styles?

If you’re looking at kids martial arts classes in Portland, you’ve likely come across Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and more. Karate, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai focus on striking (punches, kicks, knees, and elbows). Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling (wrestling with locks and grabs). It’s important to know how to both strike and grapple for the best self-defense.

How can I get started with your risk-free trial offer?

Getting started is easy! Click here to scroll up and fill out the form to grab our current amazing web special. It’s completely risk-free. Try us out and see why you can’t stop raving about our Portland kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.