Bodega Jiu-Jitsu Kids Grappling Program
Bodega Jiu-Jitsu, 6 W Parker Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
About
Bodega Jiu-Jitsu Kids Grappling Program includes structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, and Kids Jiu-Jitsu. The program takes place in a No-Gi only academy that also offers adult grappling. Classes are run in a safe, disciplined, and supportive environment where kids learn how to move their bodies, control their emotions, and stand up for themselves without aggression.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
Bodega Jiu-Jitsu was founded in late 2022 by lifelong martial artists Kyvann Gonzalez and Chas Makk, who are key coaches in the program. Coach Chas began martial arts at age 6 with Taekwondo, later trained in boxing and Muay Thai, trained under Jay Hayes of NJ United for the first 7 years of his grappling journey, spent 3 years at Essential with JT Torres, received his brown belt from Kyvann in 2023, and is the first Bodega Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Kyvann. Coach Kyvann has over a decade in grappling, is a black belt under Andy and Mike Main (Main brothers > Jamie Cruz > Renzo Gracie), and spent seven years training Muay Thai as a teenager. The founders view martial arts as more than a sport and describe it as a tool for unlocking human potential and fostering personal growth, and they describe the Kids Jiu-Jitsu Program as real martial arts training that aims to help kids grow stronger, calmer, and more confident on and off the mats. The program features beginner-friendly No-Gi classes, environments built to meet students where they are with no prior experience needed, and classes structured with safety in mind and scenarios scaled to match student level. Kids take part in an energetic, full-body training system that builds strength, stamina, coordination, and agility, with an emphasis on cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance. The program emphasizes real discipline and sharper focus, including staying attentive, following instruction, and managing energy in a structured setting, and it includes guided, real-world self-defense scenarios, partner work, and group engagement. Bodega Jiu-Jitsu describes its environment as inclusive and community-first, serves the surrounding communities of South Orange, Millburn, and Montclair, and focuses on confidence through challenge and progress, including working toward new ranks and consistency.
Last updated July 28, 2026.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
Bodega Jiu-Jitsu was founded in late 2022 by lifelong martial artists Kyvann Gonzalez and Chas Makk, who are key coaches in the program. Coach Chas began martial arts at age 6 with Taekwondo, later trained in boxing and Muay Thai, trained under Jay Hayes of NJ United for the first 7 years of his grappling journey, spent 3 years at Essential with JT Torres, received his brown belt from Kyvann in 2023, and is the first Bodega Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Kyvann. Coach Kyvann has over a decade in grappling, is a black belt under Andy and Mike Main (Main brothers > Jamie Cruz > Renzo Gracie), and spent seven years training Muay Thai as a teenager. The founders view martial arts as more than a sport and describe it as a tool for unlocking human potential and fostering personal growth, and they describe the Kids Jiu-Jitsu Program as real martial arts training that aims to help kids grow stronger, calmer, and more confident on and off the mats. The program features beginner-friendly No-Gi classes, environments built to meet students where they are with no prior experience needed, and classes structured with safety in mind and scenarios scaled to match student level. Kids take part in an energetic, full-body training system that builds strength, stamina, coordination, and agility, with an emphasis on cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance. The program emphasizes real discipline and sharper focus, including staying attentive, following instruction, and managing energy in a structured setting, and it includes guided, real-world self-defense scenarios, partner work, and group engagement. Bodega Jiu-Jitsu describes its environment as inclusive and community-first, serves the surrounding communities of South Orange, Millburn, and Montclair, and focuses on confidence through challenge and progress, including working toward new ranks and consistency.
Last updated July 28, 2026.
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