What is the best martial arts school in Austin for kids and adults?

Life Ki-do has been Austin's trusted martial arts school for kids, teens, and adults for over 30 years, helping students build confidence, focus, emotional resilience, and real-life self-defense skills.

What is the best martial art to learn in Austin for real-life self-defense?

The most effective self-defense training combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and adaptive movement training. At Life Ki-do, students learn practical self-defense skills alongside calm decision-making and emotional control.

What should I look for when choosing a martial arts school in Austin?

Look for experienced instructors, a supportive culture, beginner-friendly programs, and training that helps students develop confidence and life skills outside the dojo.

Do you offer martial arts classes in Westlake and South Austin?

Yes. Life Ki-do offers martial arts classes for kids, teens, and adults in both Westlake and South Austin.

Will martial arts help my child with focus, confidence, and behavior?

Yes. Martial arts helps children develop focus, confidence, emotional regulation, discipline, and resilience through structured training and supportive coaching.

Is martial arts good for shy or anxious kids?

Yes. Martial arts can help shy or anxious children build confidence gradually in a supportive environment while learning emotional regulation and self-awareness.

What age can kids start martial arts?

Children can begin martial arts classes as early as age 3 through preschool martial arts programs focused on listening skills, confidence, coordination, and focus.

What should I expect in my first martial arts class?

Your first martial arts class at Life Ki-do is beginner-friendly and supportive, introducing students to movement, self-defense basics, and confidence-building in a welcoming environment.

Best Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Westlake, Austin

Experience the Life Ki-do Difference with a Free Westlake Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Trial Class

Kids Have a Blast and Gain Confidence, Focus, & Emotional Regulation

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Power Ninja Westlake Class: Building Focus, Confidence, and Kindness

Our Kindergarten and first grade students engage in age appropriate brazilian jiu jitsu drills to enhance focus, confidence, and self-regulation, while partner activities foster friendship skills and respect, laying a strong foundation for personal and social success.

Cultivating Confidence, Resilience, and Respect

Transform your child’s crucial elementary years with our Samurai Westlake brazilian jiu jitsu classes, designed for 2nd to 5th graders. This program emphasizes developing a resilient spirit and unbreakable confidence through a comprehensive curriculum that combines premier brazilian jiu jitsu training with strategies to manage stress and academic pressures, preparing them to navigate life’s challenges with grace and strength.

Enhancing Life Skills Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Discover the transformative impact of our Westlake brazilian jiu jitsu classes on your child’s confidence, concentration, and communication. Within our supportive community, your child will develop not only a strong, capable body but also kind and respectful friendships that enhance their social skills. Our carefully crafted age appropriate brazilian jiu jitsu curriculum instills lifelong skills that extend beyond the dojo into every aspect of their lives.

Experience the Life Ki-do Difference with a Free Westlake Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Trial Class

"My son is learning so many valuable traits. Is more than just martial arts. The instructors are genuinely invested in the kids and want them to grow."

"It's the best place for family bonding! Our son has grown immensely since he's joined Life-kido! Such a great time for us all as a family activity, and Coach and the team are so amazing."

"Life Ki-do is such a special place. Our kids are learning martial arts, but they're equally learning life skills, how to breathe, and regulate their emotions."

"The sensei's are the most thoughtful magical child whisperers. —This program is fabulous and the business is run with integrity and heart."

"He demonstrates the 'river ninja' belief in Karate skills for the kiddos, and for the parents, in how to guide and lead the children. "

"The instructors are so knowledgeable, kind, and really care about these kids."

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Personal Development

Looking for Austin’s favorite Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes near you? There are plenty of great Karate, Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tai Chi, and Systema programs for kids, teens, and adults in Austin.

So why has Life Ki-do been Austin’s favorite brazilian jiu jitsu school for over 30 years?

We are so much more than brazilian jiu jitsu. Our kid, teen and adult classes combine our transformative River Flow Personal Development system (based on our Amazon best selling book) with our unique brazilian jiu jitsu curriculum (a blend of the best Systema, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Tai Chi, Qigong, and self-defense training.)

