Junior Champs

Ages 10–12 · Skill, leadership & resilience.

Junior Champs drilling Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Bushido Academy

Ages 10–12

A Bigger Challenge for Growing Champions

Pre-teens are ready for more — and our Junior Champs program meets them there. The curriculum goes deeper into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, adds an introduction to Muay Thai awareness, and hands every student real leadership responsibilities. It's a step up in skill, focus and expectation that builds the foundation they'll carry into our teen program and far beyond the mats.

At this age, kids crave purpose and respect. We give them both: harder technical goals, the chance to mentor younger students, and the kind of honest, demanding coaching that turns effort into genuine confidence.

  • Advanced Technique & Live DrillingDeeper BJJ concepts practiced through controlled, progressive live drilling.
  • Leadership & Mentoring Younger StudentsJunior Champs help guide and set the example for our younger classes.
  • Mental Toughness & ResilienceLearning to stay calm, push through challenges and bounce back stronger.
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Why Junior Champs

More Than Martial Arts

Every class builds the skills, character and confidence pre-teens need to thrive.

Technical Skill

Students refine real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — chaining positions, escapes and submissions — with the precision and timing that only come from disciplined, repeated practice.

Leadership & Responsibility

As role models for younger students, Junior Champs learn what it means to lead by example, take ownership of their effort and hold themselves to a higher standard.

Self-Defense & Confidence

Practical, age-appropriate self-defense paired with a calm, de-escalation-first mindset helps pre-teens carry themselves with quiet, grounded confidence.

The Curriculum

What Your Junior Champ Will Learn

This is where good students become well-rounded young athletes. Our Junior Champs build a deeper toolkit on the mats while developing the judgement and accountability that matter just as much off them.

  • Chaining Positions & SubmissionsLinking techniques together to flow from control to finish with confidence.
  • Controlled SparringSupervised live training that sharpens timing, composure and good decisions.
  • Real Self-Defense ScenariosDe-escalation comes first — using your voice and awareness before anything else.
  • Goal-Setting & AccountabilitySetting clear targets and owning the work it takes to reach them.
  • Helping Coach Younger ChampsMentoring our youngest students to reinforce their own skills and leadership.
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Junior Champ practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu control at Bushido Academy
Pre-teen training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and preparing for the teen program

The Next Chapter

Preparing for the Teen Years

The pre-teen years set the tone for everything that follows. Junior Champs is designed to build the discipline, judgement and confidence kids need to thrive as teenagers — on the mats, in the classroom and in their friendships.

By learning to set goals, lead younger students, and handle pressure with composure, your child develops the kind of steady self-belief that doesn't waver when life gets harder. When they step into our teen program, they arrive ready — technically sharp, mentally tough, and grounded in honor, discipline and courage.

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Parents & Members

What Families Are Saying

Real reviews from the Bushido Academy community in Kingsport.

★★★★★

"My son started his jiu jitsu journey and already we see a huge change in his behavior! Bushido cares about the development of young kids."

M
Mersi MaysParent
★★★★★

"Classes that fit almost everyone's schedule. My son is being taught important life lessons along with jiu jitsu. A SAFE, CLEAN, welcoming environment."

H
Haylee GoinsParent
★★★★★

"My daughter loves it, and she has learned so much! All the instructors are great with kids and really want them to succeed."

L
LeAnne AlexanderParent
★★★★★

"Jason and his team of instructors are knowledgeable and create a great environment to learn. A great place to be."

D
Dave SantosMember
★★★★★

"A veteran-owned business led by Jason Brake, Bushido puts a strong emphasis on high-quality instruction. By far the best experience I've had."

A
Adam BartleyMember
★★★★★

"Excellent place to learn martial arts! Top notch instructors, facility and training partners."

T
Tristan ClarkMember

Get Started

Claim Your Free Trial Class Today!

Tell us a little about yourself (or your child) and we'll help you find the best program to achieve your goals.

  • Unlimited 10-Day Risk-Free TrialExperience the academy with zero obligation.
  • Beginners Always WelcomeMost members start with no experience at all.

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Ready When You Are

Help Your Junior Champ Lead the Way

Give your pre-teen the skill, confidence and leadership they need to thrive. Come see a class — your first one is on us.