MARTIAL ARTS ON A MISSION
NEURODIVERSE YOUTH JIU JITSU
In addition to our traditional classes, we’ve created a unique program for neurodiverse youth.
WHO IS IT FOR?
While most of our neurodivergent students have a diagnosis (ie: ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Sensory processing disorder, ODD, …), our program helps any child that may show or experienced a high degree of:
- DISTRACTION
Child is easily distracted by the environment. Hyperactivity and compulsive actions also hinder focus.
- WITHDRAWAL
Having no interest in a suggested activity or absolutely wanting to do something else.
- DEFIANCE
Frequently argues, ignores requests and is stubborn. Can lead to hurtful words and challenging behavior.
- EMOTION
Meltdowns or tantrums that can lead to aggressive behavior.
- ANXIETY
Feeling distress, nervousness or fear in everyday situations.
- IMPULSIVITY
Inability to regulate emotions.
- SENSORY
Hypersensitive or unresponsive to things in the environment. Normal sounds or a light touch can be overwhelming.
- INCOORDINATION
Difficulty with balance, core stability, coordination, flexibility and strength.
NEURODIVERSE YOUTH CLASSES
Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive and positive environment where all students can learn martial arts to develop fitness, focus, social skills and confidence.
Little Panda
Up to 6 students with high support needs
3:1 student-to-coach ratio
Age ~6
Young Panda
Up to 8 students with moderate support needs
4:1 student-to-coach ratio
Ages ~7-9
Giant Panda
Up to 10 students with some additional support needs
4:1 student-to-coach ratio
Ages ~10-15
Little Panda
Up to 6 students with high support needs
3:1 student-to-coach ratio
Age ~6
Young Panda
Up to 8 students with moderate support needs
4:1 student-to-coach ratio
Ages ~7-9
Giant Panda
Up to 10 students with some additional support needs
4:1 student-to-coach ratio
Ages ~10-15
HOW DO I APPLY?
2
BOOK A 1:1 ASSESSMENT
Once your application is reviewed, you will be invited to book your child’s 1-on-1 assessment. During this 40 min session, coach Alex will work with your child to see if our program is a good fit.
3
JOIN TEAM BEL AIR
Once you join Team Bel Air, your child may move between classes based on their needs and if desired, may work towards transitioning into a traditional Jiu Jitsu class.
“Using the martial arts as tools, kids are being taught discipline, respect, dedication and love. The instructors are great. They never give up. They teach patience, dedication and endurance by living them. I am very fortunate to have known Alex Truong who have been training my son beyond his call of duty.” – LEA, parent
“I recommend Bel Air Learning Center – Jiu-Jitsu for so many reasons! Alex Truong is a great instructor and I admire his patience and ability to teach special needs children. My son has learned so much since he joined. Jiu-Jitsu classes have helped him during his Physical Therapy sessions. He’s now able to accomplish more tasks and keep his stamina up. Also, a big thank you to Eduardo for always keeping him moving and helping him finish what he started.” – ELIZABETH, parent
“My son has been practicing jiu jitsu for a couple of months now and I am truly impressed of his progress. For those parents with special needs kids I would truly recommend this place it is beyond awesome and the staff and their dedication it’s impressive.” – ARGELIA, parent
“If your child has special needs, and you are interested in finding an extracurricular activity that will be beneficial AND be able to accommodate his/her needs, look no further. I feel so fortunate that a place like Bel-Air Learning Center exists. My older son has been taking classes there for the past few months, and he is engaged, happy, and learning at a pace that works for him. Alex, the owner and lead instructor, really takes the time to get to know your child. He is a nurturing, flexible yet firm instructor. I highly recommend Bel Air Learning Center, and feel that Alex and his staff are dedicated and well trained.” – ROCHELLE, parent
“One of the best things that could have happened to my 5 year old. He loves jiujitsu. And Alex is brilliant and exceptionally patient with him. Go BJJ!!!!!” – SHANTHI, parent
“We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Bel Air Jiu-Jitsu. My 9 year old has always had a very difficult time participating in group classes and sports. Alex and his coaches do a wonderful job of offering structure, high expectations and the support needed to meet them. My 12 year old daughter also took classes at Bel Air and fell in love with the sport. I am so thankful for how her interest has been nurtured and the opportunities Alex has introduced us to beyond the walls of Bel Air. I would give a hundred stars if I could.” – SARAH, parent
“My boys were fortunate enough to start their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey with Alex Truong as one of their instructors. They quickly responded to Alex. They continue to love and be passionate about the art, because of such a positive start to their BJJ journey.
