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Atlas Jiu Jitsu

At a Glance

  • Atlas Jiu Jitsu offers children’s jiu jitsu classes in Valatie, NY through their Tiny Titans program.
  • Students ages 4-14 learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, self-defense, discipline, confidence, teamwork, and respect.
  • Classes are led by experienced coaches Steve “Booyah” Flannigan and Leslie Pigott.
  • Your child’s first Tiny Titans class at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is free.

Tiny Titans Jiu Jitsu class posing for photo with instructors

Kid's Jiu Jitsu Classes in Valatie, NY, for Ages 4-14

Atlas Jiu Jitsu offers a fun, structured, and confidence-building program for kids ages 4-14 in Valatie, NY. Our Tiny Titans Kids Program teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe and supportive environment where children can learn real martial arts skills while developing discipline, focus, respect, and self-confidence. They also learn how to listen, follow instructions, work with partners, show respect to coaches and classmates, and stay calm under pressure.

Located at 3339 NY-9H, Valatie, NY 12184, Atlas Jiu Jitsu is proud to serve families throughout Valatie, Kinderhook, Chatham, Hudson, and the surrounding Columbia County area. Our Valatie facility was the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school ever opened in Valatie, NY, and it continues to be a trusted home for students of all ages who want high-quality martial arts instruction close to home.

Whether your child is brand new to martial arts or already has experience on the mats, our Tiny Titans program is designed to help young students learn at their own pace, have fun, and build skills they can carry with them for life. Best of all, your child’s first class is free.

Parents often choose children’s martial arts because they want their kids to be more active, more focused, and more confident. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is especially valuable because it gives children a productive outlet for their energy while teaching them how to solve problems, overcome challenges, and handle adversity in a controlled and positive setting.

What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and How Is It Beneficial for Children?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, often called BJJ, is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on control, leverage, positioning, and technique. Unlike striking-based martial arts, BJJ does not rely on punches or kicks. Instead, students learn how to use body positioning, balance, grips, escapes, takedowns, pins, and submissions in a controlled training environment.

One of the core ideas behind Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that a smaller or weaker person can defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent by using leverage and proper technique. This makes BJJ an excellent choice for children because it rewards patience, smart movement, problem-solving, and consistent effort rather than size or strength alone.

At Atlas Jiu Jitsu, we’ve built our Tiny Titans program to help your child become stronger, more confident, more focused, and more respectful both on and off the mats. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can benefit children in several important ways:

  • Confidence: Kids gain confidence as they learn new skills, earn progress, and discover what they are capable of doing.
  • Discipline: Students learn to listen, follow directions, practice consistently, and stay committed to improvement.
  • Self-defense: BJJ teaches practical skills based on control, escapes, leverage, and awareness.
  • Physical activity: Classes help kids build strength, coordination, flexibility, balance, and endurance.
  • Respect: Students learn to respect their coaches, training partners, classmates, and themselves.
  • Problem-solving: Jiu jitsu encourages children to think, adjust, and work through challenges instead of giving up.
  • Teamwork: Even though BJJ includes individual progress, students learn through partner drills, cooperation, and shared effort.

For many families, children’s jiu jitsu becomes one of the most rewarding activities their child participates in. It gives kids a place to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, while also becoming part of a positive martial arts community.

Steve "Booyah" Flannigan, Tiny Titans Head Coach and Adult Jiu Jitsu Coach

Leslie Pigott, Tiny Titans Jiu Jitsu Coach

Meet the Tiny Titans Coaches at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie

At Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie, our children’s program is led by coaches who care deeply about helping kids succeed. The Tiny Titans classes are instructed by experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners who know how to make classes engaging, safe, and productive for young students.

Steve “Booyah” Flannigan is a coach at our Valatie gym and an instructor for our children’s jiu jitsu classes. With more than 8 years of dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience, Coach Booyah is both a seasoned practitioner and an accomplished competitor, with victories in numerous IBJJF tournaments and local competitions. He is known for his ability to connect with young learners and help them develop a genuine love for BJJ.

Coach Booyah brings energy, skill, and enthusiasm to the Tiny Titans program. His passion for guiding the next generation on the mats is clear in every class, especially as a parent himself. He also assists with the Adult BJJ program and presently holds the rank of Brown Belt under Edward Anthony.

Leslie Pigott also coaches the children’s jiu jitsu program at Atlas Valatie. She brings patience, encouragement, and years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience to the mat. Coach Leslie creates a positive and supportive environment where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence.

Leslie is skilled at breaking down complex techniques into simple, fun, and engaging lessons that work for children of different ages and skill levels. She is dedicated to helping students develop discipline, teamwork, respect, and essential self-defense skills. She is also an accomplished competitor with multiple IBJJF wins and a 3-0 MMA record.

Tiny Titans class posing in the Atlas Jiu Jitsu gym

Train at a Real Martial Arts Facility in Valatie, NY

Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is a 2,000-square-foot martial arts school equipped with top-of-the-line mats, an MMA cage, a striking area, and a strength and conditioning area. Our facility offers Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu, and Kickboxing classes, giving families in Columbia County access to serious martial arts training in a welcoming local environment.

If you have been considering martial arts for your child, the best way to see whether Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is right for your child is to visit Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie and try a class. We welcome new students, and no prior experience is required.

Your child’s first Tiny Titans class is free. This gives you and your child a chance to meet the coaches, see the facility, experience the class environment, and decide whether the program is a good fit.

Contact Atlas Jiu Jitsu today to schedule your child’s free first class at our Valatie facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Tiny Titans Kids Program is designed for children ages 4-14. Classes are structured to help kids learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a way that is age-appropriate, engaging, and supportive.

No. Your child does not need any previous martial arts experience to begin. Most of our students start as complete beginners. Our coaches help new students learn the basics step by step.

Tiny Titans students learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals, movement skills, balance, coordination, self-defense concepts, discipline, teamwork, and respect. The goal is to help children build both martial arts ability and personal confidence.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is taught in a controlled and supervised environment. At Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie, our coaches focus on safety, proper technique, respect for training partners, and age-appropriate instruction.

Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is located at 3339 NY-9H, Valatie, NY 12184. We serve families from Valatie, Kinderhook, Chatham, Hudson, and the surrounding Columbia County area.

The children’s program at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is taught by experienced coaches including Steve “Booyah” Flannigan and Leslie Pigott. Both bring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience, competition background, and a strong commitment to helping young students grow.

Yes. Your child’s first Tiny Titans class at Atlas Jiu Jitsu Valatie is free. This is the best way to see the facility, meet the coaches, and find out whether the program is the right fit for your child.