Interested in exposing your school-age child to the mental discipline and physical fitness of martial arts training? There are so many places in Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, and nearby that will teach your child the ways of capoeira, karate, jiu-jitsu, judo, taekwondo, and more!
Find martial arts classes for toddlers up to age 5 and classes for youth up to age 18.
We thank United Capoeira Association – Hayward for sponsoring today’s round-up of class providers. UCA Hayward invites children ages 3 and up to explore their physical abilities, learn about Afro-Brazilian culture, and cultivate a sense of community. Your first class at UCA Hayward is $5. Save 25% on memberships or camps with code UCA510FAM.
If we missed your favorite in our round-up, please share in the comments!
Kids Capoeira offered on Monday afternoons & Saturday mornings. Capoeira is a fun, unique cultural & martial arts experience with a focus on capoeira music, acrobatics & self-defense. Ages 3-6
- Age Three
- Age Four +
- Oakland / Piedmont
Toddlers Jiu-Jitsu class for ages 3–5 introduces basic movements, coordination, and discipline.
- Age Two
- Age Three
- Age Four +
- Albany / Kensington / El Cerrito
Kids Tumbling Judo offered for ages 4 to 6.
- Age Three
- Age Four +
- Albany / Kensington / El Cerrito
The Tiny Tiger program for ages 4-7 improves coordination, communication, and self-confidence through meditation, stretching, warm-ups, and fun Taekwondo basics.
- Age Four +
- Oakland / Piedmont
Parent-involved Judo starts at age 2. Chibi Judo (Pre-Judo) helps children grow in a wonderful way by jumping, running, and rolling to develop balance & coordination.
- Age Two
- Age Three
- Age Four +
- Alameda
- Albany / Kensington / El Cerrito
- Oakland / Piedmont
Capoeira is a holistic practice that blends creative movement, music, and Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage. Children develop discipline, focus, coordination, and self-confidence. Pre-Capoeira classes are for ages 3-5. 1st class is $5. Save 25% Save 25% on memberships with UCA510FAM.
- Age Three
- Age Four +
- Hayward / San Leandro / San Lorenzo
Rio Combat in Alameda offers Jiu Jitsu beginning at age 3.
- Age Three
- Age Four +
- Alameda
Sticky Monkey is a mixed martial arts class that pairs toddlers with parents and a coach for 30 minutes of rolling, stretching, and martial arts basics. Youth Jiu Jitsu begins at age 4.
- Age Three
- Age Four +
- Berkeley
Kids' Martial arts begins at age 4 -- called "Jungle Gym"
- Age Four +
- Emeryville
More about Capoeira: More than just a martial art, Capoeira is a holistic practice that blends creative movement, music, and a rich Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage. It’s a fantastic avenue for children to develop essential life skills such as discipline, focus, coordination, and self-confidence, all while having fun and expressing themselves.
Aikido gives children a way to learn about themselves, their bodies, and their environment. Currently offering classes for 5-14
- Berkeley
Kids Capoeira - Mondays & Saturdays! Capoeira is a fun, unique cultural & martial arts experience. These classes focus on capoeira music, acrobatics & self-defense. Ages 3-6 (Mon 4:30-5:30 pm & Sat 9-10 am) Ages 7-11 (Mon 5:30-6:30 pm & Sat 10-11 am) Ages 12+, refer to teen/adults schedule.
- Oakland / Piedmont
Movement arts, martial arts, and dance programs for youth 3-18. Nobody is turned away who cannot pay.
- Emeryville
ECMA after-school program runs from school dismissal until 6 pm, blending Jiu-Jitsu, games, and creative play for TK–5th graders. Transported and drop-off options available. They offer a safe, structured environment that builds confidence, focus, and physical literacy each afternoon.
- El Cerrito
Cubs (age 4-7) and Youth (age 7-10) learn age-appropriate skills in the art of Kung Fu developing strength and balance after school and on Saturdays.
- Albany / Kensington
- SF / Marin
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for ages 3-adult.
- Hayward / San Leandro / San Lorenzo
Kids and Youth Jiu-Jitsu program is an excellent program for kids ages 5-15, which teaches techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, including takedowns, ground skills, and self-defense.
- Berkeley
Sticky Monkey classes begin at age 3. Brazilian Youth Jiu-Jitsu is for ages 4-17.
- Berkeley
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for ages 2.5-adult.
- Alameda
UC Berkeley Youth Rec Programs offers a diverse array of year-round classes for all ages: martial arts (ages 6-16), swimming (infants-18), skateboarding (5-18), archery (8-17), and outdoor activities.
- Berkeley
Children develop essential life skills such as discipline, focus, coordination, and self-confidence. Pre-Cap classes are ages 3-5. Youth Capoeira is ages 6-12. Mixed-age Capoeira is for 13+. Your first class at UCA Hayward is $5. Save 25% on memberships or camps with code UCA510FAM.
- Hayward / San Leandro / San Lorenzo
Related links:
- Use the toddler and parent/child class guide to find martial arts for even younger ones!
- See our summer camp guide to find more martial arts camps around the East Bay >
- Find a parkour or ninja warrior class instead >
We thank United Capoeira Association – Hayward for sponsoring today’s round-up of class providers. Your first class at UCA Hayward is $5. Save 25% on memberships or camps with code UCA510FAM.
United Capoeira Association – Hayward offers engaging classes and provides a supportive environment where kids can explore their physical abilities, learn about Afro-Brazilian culture, and cultivate a sense of community.
