“Every day, 160,000 children miss school out of fear or intimidation of a bully.” -National Education Association
The Gracie Bullyproof® Program
In the Gracie Bullyproof program, our goal is to instill unshakable confidence in your child so they can overcome bullies without violence. Due to the non-violent nature of the techniques taught in the Gracie Bullyproof program, it has been proven as one of the few effective counter-measures to bullying for children between the ages of 5 and 13.
Your child will learn to use verbal assertiveness to deter bullies and several non-violent self-defense techniques to stay safe if physically assaulted. It is important to note that we don’t teach how to punch or kick, since this often does more harm than good. Instead, we use leverage-based control holds to neutralize threats without violence.
Numerous school districts have embraced the defensive nature of the Gracie Bullyproof techniques as a reasonable, non-violent response to bullying and some even host Gracie Bullyproof classes on campus! The bottom line is: we will prepare your child to defend themselves against bullies without turning them into one.
Why every child needs Jiu-Jitsu.
The Gracie Bullyproof® program at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix helps your child build confidence, set healthy boundaries, and develop the character traits they need to succeed—on and off the mat. Prepare your child for life.
What Makes Gracie Bullyproof® Different
Critical Confidence
Studies suggest that bullying may be the leading cause of low self-esteem in children, and according to some surveys, less than 15% of kids that are bullied actually report it.
A child’s inability to stand up to a bully is rooted in profound fear for their personal safety or fear of getting in trouble if they address the bully. Ironically, the victims know that they must confront the bully and would like nothing more than to stand up to them. However, they simply can’t follow through for fear of the physical harm that backs the bully’s every action or fear of punishment from their school or parents.
Therein lies the challenge – how do you establish confidence in a bullying victim so that they can face the tormentor, look them in the eye, and back them down? The answer is simple – teach the victims how to defend themselves against physical attack, while instilling strong mental and emotional tools, and the rest will follow.
Fight Fire With Water
Most martial arts programs rely on striking the attacker with violent punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. The Gracie Bullyproof program takes a different approach. All the techniques taught are purely defensive and utilize no strikes.
Furthermore, we teach children how to defuse confrontations with words and never to initiate physical aggression.
If attacked, we offer techniques to non-violently neutralize the threat and gain control until help arrives.
In the Gracie Bullyproof program, we teach the children how to fight fire with water so that you never have to worry about your child becoming a bully under our guidance.
The Rules Of Engagement
Teaching a child jiu-jitsu without teaching them when to use it, is akin to giving someone a gun without teaching them how to safely handle it. Gracie Bullyproof is the only kids jiu-jitsu program that actually teaches children precisely when they can, and cannot, use the techniques they are learning. The five “Rules of Engagement” are regularly discussed and explored in class so that children will never abuse their power and, equally important, they will not hesitate to take a stand when confronted by bullies.
Avoid the fight at all costs.
If physically attacked, defend yourself.
If verbally attacked, follow the Three T-steps (talk, tell, tackle).
Never punch or kick the bully, establish control and negotiate.
When applying submissions use minimal force and negotiate.
Verbal Jiu-Jitsu Training
One of the most pervasive and damaging forms of bullying is verbal harassment. Gracie Bullyproof is the only kids’ jiu-jitsu program that makes Verbal Assertiveness Training, or as we like to call it “Verbal Jiu-Jitsu,” part of its regular curriculum. We’ve devised a series of role-playing exercises to teach kids how to identify and manage the common threats associated with verbal harassment and relational bullying. Gracie Bullyproof students learn how to differentiate between “bullying” and “joking,” and not only are kids taught how to speak assertively when necessary, but they also learn how to use direct eye contact and confident posture to deter bullies from targeting them.
Perfect Training Programs For Every Age
Unlike most jiu-jitsu programs, Gracie Bullyproof® separates kids by both age and experience level to ensure every child gets the ideal balance of fun and challenge. All students start in playful, age-based entry programs, and once they demonstrate readiness, they’re promoted to the next level for more advanced training.
“Push Teaching” vs. “Pull Teaching”
The teaching methodology used in the Gracie Bullyproof program is unlike anything else in the jiu-jitsu community. Not only are all the entry-level techniques presented in the form of “jiu-jitsu” games so that kids are highly enthused about learning them, but we use “push teaching” rather than “pull teaching.” When a child makes a mistake, we don’t focus on the error; instead we emphasize the correctly executed aspects of the move. Through this carefully layered positive reinforcement, we help the kids reach their full potential without jeopardizing their love for the art.
Little Champs (5-7 Years Old)
Little Champs (ages 5–7) build character, confidence, communication, and boundary-setting skills through playful, structured “Gracie Games.” Kids learn essential self-defense while developing focus, discipline, and control in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Junior Grapplers (8-13 Years Old)
Junior Grapplers (ages 8–13) learn to neutralize bullies using 33 non-violent self-defense techniques and proven verbal strategies. We build confidence, character, communication skills, and self-control in a safe, structured environment—no experience required.
Black Belt Club (Invitation Only)
We invite students who excel in Junior Grapplers to join the Black Belt Club—our highest youth honor. This advanced program is for those who embody the path to black belt through discipline, respect, courage, leadership, loyalty, compassion, and commitment.
The Gracie Bullyproof® Character Development Program
Our certified instructors form strong, meaningful bonds with every student. This connection is especially powerful with our youth practitioners. We use this foundation to help you shape your child’s character for success in all areas of life.
The Gracie Bullyproof Character Development Program includes six core chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. Each chapter runs for two months, during which we focus every class on the featured trait, discussing simple, age-appropriate actions your child can take to make it part of their everyday behavior.
The key to the program’s success is our unique point-based reward system, which is tied to Gracie Game Day—a special two-hour celebration where kids play high-energy games with instructors and teammates. Gracie Game Day isn’t just fun—it’s the highlight of the program.
Students who earn enough points during the two-month period qualify for both Game Day and a special patch that recognizes their progress in that character trait. These positive incentives are powerful motivators for kids—and valuable tools for parents to encourage strong behavior at home and school. In fact, Gracie Game Day is such a hit that parents who train often throw on a uniform just to join the party!
Responsibility
JAN | FEB
Health
MAR | APR
Respect
MAY | JUN
Citizenship
JUL | AUG
Manners
SEP | OCT
Caring
NOV | DEC
Confidence Through Self-Defense. Strength Through Community.
Enroll your child at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenix and give them the confidence, discipline, and support they need to thrive on and off the mat. Prepare your child for life!
To ensure Gracie Bullyproof® is the right fit for your child, we offer a 10-consecutive-day free trial. Your child can attend unlimited classes at both of our Phoenix locations—absolutely free. It’s the best way to experience the structure, fun, and life-changing confidence the program builds.
