Ages 5 and up
Kids Martial Arts
Confidence, discipline and resilience, built one class at a time. Junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai for ages 5 and up, at both of our gyms.
Martial arts kids stay with
Kids martial arts isn’t just about learning to defend themselves. It’s about learning to listen, to try again after getting it wrong, to be part of a team and to trust themselves. Parents regularly tell us their child has grown in self-confidence and character.
Kids at The M A Connection train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai or both, in groups matched to their age.
Coached by people who teach
Co-owner Jeska Maunder holds a Graduate Diploma of Education and has more than 18 years of teaching experience, from kindergarten to adults. Our junior programs are built around how children actually learn: short, structured, positive and fun, with plenty of encouragement.
Classes at Cairns and Innisfail
Kids’ classes run most afternoons at our Stratford gym in Cairns and at Innisfail. Check the timetable for the current days and times.
Starting is easy
Come along for a free trial class. Arrive 15 minutes early so we can complete the waiver and introduce your child to their coach. Wear comfortable activewear, and bring a water bottle.
Classes & levels
Find the right class
Little Ninjas BJJ
Ages 5–7 · 40 minutes, twice a week
A fun first step: coordination, listening skills and the basics of jiu-jitsu.
Junior Warriors BJJ
Ages 8–12 · 1 hour, twice a week
Technique, positional sparring and teamwork that build confidence and resilience.
Junior Elite Team (JET)
By invitation · BJJ · Friday afternoons
For juniors with competition potential who want to go further.
Junior Muay Thai
Ages 5–15 · Cubs, Lions and Teens groups
Striking technique, fitness and self-discipline in age-appropriate groups: Cubs 5–7, Lions 8–12 and Teens 13–16.
Junior Comp Team
By invitation · Muay Thai · invitation only
For juniors who want to compete in Muay Thai. The coaches invite students when they are ready.
Junior striking (Innisfail)
Kids · Monday and Wednesday afternoons
Striking classes for kids at our Innisfail gym, in the same age groups as Cairns: Cubs 5–7 and Lions 8–12.
Your coaches
Meet the coaches
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Jeska Maunder
Owner & Junior Muay Thai Coach
Co-founder and BJJ brown belt. Jeska holds a Graduate Diploma of Education, has taught for more than 18 years from kindergarten to adults, and is the first point of contact for member enquiries.
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Adrian Pancirov
Junior BJJ Coach
Leads the junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. BJJ brown belt.
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Pedro Vasquez
BJJ Coach
Coaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids and adults.
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Garrett Maunder
Head Coach & Owner
Co-founder of The M A Connection and head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. Garrett oversees both gyms and works with athletes preparing for competition.
Good to know
Questions, answered
What age can my child start?
Little Ninjas BJJ is for ages 5–7 and Junior Warriors is for ages 8–12. Junior Muay Thai runs in three groups: Cubs 5–7, Lions 8–12 and Teens 13–16. Children start at 5 at both gyms and in both disciplines.
Does my child need any experience?
No. Every child starts as a beginner. Our coaches make new kids feel welcome and help them find their feet.
What should they wear?
Comfortable activewear for a first class. Gi rental is available if they need a uniform to start.
Do kids compete?
Only if they and their families want to. Junior athletes compete in local and regional BJJ events, and our Junior Elite Team is by invitation.
Can parents watch?
Yes, for the first few sessions. While your child is settling in you are welcome to stay and watch. Once they are comfortable — usually by the end of the trial — we ask parents to drop off and come back, which helps the kids focus on the coach rather than on you.
Is my child safe?
Safety and respect come first. Every coach working with our junior classes holds a current Queensland Blue Card, classes are coached and supervised at all times, and the environment is built around respect.
No experience needed
Ready to start?
No experience needed, at either gym. Four weeks to find your feet: the first two completely free, then two more at the intro rate, and your membership carries on from there unless you tell us otherwise. Pick your gym below and you can start online in a couple of minutes.