To top if off, our instructors are professional educators who have decades of teaching experience and are amazing role models for kids, teens, and adults.

Focus & Mindfulnes

Students learn how to be more present increasing focus in academics, extracurricular activities, and work.

Confidence & Resilience

Students develop a never give up attitude and a stronger sense of self, always ready to give their personal best.

Relaxation For Stress & Anxiety

Students learn how to transform stress and anxiety into a calm, positive presence.

Empathy, Kindness & Friendship

Students learn how to develop strong social skills and create healthy, respectful relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers about our children's brazilian jiu jitsu program

What Do I Need To Bring To My First Lesson?

Please wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to move around in.

Be sure to bring a water bottle to your brazilian jiu jitsu class. You will find Life Ki-do Martial Arts in Austin kids and adults brazilian jiu jitsu classes are a great workout and lots of fun! Most students are grinning from ear to ear by the end of the class. We are sure you will be too!

Do Parents Need To Stay?

We find that parents who get involved with their kids brazilian jiu jitsu lessons truly build a solid connection. They see their child grow in confidence and skill as they progress through their belt ranks. Building strong family units is important to us at Life Ki-do Martial Arts for our Westlake community. Many parents experience so many great benefits from watching their kid’s class that they join one of your adult brazilian jiu jitsu & personal development programs to improve the quality of their lives.

Will My Child Become A Bully?

We find that our students become more confident to stand up to bullies and have more humility and kindness to others through their brazilian jiu jitsu lessons.

My Child Has ADHD, Will Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Help?

Yes! One of the great things about brazilian jiu jitsu classes, is that it’s an individual sport, done in a group environment. We find all our students improve in their focus, self-control, discipline and social skills. But the best part is they don’t even realize that is what our highly trained kids brazilian jiu jitsu instructors are actually doing. They just think they are having fun!

The best way to find out for yourself, is to take advantage of our limited time offer. You’ll find our team so helpful and dedicated to helping your child become the best version of themselves. Book in now! You will be glad you did!

Are Parents Allowed to Watch?

We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids brazilian jiu jitsu lessons. We love parents getting involved! And so do their kids. Even better, join into some of our brazilian jiu jitsu classes for adults. Your kids will love that you have something in common. It will build a strong family bond!

My Child Is Not Athletic, Will They Feel Left Out?

Not at all. You will find that brazilian jiu jitsu classes are the PERFECT sport for kids who are not good at other sports. Kids brazilian jiu jitsu classes are an individual after-school activity, that they do in a group.

The journey from white belt to black belt is different for each student. But some things are the same – they improve co-ordination, balance, motor skills, focus and discipline. Plus, they’ll make lots of great friends!

Our instructors are highly skilled in teaching brazilian jiu jitsu to kids. It’s their PASSION!

My Child Is Addicted To Computer Games, Will This Be Suitable?

This is probably the BEST kids activity for children who tend to sit a lot!

Getting them active, without them realizing they are learning, is our skill. Kicking and punching pads is such a great stress relief, that kids blossom in all areas – because of their brazilian jiu jitsu training.

Many Westlake parents find that once their kids start brazilian jiu jitsu classes, they see a happier, more social child develop right before their eyes. You’ll be glad they started classes!

PLUS…. Most kids LOVE being ninja!

What lineage is Life Ki-do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based on?

Life Ki-do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has deep roots in the traditional Gracie lineage.

Our journey began in 1994, training under Carlos Machado and his instructors, as well as a black belt under Relson Gracie. We also had the opportunity to train directly with Relson Gracie during seminars here in Austin. Today, we continue our training under a Royler Gracie black belt, maintaining a strong connection to authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Our curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense and real-world application, rather than sport or tournament-focused Jiu-Jitsu. This approach aligns with our mission of helping students build confidence, awareness, resilience, and practical self-defense skills.

Fill out the form below to get your Class pass today!