Raise strong, confident, respectful kids.

Martial Arts classes that help build real self defense while having a great time.

Ages 7–13 | No Experience Needed

Claim 2 Weeks of Unlimited Kids Classes

WHY PARENTS CHOOSE USMMA

Every class is designed to help children grow physically, mentally, and emotionally while learning real martial arts in a safe, encouraging environment.

All students will become acquainted with the 8 foundations of growth:

𖤓Confidence
𖤓Self-Defense
𖤓Respect
𖤓Discipline
𖤓Focus
𖤓 Fitness
𖤓Teamwork
𖤓Community

AT A GLANCE: why families stay
𖤓20 Years Serving Bellingham families
𖤓345+ REVIEWS: Five-star Google rating
𖤓thOUSANDS OF STUDENTS Coached
𖤓7DAYS A WEEK: Classes for kids, adults, and families

WHY KIDS?

Strong kids become strong adults.

At USMMA, kids learn more than martial arts. They learn how to be resilient through difficulty, defend themselves, and be a positive influence on those around them.

Although martial arts are technically “individual” sports, we emphasize being part of a team as a core value of our program. In both classes and camp, we expect kids to help each other improve, cheer one another on, and set an example by putting in 100% effort. Every child is challenged, encouraged, and supported by coaches who genuinely care about their success, on and off the mat.

claim 2 weeks of unlimited kids classes
claim 2 weeks of unlimited kids classes

345+ Five-Star Reviews, Trusted by Hundreds of Parents

  • "The Gem of Greater Boston and the Northeast. People don't know how fortunate they are to learn from the instructors here, from yoga and MMA to kids MMA, but more importantly it's the community and culture that they cultivate and maintain that is very special and rare. My family and I feel blessed to be members."

    —Josh J.

  • "USMMA is an absolute gem! My son has been doing boxing here for over a year and loves it! He is always excited to go. His instructor is inspiring and has helped him grow physically, mentally, and in confidence... USMMA is the best gift you can give yourself and your child. ✨💪"

    —Shannon R.

  • "My son Kevin has been going to USMMA for a couple years now and the coaches are amazing. His coach goes to meets on her own time to help her students during competitions. The owner is helpful and very responsive to any concerns you may have. The team as a whole are great to work with. I always recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a kids class for martial arts."

    —Meredith M.

  • "USMMA is an amazing place. My kids also starting coming here and they love it as well! Hilarie is amazing with the kids and I can't say enough good things about Tom and Danielle and all the other instructors there!"

    —Derek B.

KIDS OFFERINGS

  • 45 minutes
    Our No Gi Jiu Jitsu class for kids is the perfect opportunity to stay active, learn life skills, and have fun!  Children will learn the fundamentals of grappling-centered martial arts in a safe and supportive environment. Our experienced instructors will guide them through techniques and exercises designed to help them develop discipline, focus, and self-control. Plus, they'll have a blast while doing it! Children of all levels welcome.

    • Escapes, Control & Defense
    • Confidence Under Pressure
    • Focus & Discipline
    • Great for Shy/Energetic/Nervous Kids, No Experience Needed

  • 45 minutes
    Our instructors will guide your child through a fun-filled class that will teach them the basics of striking, footwork, and self-defense techniques. Your child will learn discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and self-confidence as they develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment.

    Safety is our top priority, and we ensure that every child wears proper protective gear and is closely monitored during the class.

    • Punches, Kicks, Knees & Footwork
    • Fitness & Coordination
    • Confidence & Focus
    • High-Energy Classes
    • No Experience Needed

claim 2 weeks of unlimited kids classes

SUMMER CAMP

USMMA Kids Camp

Our dynamic camps blend Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, fitness, and games to help kids develop confidence, focus, respect, and real martial arts skills—all while having tons of fun!

No previous experience is required.

Stay tuned for 2026 dates!

  • 9:15–10:15 AM
    Jiu-Jitsu Training
    Age-appropriate techniques, positional drills, and teamwork-based activities.

