Kids Martial Arts Near Pataskala and Etna: A Parent's Guide

Kids · Pataskala and Etna

If you live in Pataskala, Etna or Kirkersville and you're looking for a martial arts class for your kid, you've probably noticed the options thin out fast. There are a few karate and taekwondo schools around, but if you want jiu jitsu, the kind that teaches kids to handle themselves without throwing punches, you'll be driving somewhere.

We're about 25 minutes east in Heath. Here's what we'd tell any parent comparing programs, whether or not you end up with us. If you want the short version, our Pataskala and Etna page has drive times and class times in one place.

What to look for in a kids program

• Age groups that make sense. A five-year-old and a twelve-year-old need different classes. Look for kids grouped close to their own age and size.
• Who actually teaches. Ask who's on the mat. Some schools hand kids classes to whoever is available. Here, Coach Jon teaches every kids class himself.
• Safety you can verify. Ask if coaches are SafeSport certified. Coach Jon is.
• Contracts. Plenty of schools ask families to sign up for a year before a kid knows if they like it. Ask before you sign anything.
• Whether you can watch. You should be able to see exactly what your kid is learning. Parents are welcome to watch from the side here.

Why jiu jitsu for kids

Jiu jitsu is grappling: holding, escaping and controlling instead of hitting. That means kids can practise at full effort against a real partner without anyone getting punched or kicked. They learn to stay calm when someone bigger is on top of them, to get back up, and to handle a bully without throwing the first punch.

Parents usually notice the changes off the mat first: more confidence, better focus, and a kid who burns off energy and sleeps well. You can see more on our kids jiu jitsu page.

Class times that work after the drive

All kids classes are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, so it's two trips a week:

• Little Ninjas, age 5: Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 PM (waitlist)
• Kids, ages 6 to 8: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 PM
• Youth, ages 9 to 14: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:45 PM

If you train too, the adult evening class starts right after the kids classes on Tuesday and Thursday, so a parent can train while the drive is already made.

Getting here

• From Pataskala: SR-16 east toward Newark, about 25 to 30 minutes
• From Etna: I-70 east, then SR-79 north through Hebron, about 25 minutes
• From Kirkersville: about 20 minutes

We're at 409 S 22nd St, Suite 6, in Heath, with free parking out front.

What the first class looks like

Your child gets paired with an experienced teammate, and the first class is built for beginners: movement, games and simple technique. Wear athletic shorts and a t-shirt with no zippers or pockets, bring water, and get there about 10 minutes early so they can meet the coaches. Nervous kids are completely normal.

Membership is month to month at $125, with no long contract. Every class is on the schedule.

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Newark, 409 S 22nd St, Suite 6, Heath, OH 43056. Call or text (740) 520-0112.