Ages 4 to 6
Little Dragons
Our most popular kids program, built from the ground up for four, five, and six-year-olds. It's where confidence, focus, and a love of movement all start.
A big start for little kids
Little Dragons is martial arts designed for how young children actually learn. The curriculum centers on the foundations that matter most at this age: self-control, focus, listening, and following directions. We build those through real martial arts, kickboxing on the bags and in the air, plus partner work like takedowns and the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, all scaled to little bodies and short attention spans.
What they'll work on
Every class blends skill, movement, and social development:
- Self-control, focus, and following directions
- Polite greetings, eye contact, and cooperating with a partner
- Kickboxing on bags and in the air
- Beginner takedowns and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu basics
- Coordination, core strength, balance, and muscle tone through fun, active drills
The goal isn't just a kid who can throw a kick. It's a kid who can listen, take turns, look an adult in the eye, and feel proud of what their body can do.
Why it works for this age
Four to six is the perfect window to build focus and confidence, but only if the class is built for it. Ours is. Classes are structured but playful, challenging but safe, and short enough to hold real attention. Most kids leave their first class grinning and asking when they can come back.
FAQ
Common questions
Is four too young to start martial arts?
Not at all. Four to six is exactly who Little Dragons is built for. The whole program is designed around the attention span, coordination, and energy of this age. Keep in mind not all kids will be ready to start at age four and that's ok! You can try again in a few months if that's the case.
Will my child be able to handle a class?
Yes. Classes are structured for little kids, with short, varied activities that keep them engaged. Our instructors are experts at meeting young children where they are. All we need is a child willing to try something new!
What does a Little Dragons class include?
A mix of kickboxing on bags, partner games, beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and takedowns, plus social skills like greetings, eye contact, and cooperation, all wrapped in active, confidence-building fun.
Is it safe? Do little kids spar?
Safety comes first, always. At this age there's no live sparring. Kids build skills through controlled drills and partner activities in a carefully supervised environment.
What should my child wear to the first class?
Comfortable clothes with long pants that they can move in. We'll cover uniforms and anything else once you're enrolled.
How do we start?
Book a free intro class. Once you've done the free intro lesson and the instructor approves your class schedule you can sign up by paying your first month prorated plus purchase the enrollment package for $85. This includes a uniform, belt and tiny boxing gloves!
How long is the (kids, teens, Lil Dragons) program?
Our programs are ongoing and you start at any time. Typically kids move up through their belts roughly every four months if they are training 2-3 times per week and learning the skills taught in class.
Can my caregiver bring my child/teen to the free intro?
No, we require an actual parent attend the free intro. This way you get to see firsthand what your child is learning and we can connect directly vs through someone else. Once your child is enrolled a caregiver may bring them to classes.
How is PMA different from other dojos?
Practical Martial Arts was founded in 1993 with the idea that blending styles is the most effective for self defense. At that time MMA was in its infancy and PMA was the first in Marin to offer this type of training. In fact, ask almost any dojo owner in Marin and they will tell you that at some point they trained at PMA. Between Mike's 50 years of training and Karen's 25 years in martial arts and background as a credentialed school teacher, PMA's curriculum is carefully researched and crafted to provide every student not only technical skills but the ability to be strong in difficult situations.
Your child's first class is free
The best way to see if Little Dragons is right for your child is to come try it. Book a free intro and watch them light up.