    10:15–10:30 AM
    Snack Break

    10:30–11:15 AM
    Conditioning & Athletic Development
    Obstacle courses, agility drills, coordination games, and fitness challenges.

    11:15–12:00 PM
    Muay Thai & Striking Fundamentals
    Pad work, footwork, balance, and technique-focused drills.

    12:00–12:30 PM
    Lunch Break

    12:30–1:15 PM
    Team Games & Outdoor Activities
    Team-building challenges and active games that reinforce confidence and cooperation.

    1:15–1:45 PM
    Character Building & Mindfulness
    Discussions on sportsmanship, confidence, focus, healthy habits, and the mental side of athletics.

    1:45–2:00 PM
    Camp Wrap-Up & Pick-Up
    Review the day's lessons, celebrate accomplishments, and preview tomorrow's activities!

THE COACHES BEHIND THE CONFIDENCE

Led by experienced martial artists and youth coaches, our kids program directors bring decades of combined experience helping children build confidence, discipline, and real martial arts skills. Their focus goes beyond technique—creating a supportive environment where every child can learn, grow, and have fun is the priority.

JOHN WISH, JIU JITSU INSTRUCTOR

Former USMMA Kids Student. Now helping the next generation build confidence through Jiu Jitsu.

✓ USMMA student since 2010
✓ Started training at age 11  
✓ Jiu Jitsu Black Belt  
✓ Kids Jiu Jitsu Coach  
✓ Fundamentals Instructor

HILARIE ROSE, MMA INSTRUCTOR

Kids Program Director helping children become stronger, more confident, and more resilient through martial arts.

✓ USMMA student since 2008  
✓ Kids Martial Arts Program Director  
✓ Professional MMA Athlete  
✓ No-Gi Black Belt  
✓ 200-Hour Yoga Teacher

OUR PHILOSOPHY
A Note from Our Co-Founder

For more than 20 years, USMMA has believed martial arts is about far more than punches, kicks, and submissions. Every child who walks through our doors deserves to leave more confident, more respectful, and more resilient than when they arrived.

Skills matter. Character comes first. We celebrate effort. We teach resilience. We expect respect. And we believe confidence is earned one class at a time.

That is the standard every USMMA coach is expected to uphold.

- Tom Hafers, Co-Founder & Lead MMA Instructor

FAQs

  • Jiu-Jitsu is the art of strategy, leverage, and control. It’s a full-body workout that sharpens your mind and builds real-world self-defense skills. We empower kids to use mindfulness and technique over strength—making it a game-changer for confidence and interpersonal development.

  • Muay Thai is known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it trains you to strike with your fists, elbows, knees, and kicks. It’s fast, powerful, and one of the most effective striking arts in the world. Kids learn not just how to own their strength, but also how to control and use it in a safe and support environment.

  • Our programming is designed for children ages 7–12. Classes are structured to be age-appropriate, engaging, and supportive for every skill level.

  • Comfortable athletic clothing and water is a perfect start. Once enrolled, our team can help you with any suggested gear.

  • Safety is our top priority. Classes are taught in a structured, supervised environment with age-appropriate instruction designed to build skills, confidence, and body awareness while minimizing risk.

  • MMA combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Thai, and Boxing into a dynamic system of self-defense and competition. At USMMA, kids have the opportunity to learn each discipline individually or train in MMA as a whole.

  • That's completely normal! Our coaches are experienced at helping kids feel welcome, make friends, and build confidence at their own pace.

  • While students learn practical martial arts skills, parents often notice improvements in:

    • Confidence

    • Focus and attention

    • Respect and discipline

    • Physical fitness

    • Resilience and perseverance

    • Teamwork and social skills

  • The best way to find out is to try it! Our Kids Intro Offer (14 Classes for $60) allows your child to experience multiple classes, meet our instructors, and see if USMMA is the right fit for your family.

Claim 2 Weeks of Unlimited Kids Classes