Kids Programme - Parent Information & Expectations
At London Grapple, our goal is to help every child enjoy training, grow in confidence, and develop their skills in a safe, positive learning environment. To make this possible, we set clear expectations for both parents and children. These allow our coaches to focus fully on delivering high-quality sessions while ensuring every child gets the most out of their training.
1. Class Timings, Check-In and Arrival
Please arrive no earlier than 10-15 minutes before class
Please ensure your child has been checked-in on one of our iPads
Parents should encourage their child to use the toilet before class
Children must wait off the mats until called on by a coach
2. Parental Supervision
Parents of younger children who require assistance to use the toilet must remain on site during class
Parents should collect children promptly at the end of class
Children are not permitted to leave the facility unattended
Our kids’ classes are often full, and we require every bit of mat space for safe movement and proper coaching – we therefore ask that parents please stay off the mats during class times
3. Hygiene and Uniform
Uniform
BJJ children must wear:
A clean gi and belt are mandatory in every class
Parents are required to purchase a white belt for their child when they begin training - all additional belts are supplied by London Grapple
A Gi and white belt can be purchased here
Muay Thai children must wear:
Shorts or leggings
A t-shirt or rashguard
Gloves and shin pads are supplied by London Grapple
Graded armbands supplied by London Grapple are a mandatory uniform requirement in every class
If armbands are lost, a replacement can be purchased for £12.50 at reception
Hygiene
Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed, and no jewellery or watches are to be worn
Children should bring a labelled water bottle - glass bottles are not allowed for safety reasons
No food or drink on the mats, and no shoes are to be worn on the mats
Anyone who is unwell (fever, cough, skin infection) should not attend
Children should bring sliders or slip-on shoes for moving between toilets, reception, and mats
4. Progression and Grading
Grading days for both programmes take place mid-year and at the end of the year, during normal class times
BJJ
London Grapple follows the official IBJJF kids quarterly grading system
Stripes are awarded quarterly based on consistent training and improvement
New belts are typically awarded every 12–15 months
Muay Thai
Muay Thai does not have a recognised international ranking system - at London Grapple we have created our own system using coloured armbands
The Muay Thai grading system does not use stripes
New armbands are awarded based on consistent training and improvement
5. Behaviour Expectations
All children must listen to and respect coaches
Parents must not coach their children during class - this disrupts the session and confuses the child
Children must keep their hands to themselves unless instructed and avoid shouting, play fighting, or misbehaviour off the mat
In Muay Thai, we use a card system to set clear boundaries, with penalties escalating as outlined:
Warning - If a child is not listening, ignoring instructions, or being disrespectful, they’ll first receive a clear warning
Yellow Card - If the behaviour continues, they will take a short 5-minute time-out
Red Card - Continued disruption results in sitting out for the rest of class
Multiple Red Cards - If this happens across classes, attendance may be paused until we’ve spoken with parents to find a positive way forward
We also make sure to celebrate great effort and teamwork via a reward card system:
Children showing outstanding attitude, focus, or respect may receive a “Striker of the Week” card
Collecting these cards encourages consistency, discipline, and pride in their progress
This balanced approach sets clear expectations while rewarding effort, helping every child to develop focus, resilience, and respect and to get the most out of their Muay Thai journey
6. Photos and Videos
Parents are not permitted to film or take photos of classes
From time to time, London Grapple will bring in professional photographers or videographers to capture promotional material - we will always notify parents beforehand and provide the option to opt out
7. Lost Property
Lost property is held in our storage room until the end of each week - it is then disposed of on Monday morning
If your child leaves something behind, please email us before Monday and we will put it aside for you
8. Holiday Periods and Closures
We will notify all parents in advance of any planned closures, bank holidays, or changes to the timetable
9. Communication and Support
Parents should make us aware of any information that will assist in coaching or mentoring their child - this includes additional learning needs, SEN, or medical information
Any concerns should be raised with a coach before or after class, not during
For absences, holidays, or general questions, please contact us via your Gymdesk account, or the contact page of our website
Our aim is to deliver a safe, structured, and positive environment where children can learn, develop, and enjoy their training. By following these expectations, you are helping us provide the best possible experience for all children and families at London Grapple.