Gracie Garage – Cloverdale

Explore the Gracie BullyProof® Program at Don Christian Elementary

What Is Gracie Bullyproof®?

Gracie Bullyproof® is our specialized kids’ Jiu-Jitsu training program designed to equip children with unshakable confidence and non-violent self-defense skills. Recognized by major media outlets like: CNN, ABC, NBC, and Oprah.  This program is acclaimed as an effective countermeasure to bullying for children aged 5 to 17.

Perfect for These Participants

Gracie Bullyproof® is tailored for children between the ages of 5 and 17 who may encounter bullying and wish to build confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills in a safe and supportive environment. No prior martial arts experience is necessary; our program is structured to meet the developmental needs of each age group, ensuring every child can thrive.

What Your Child Will Learn:

Increased Awareness: Harassment comes in many forms. Sometimes, a victim doesn’t take a stand because they can’t differentiate between “joking” and “bullying.” We teach your child to differentiate between harmless play and harmful harassment so they know precisely when and how to act in each circumstance.
Unshakable Confidence: A confident child is a Bullyproof child. Bullies seek “easy targets” – those who will tolerate their abuse. We arm your child with the tools needed to overcome physical, verbal, and psychological harassment, so they are so confident in themselves that no bully will try to harass them.
Total Responsibility: We prepare your child to deal with bullies without turning them into one. We emphasize discipline, responsibility, and respect throughout the course, and teach five “Rules of Engagement” to ensure they never abuse their power.

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 use it. Gracie Bullyproof is the only kid’s 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 rehearsed in class so that children will never abuse their power and, equally important, they will not hesitate to take a stand when abused by bullies.

     Rule 1: Avoid the fight at all costs.
     Rule 2: If physically attacked, defend yourself.
     Rule 3: If verbally attacked, follow the Three T-steps (talk, tell, tackle).
     Rule 4: Never punch or kick the bully, establish control and negotiate.
     Rule 5: When applying submissions use minimal force and negotiate.

Although we discuss the Rules of Engagement in Gracie Bullyproof classes, we strongly encourage you to discuss the Rules at home to assure your child that they have your support in the event that they need to take a stand against bullying.

Little Champs (5-7 Years Old):

The Little Champs program is for kids 5-7 years old.  Using our time-tested “Gracie Games,” we teach the Little Champs basic self-defense techniques while instilling the foundational principles of leverage and control.  The secret to the success of this program is that we make the lessons so fun that the kids beg for more!  Once a child masters the ten core Gracie Games, they advance to the Jr. Grapplers program.  In these playful classes, parents join us on the mat during lunchtime at Don Christian as we guide the little ones through fun games designed to help them develop "comfort with closeness."

FAQ:

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JIU JITSU AND EVERY OTHER MARTIAL ART?

Jiu Jitsu is rooted in self defence, not aggression.  Rather than fighting fire with fire ...jiu jitsu teaches the practitioner to fight fire with water.  Most martial arts programs rely on striking the attacker with violent punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, but in the Gracie Bullyproof® program we take a different approach. All the techniques 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.

WHEN ARE CLASSES?

Classes will be conducted on Fridays—during lunch period—from 11:43pm - 12:28pm.  Not to worry though, your child will NOT lose out on their lunch time.  They will have a lunch period after jiu jitsu class where they will be able to eat their lunch.

HOW LONG ARE CLASSES?

Classes will run for 45 minutes.  This will include: a 15 minute warm-up, 20 minute Gracie BullyProof™ lesson and 10 minute cool down game before heading back to class. 

HOW DO BELT PROMOTIONS WORK?

Promotions are based on mastery of technique and consistency of attendance.  The Facilitators will guide you through the process and give you feedback along the way.

IS PARENT/GUARDIAN ATTENDANCE MANDATORY FOR PARTICIPATION?

YES.  In order for your child to participate in the program, a Parent or Guardian must also attend class.  Again, the intent behind this requirement is to help our Little Champions develop "comfort with closeness."  What is a "Guardian"?  At Don Christian we recognize that Mom or Dad may not be able to attend a midday class so, instead, we will have a Gr.7 student— Big Buddy—step in to help our Little Champions along in their jiu jitsu journey in Mom or Dads absence.

IS THERE A COST?

OPTIONAL.  Let us explain:  First: You will register — for FREE — with Gracie University HQ online and create a unique profile on behalf of your Little Champion.  Once your Little Champions profile is completed you will need to fill out the Participation Waiver below in order for your child to participate at Don Christian.  Through your account DashBoard —should you choose to do so — you will have the option to purchase the Gracie Games™ Curriculum by paying $70.00 USD tuition directly to Gracie University Online via their secure payment portal.  By doing this you and your Little Champion will have access to instructional videos and the program at any time, anywhere.   Meaning: you can train the Gracie Games™ in the comfort of your own home!    Not to worry if you need help with this step, our Facilitators are here to help you out!

WHAT IF I MISS A CLASS?

Not to worry.  The Gracie BullyProof® Program is a linear curriculum of 10 classes.  We will roll through the classes in order weekly.  So, if you miss a class the first pass through, you will have a chance to make up that session when next we roll through the curriculum.  Not soon enough?  You can also schedule a make-up session at Gracie Garage – Cloverdale.  Ask your Facilitator for more details or to schedule a training session at Gracie Garage – Cloverdale. 

IS THIS PROGRAM LEGIT?

Yes!  Absolutely.  Because you (and your Little Champion) register directly with Gracie University HQ – Online belt promotions are absolutely legit.  When the time comes to test for your Jr. Combatives Belt your Facilitator will be able to provide more details as you get ready to test for your belt.

HOW DO WE SIGN UP?

• First: Register for FREE with Gracie University HQ online and create a unique profile on behalf of your Little Champion.
• Once their profile is created you will pay the $70.00USD tuition directly to Gracie University Online via their secure payment portal to access the "Gracie Games" curriculum. 
• Lastly, once your Little Champions profile is completed you will need to fill out the Participation Waiver below. 

*** Not to worry if you need help with this step, our Facilitators are here to help you out!

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© Sailor Jack's Barbell Garage 2023

This Certified Gracie Garage is independently owned and operated.  Gracie Jiu-Jitsu®, Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof®, Women Empowered®, Master Cycle® and Certified Gracie Garage® are all registered trademarks, used under license, from Gracie University®.