Ninjas
Ages 3 to 5
- Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM
30-minute classes
Kids Jiu Jitsu in Wake Forest, NC
No-gi classes for ages 3 to 14, grouped by age, with coaches who know every name.
Heritage is where young students build focus, discipline, and real self-belief. Most kids start with zero experience, and everything is taught step by step.
Heritage is in Wake Forest, and families come from North Raleigh, Raleigh, Youngsville, Rolesville, and Franklinton. Your child’s first week is free.
How old do kids need to be to start jiu jitsu?
Kids can start at age 3. Heritage teaches ages 3 to 14 in three groups: Ninjas (ages 3 to 5), Warriors (ages 6 to 9), and Grapplers (ages 10 to 14). Every class is built for its age group, so your child is always working with kids their own size and skill level.
Warriors
Ages 6 to 9
- Monday, 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM and 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 PM to 5:50 PM
- Wednesday, 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Classes run 45 to 50 minutes
Grapplers
Ages 10 to 14
- Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 PM to 6:50 PM
- Saturday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Classes run 50 to 60 minutes
Warriors and Grapplers ages are a guide, not a rule. Placement depends on the individual child, and the coaches will help you find the right fit.
More classes for kids
- Homeschool Kids: Mondays, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, all ages
- Girl Jitsu Club: girls ages 6 to 14, Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with Coach Jamie
- Kids Striking: Fridays, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, with Coach Ty
- Advanced Kids: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM, invite only
Coaches listed are who usually teaches that class, and can change if someone is out or covering. Class times can change for holidays and weather. See this week’s live schedule.
What will my child get out of jiu jitsu?
Kids build focus, respect, and resilience that show up at school and at home. Heritage’s mats are full of kids and teens, and that is on purpose.
- Confidence that carries off the mat. What kids build here shows up in everyday life.
- Coaches who show up for your kid. Small, structured classes and genuine relationships, never a crowd.
- A family on and off the mats. In-house tournaments and socials that make every kid part of the team.
Read more: Building real skill in kids, the long game of jiu jitsu.
Is jiu jitsu safe for kids?
Yes, and it is Heritage’s top priority. Kids never train on the mats with adults.
- Youth classes run at their own times and are grouped by age
- Classes are small, structured, and closely supervised
- Jiu jitsu games keep it fun while teaching control, respect, and sportsmanship
What should my child bring to the first class?
Come in a t-shirt or rashguard and athletic shorts or pants, and leave jewelry at home. Slip-on shoes make it easy, because shoes never go on the mat. The coaches will walk you through everything on day one.
Who teaches the kids classes?
Coach Jamie, the owner and head coach, is a brown belt with a B.S. in Education and the Kids Program Specialist title, and she speaks Spanish. Coach Austin Blanks, a black belt who has trained since 2012, also coaches kids, and Coach Ty Stancil, who has boxed since 2015, teaches the Friday Kids Striking class. Meet all the coaches.
Questions people ask
My child has never done martial arts. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Most Heritage students start with zero experience, and that is exactly who the classes are built for. Everything is taught step by step, so your child will feel at home from the very first day.
My child is shy or nervous. Will they be okay?
Yes. Feeling nervous on the first day is normal. Classes are small and structured, everything is taught step by step, and the coaches know every child by name. Coaches mix in jiu jitsu games that keep it fun, and the free week lets your child try it with no long-term commitment.
What ages are the kids classes for?
Ages 3 to 14, in three groups: Ninjas (ages 3 to 5), Warriors (ages 6 to 9), and Grapplers (ages 10 to 14). The Warriors and Grapplers ages are a guide, not a rule. Placement depends on the individual child, and the coaches will help you find the right fit.
Is jiu jitsu safe for kids?
Yes, and it is Heritage's top priority. Kids never train on the mats with adults. Youth classes run at their own times and are grouped by age, so your child is always working with kids their own size and skill level. Classes are small, structured, and closely supervised.
What should my child wear to the first class?
A t-shirt or rashguard and athletic shorts or pants. Please leave jewelry at home. Slip-on shoes are best, because shoes never go on the mat. When you join, members get a Heritage uniform and a CombatCuff rank anklet, and the coaches will help with sizes.
What does no-gi mean?
No-gi jiu jitsu is trained in a rashguard or t-shirt and athletic shorts or pants. It is quick to pick up, so kids and beginners are moving and having fun from day one. Heritage is the only fully no-gi academy in Wake Forest.
How does the free week work?
New students get a full week of unlimited classes with no long-term commitment. Your child comes in their own workout clothes, and the coaches walk you through everything on day one. Claim it with the free week form or call or text (919) 800-2021.
What do kids memberships include?
Full Access memberships include every class type, including the Friday Kids Striking class with Coach Ty. Once-a-week memberships cover any one class each week. Full Access is typically about $50 more than once a week, and you can switch at any time. Call or text (919) 800-2021 for current rates.
Do you have a class for homeschool families?
Yes. Homeschool Kids meets Mondays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM and is open to all ages.
Is there a class just for girls?
Yes. The Girl Jitsu Club is for girls ages 6 to 14 and meets Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with Coach Jamie.
Where is Heritage Jiu Jitsu?
Heritage is at 745 Merritt Capital Dr, Suite 118, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Students come from Wake Forest, North Raleigh, Raleigh, Youngsville, Rolesville, and Franklinton.
Planning a birthday? See the kids birthday party packages.
Your child's first week is free
A full week of unlimited classes for new students,
with no long-term commitment.
Free week signup
- Fill this out
- We text you back
- Pick your first class
Your info stays with Heritage, and a real person will get back to you soon.
Would you rather talk to someone? Call or text (919) 800-2021.