Explore Fort Collins’ most trusted Kids Martial Arts programs, featuring dynamic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai training for ages 4-15. With 19+ years of experience, McMahon Training Center provides a safe, welcoming, and structured environment where kids build confidence, discipline, and lifelong character skills, all while having fun.
We are the only academy in Fort Collins offering both BJJ and Muay Thai for kids, and as an official Renzo Gracie affiliate, our curriculum comes straight from a world-renowned lineage.
Our Classes
At McMahon Training Center, we teach age-specific martial arts programs designed to help kids grow on and off the mats.
Little Champs (Ages 4–6)
A 45-minute class blending BJJ and Muay Thai fundamentals through Gracie Games, movement drills, confidence-building activities, and character lessons.
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Class size: 8–15
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Student/coach ratio: 6:1
Junior Grapplers BJJ (Ages 7–15)
Separate beginner and intermediate/advanced classes emphasizing technique, discipline, live training, and structured progression.
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45–60 minutes
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Class size: 8–20
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Student/coach ratio: 8:1
Kids Muay Thai (Ages 7–15)
High-energy, technique-focused striking classes that build coordination, stamina, and confidence — always taught with a safety-first approach.
Every kids martial arts class includes:
- Technique drills
- Partner practice
- Live training (age-appropriate)
- A daily Mat Chat on life lessons, respect, and character
Kids Who Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai at Mcmahon Training Center
Do Better in School
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Improved focus & self-control
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Better listening & following directions
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Increased academic confidence
Do Better in Social Situations
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Become bully-resistant
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Gain meaningful friendships
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Learn teamwork & good sportsmanship
Do Better in Life
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Set & achieve goals
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Develop leadership skills
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Learn to manage conflict safely
How does our program achieve this?
A Curriculum Refined Over 19+ Years
Founded in 2006, McMahon Training Center has spent nearly two decades perfecting a curriculum that blends world-class martial arts with character development, emotional regulation, and confidence-building.
The Only Dual-Discipline Kids Program in Fort Collins
Kids get access to both BJJ and Muay Thai in a structured, family-friendly environment no other school in town offers.
Renzo Gracie Affiliated
Our BJJ curriculum is sourced from the legendary Renzo Gracie lineage — a gold standard in technical depth, safety, and developmental progression.
A Teaching Style Parents Love
We focus on:
- Building leadership qualities
- Recognizing each child as an individual
- Positive reinforcement & clear expectations
- Consistency, discipline, and commitment
How We Keep Kids Safe
Certified & Background Checked
All lead instructors hold CPR/First Aid certifications and pass national background checks.
We Teach Smart, Controlled Training
Kids learn our “Tap Early” rule — which promotes safety, awareness, and ego-free training.
Clean, Hygienic Training Environment
Mats are sanitized daily with professional-grade cleaners, and strict hygiene guidelines are required for uniforms and gear.
What to Expect on Your Child’s First Day at McMahon:
We’re excited to welcome your family to the McMahon community. Here’s exactly what you can expect so your child feels comfortable, confident, and ready to have fun.
Before You Arrive
One of our staff members will contact you before your child’s first class to:
- Confirm your child’s name and age
- Recommend the best class for their level
- Send a quick digital waiver
- Answer any questions you may have
We’ll also text or call the day before class with a reminder and final details.
When You Arrive (Please come 15 minutes early)
Arriving a little early allows us to make your child’s first experience smooth and stress-free. During this time, we will:
- Give you a brief tour of the facility
- Explain the flow of the class to both you and your child
- Provide the necessary equipment (a loaner Gi for BJJ or gloves for Muay Thai)
- Introduce your child to their coach
- Help them meet a few classmates so they feel welcomed right away
Our goal is for your child to walk onto the mat already feeling supported and included.
How the Class Works
1. Warm-Up
Class begins with light calisthenics and fundamental movements to help kids get comfortable and engaged.
2. Technique of the Day
The instructor demonstrates a skill or technique, breaking it down step-by-step in a kid-friendly way.
3. Partner Practice
Your child will be paired with a partner of similar size, experience, and temperament.
All students are taught to look out for their teammates, especially when they are the more experienced partner.
4. Coach Support
Coaches move around the room offering individualized guidance, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
5. Live Training (Age-Appropriate)
Kids will have the chance to apply what they’ve learned through controlled, supervised live rounds.
Safety, awareness, and “tapping early” are emphasized every step of the way.
6. Mat Chat
Every class ends with a short discussion about character-building topics like respect, self-control, responsibility, and confidence — values we believe matter just as much as technique.
After Class
Your child will:
- Meet back up with you off the mat
- Return their loaner gear
- Have the chance to talk to their coach about how they felt
- Receive next-steps information if you'd like to continue training
Most kids leave their first class smiling, energized, and excited to come back. Our team is here to support both of you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Belt Progression & How Kids Advance
IBJJF-Recognized Belt System
Ensures clear, age-appropriate progression.
Kids Earn Stripes for:
- Attendance (8 classes/month for juniors, 4 for Little Champs)
- Time on the mats
- Conduct & respect
- Technique & performance
No Belt Tests
Promotions are earned through consistency, character, and effort — not exams.
Why This Matters
Prevents burnout, encourages steady growth, and teaches kids the value of long-term dedication.
What parents are saying about our program
“McMahon Training Center has helped our son in every area of his life.”
Our son has had the privilege of taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Finnie McMahon for the past three years. Jiu-Jitsu has helped our son in every area of his life from schoolwork, discipline, and respect, to self-esteem and coordination. Finnie has an amazing rapport with children. He is able to combine his expertise in Jiu-Jitsu with patience, kindness and encouragement. He creates the perfect atmosphere for kids to learn and love Jiu-Jitsu. We highly recommend McMahon Training Center!
– Jeremy & Barbi Appel
“Thanks to McMahon Training Center, my son has grown in self-confidence, coordination, and patience.”
“My son has grown in self-confidence, athletic conditioning, ability and coordination, patience and has made some new friends. Finnie McMahon keeps the kids energized, focused, excited and enthusiastic about exercise, learning and the martial arts.”
– Thomas Carson
“Our kids love McMahon BJJ!”
“Thanks for all the hard work you do for our kids. They love it (and so do we.)”
– Abra Houchin
Membership Options
Flexible Memberships
Month-to-month with 30-day notice.
Family & Sibling Discounts
We make it easy and affordable for siblings and parents to train together.
Membership Freeze Options
Take a break during vacations or sports seasons.