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.