Kids lined up in gis at Panza Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance

Kids Jiu-Jitsu

Age-appropriate jiu-jitsu for children and teens. Building confidence, discipline, and self-defense in a safe environment.

Two Programs, One Mission

Panza Jiu-Jitsu offers two youth programs designed for different age groups and interests. Whether your child is stepping onto the mat for the first time or has been training for years, there is a class that fits.

Kids Jiu-Jitsu

Gi-based classes for younger students. Technique, discipline, and fun in a structured environment.

No-Gi Teens

Higher-intensity no-gi training for teenagers ready for more challenge.

All classes are led by Coach Panza and Camila Panza, who co-instructs the kids program.

Kids class with instructor demonstrating technique at Panza Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance
Young student in white gi with Panza Jiu-Jitsu patch in Torrance

A Safe Place to Grow

Your child's safety is the foundation of everything we do. Mats are cleaned daily. Classes are supervised from start to finish. Physical contact is controlled and age-appropriate — every drill and sparring exercise is structured so that kids learn boundaries while having fun.

Jiu-Jitsu teaches children conflict resolution and self-control, not aggression. The discipline they build on the mat — listening, following instructions, respecting training partners — carries over into school and social situations. Kids who train develop confidence because they earn it through effort, not because someone handed it to them.

Parents are welcome to watch every class. Come early, stay late, and see firsthand how your child responds to the training environment.

Led by Luiz & Camila Panza

Luiz and Camila Panza co-founded the academy after the birth of their first child. They run the kids program together and are consistently praised by parents for their patience, warmth, and ability to connect with children of all ages and temperaments.

A typical kids class starts with games-based warm-ups that develop coordination and build energy. From there, the instructor demonstrates a technique at an age-appropriate level, and kids pair up to drill. Sessions close with positional challenges that keep students engaged while reinforcing the day's lesson.

Want to see if it is a good fit? Book a free trial — parents watch the entire class. There is no commitment and no pressure.

Panza demonstrating technique to kids class at Panza Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance

What Parents Say

First off I would like to thank Panza and his wife for such an amazing experience every time we enter our classes. They are so welcoming and caring people and are extremely knowledgeable with all their techniques. They will walk you through each one with kindness and respect. We have both of our kids in classes. They have been coming here for about 7 months. Our seven and 5 year old have picked up so many skills. I could not have asked for a better gym than Panza. The Adult class is wonderful as well.

Bobbi V.

Gardena

This jiu jitsu gym is great, and has high level coaching. Lots of upper belts in the adult classes. Coach Panza and his wife Camila run the kids class and make all the kids feel welcomed. My son has been going there since he was 3 years old (3 years ago) and he loves going there. They offer kids classes 5 days a week! We really appreciate everything they have done for our son.

Alex M.

South Bay

Panza Jiu Jitsu is an absolute treasure for kids jiu jitsu, creating a welcoming, family like atmosphere that feels like a second home! The two instructors (Coach Panza and Coach Camila) are phenomenal, incredibly warm, patient, and uplifting, always cheering the kids on like they're their own. Their expertise in jiu jitsu is evident, delivering techniques with such clarity and passion that kids can't help but get excited to learn.

Justin L.

South Bay

Kids and their dad all train here and we love it. The coaches are kind and skilled, the environment is lax but also instructional. It's been great to see the kids learn to control their bodies and build confidence.

D T.

South Bay

My daughters and husband began their Jiu Jitsu journey at Panza Jiu Jitsu. It started with wanting to teach our girls self-defense. They have been attending for over a year, and in that time, our girls learned how to defend themselves. They gained confidence in their abilities, increased their self-esteem, developed discipline for the sport, and continued to learn with each lesson. My husband joined the adult group wanting to try something new. Panza Jiu Jitsu completely transformed his body by challenging him in ways running, hiking, surfing, mountain biking, paddling never did. Panza and Camila are excellent instructors.

Brooke M.

Hermosa Beach

Panza JJ is such an amazing place for BJJ! My daughter has been going here for over 2 years and she not only loves it, but is learning so much about technique, discipline and patience. The coaches - Panza and Camila are exceptional! They are so patient with the kids and are great teachers. The kids have so much fun too! My husband has also been doing JJ for over 2 years at Panza's. It is his second home. Panza's is a family, a community and we love it so much!

Kelley S.

Torrance

Panza is an amazing and caring coach and world champion competitor. He's by far one of the best instructors in the South Bay and his academy has a great culture and family atmosphere. In addition to being a fantastic adult coach he and his wife are wonderful BJJ instructors for kids. The kids' classes are great for beginners and teach techniques and keep the kids engaged with a balance of games and jiu jitsu.

Hb D.

Redondo Beach

We drive down from Palos Verdes and it's worth every minute. My daughter started in the kids program and I ended up signing up for the adult classes myself — now we're both hooked. Panza and Camila are incredible with the kids. My daughter has gained so much confidence and discipline since she started, and she actually looks forward to going. I came in with some previous experience and a recommendation from my old professor, so I knew what to look for in a gym — and this is it. Panza breaks everything down so it clicks, and the upper belts are always willing to help. If you're in PV and thinking about trying jiu-jitsu for yourself or your kids, just go.

Steven T.

Palos Verdes

My family is very fortunate to have came across this Gym. We started our BJJ journey about 9 months ago and cannot get enough of this place. Panza and his amazing wife made it easy for someone like me that had no knowledge of BJJ to learn with ease, as well as my 5 year old son. He has come a long way and has learned to have confidence within himself. I truly am grateful to have found this place.

Brigette R.

San Pedro

My daughter was so shy and scared of trying something new, especially jiu jitsu. But it only took the trial class for her to say she wanted to return - and it's been more than a year now. Coach Panza and Camila are incredibly patient with the kids while trying to teach them the techniques in a safe environment. I especially appreciate their efforts to implement respect and kindness between the kids.

Ang K.

South Bay

Kids and teens no-gi group photo at Panza Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance

Class Times

Monday

4:00 PM

Monday

6:30 PM

No-Gi Teens

Tuesday

4:00 PM

Wednesday

4:00 PM

Wednesday

6:30 PM

No-Gi Teens

Thursday

4:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM

Check the full schedule for class times. Interested in adult classes too? Many families train together. Visit our getting started guide or contact us with any questions. We serve families from Torrance and across the South Bay.

Book a Free Trial for Your Child

Bring your child for a free trial class. Parents watch the entire session — see the environment firsthand before committing.

Book Free Class