More Than Medals: How Praia BJJ Builds Stronger Kids

At Praia BJJ, located right here in Costa Mesa, just minutes from Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should be about more than just arm bars and gold medals. We’re here for something bigger: helping kids grow into confident, resilient, and respectful individuals—on and off the mats.

When you walk through our doors, you’ll notice something different. We don’t chase trophies. We don’t shout from the sidelines. And we’re not in a hurry to “win” childhood. Instead, we’re building a place where kids can fall in love with the sport, grow at their own pace, and develop into strong, kind, and capable human beings.

This long-term vision shapes everything we do. Here’s what that looks like in action:

1. Safety Comes First—Always

Whether your child is 5 or 15, their safety is our top priority. At Praia BJJ, we’ve created a physically and emotionally safe space where kids can explore, make mistakes, and grow without fear of judgment or pressure.

From well-padded mats to age-appropriate instruction, we take physical safety seriously. But we also prioritize emotional safety. That means no harsh criticism, no toxic competition, and zero tolerance for bullying. We want your child to feel supported every time they step into class.

2. Long-Term Development Over Quick Wins

It’s easy to get caught up in the short-term: gold medals, perfect performances, and fast progress. But at Praia, we play the long game.

We focus on building strong fundamentals, boosting confidence, and helping your child develop a genuine love for Jiu-Jitsu. Why? Because early success doesn’t always predict long-term greatness. In fact, the most successful athletes are often the ones who took their time, learned to fail, and stayed consistent.

We’re not trying to raise the best 10-year-old—we’re working toward raising strong, disciplined young adults.

3. We Teach a Growth Mindset

At our Costa Mesa academy, kids learn that mistakes are part of the process. We don’t expect perfection—we expect effort. And we reward persistence more than performance.

By teaching kids to view setbacks as learning opportunities, we help them build resilience. They don’t just “try again”—they come back stronger, more focused, and more confident. This kind of mindset doesn’t just help on the mats; it carries into school, friendships, and life.

4. Coaches Lead By Example

Our coaches and staff set the tone for every class. We show up with calm, respectful, and encouraging energy, and we expect the same from our students.

This kind of modeling is powerful. Kids absorb more from what they see than what they’re told. So whether it’s showing respect to an opponent after a roll, staying composed under pressure, or owning a mistake with humility, we make sure we’re walking the talk.

And when it’s competition time, our coaches don’t just teach strategy—they teach character.

5. We Praise Effort, Not Just Outcome

At Praia, your child’s attitude and effort are what we value most. Did they show up and work hard? Did they support a teammate? Did they try something new even if it was tough?

Those are the real wins.

Sure, we love seeing our kids take home medals—but what we love even more is seeing them show up with heart, bounce back after a tough round, or help a newer student get the hang of things. That’s the kind of success that lasts.

6. Parents, Just Be Present

We love having supportive parents in our community. But we also ask that you let the coaches do the coaching.

Sideline coaching—even when well-meaning—can create confusion and pressure for kids. What they really need is your presence, your support, and your pride in their effort. Whether they win or lose, just being there and cheering them on is more powerful than any technical advice.

7. Every Kid Has a Unique Journey

Not all kids grow or learn at the same pace—and that’s okay. Some might be naturally athletic. Others might struggle at first. We see it all, and we support each student accordingly.

There’s no rush. At Praia BJJ, we emphasize patience, consistency, and personal progress over comparison. We help each child set and meet their own goals—so they stay motivated, confident, and proud of what they’re building.

8. Keep It Fun, or Lose the Spark

Burnout in youth sports is real. That’s why fun isn’t optional—it’s essential.

At Praia, we keep training engaging, creative, and age-appropriate, especially for our younger students. We know that kids stick with what they enjoy. That’s how they build discipline—by choosing to come back, day after day because they love being here.

We want them to look forward to class. To laugh, to try new things, and to leave every session feeling a little better than when they walked in.

Why Families in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach Trust Praia BJJ

If you’re a parent in Costa Mesa, or nearby in Huntington Beach or Newport Beach, you’ve got a lot of choices for youth sports. So why do families choose Praia?

Because we care about who your child becomes, not just how many medals they earn.
We see jiu-jitsu as a tool for life, not just a competitive outlet.
Because we’ve built a community where kids thrive—and parents feel good about where they’ve enrolled them.

Our programs are structured, safe, and developmentally appropriate. Our coaches are certified, experienced, and passionate about youth development. And our culture is positive, patient, and purpose-driven.

Ready to Start Your Child’s Journey?

Whether your child is curious about trying Jiu-Jitsu for the first time, or you’re looking for a program that aligns with your values, we’d love to meet you.

Visit us at Praia BJJ in Costa Mesa, right near Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, and experience what makes our academy different.

👉 Book a free trial class today
👉 Call us or stop by to tour the gym
👉 Join the Praia family—where kids grow stronger every day

Let’s raise confident, kind, and capable kids—together.