His teachings go beyond the mat. Kids can apply what they learned outside of the gym; both physically and mentally. He provides a safe environment, knowledge, and fun experience for kids. His genuine approach to teaching shines through his classes. He will mold your child into a talented martial artist and an outstanding person in the real world.” – ARVIN, parent
“Belair has been such a positive impact to my son. To find a facility that caters and is patient for kids that have different ways of learning has made us feel inclusive to the sports community.” – CAROLINE, parent
“Our Autistic 12 year old son started jiu jitsu at Bel Air in 2019. Alex and all of the other instructors were phenomenal with him, with their kind, quiet, thoughtful and measured approach to teaching. Though our son said he wasn’t “into it” at first, we encouraged him to keep at it. Over time, with the incredible support of Alex and the whole Bel Air team, he gradually became more engaged, able to spar (with enthusiasm!), earning his first belt within about 3-4 months. We can’t say enough about Bel Air, especially for kids with learning differences, ADHD, Autism, etc. – they are simply amazing!” – CARA, parent
“The Bel Air Program has been really fantastic. My son has been doing a weekly class for about 2 months and is really enjoying it. Alex and the other instructors are extremely patient and caring. They really tailor the instruction and the program with the utmost attention to the unique personalities and needs of the students. Highly recommended.” – TIM, parent
“We could not be happier with the environment and instruction that our children receive. Alex and Eduardo provide individual attention to each student in a small classes allowing for both behavioral and specific skill development. The environment is kind and nurturing while also holding each student accountable for their actions. Each instructor is competently able to manage each child and their behavior without needing parental assistance. Their caring attitude is supported with specific expectations that are reviewed with each student throughout the progress of class with both verbal and visual cues. We have seen the growth in not only our children, but other students as well. We cannot say enough good things about their program, instruction and professors.” – MARTIN, parent
“We’re very pleased with all that Bel Air Learning Center has provided for our son. He has been practicing jiu-jitsu there for over a year. Alex and his team are amazing and very dedicated. Alex takes the time to learn about the needs of each child so that he’s better able to work with them. He’s very calm and firm at the same time which is wonderful for keeping our guy engaged. We’ve definitely seen an increase in self-confidence and focus since we started at Bel Air Learning Center.” – RITA, parent
“Another year has passed and I am looking back to all the blessings and good things that happened in 2018. One of them is having Bel Air Learning Center. Alex came up with mentorship program for kids like mine. It allows students who have been training with Alex to assist by having one on one session with kids new to the program. It builds confidence, responsibility, empathy and social skills” – LEA, parent
“We’re really happily surprised at how well our 5 year old with attention and sensory challenges is responding to this program. Coach Alex and his team are patient, thoughtful and engaged with the kids they work with. The communication with parents is great and it really feels like they are invested in these kids. Our son is learning team work, perseverance, patience and confidence in a way we haven’t seen before. Highly recommend Bel-Air” – KRISTYN, parent
WHY BEL AIR
FAQ
- Is my child ready to join?
- Is my child old enough?
- Does my child need a diagnosis to join your class?
- Can I watch the class?
- What’s the difference between Little, Young and Giant classes?
- What does my child need to wear?
- How much does it cost?
Students joining our classes must have the cognitive and physical ability to participate autonomously without the help of a parent. It is required that students remain on the mat on their own and be interested in participating. For example, students should be able to play the game Simon says without assistance.
During the 1-on-1 Assessment, your child will be given some time to get familiar with the gym. As the session progresses your child should be able to do the following with minimal prompting from our coaches:
- Behave safely
- Remain on the mat
- Remain seated
- Perform 3-5 steps instructions
- Interact with coaches and peers
- Have a minimum level of comfort partnering with peers
At the end of the 1-on-1 Assessment, we will share our observations, let you know if our program is fit, and which class we recommend.
Most students are between 6 and 15 years-old.
No. Even if most of our students have a diagnosis (ie: ADHD, autism (level 1), anxiety disorder, sensory processing disorder, depression, motor planning disorder, …), some others don’t. If your child is not ready to join a typical martial arts school but meets the pre-requisites evaluated during the 1-on-1 assessment, our program is most likely a fit for your child.
You are encouraged to observe but we will simply ask you to not react or call out your child. The mat should be perceived as a safe space. This environment helps us to evaluate more effectively the child’s progress. On the other hand, please do not hesitate to share any tips, observations, or feedback outside of the class with us.
We have 3 group class levels to match as much as possible each student’s profile. The differences are based on the class size, coach-to-student ratio, accommodation and support level, and Jiu-Jitsu curriculum.
For the first class, your child simply needs to wear clean gym pants and a t-shirt that aren’t too loose.
Afterward, we ask our students to wear a Gi uniform which is composed of a heavy cotton jacket and reinforced trousers. The reasons to wear a gi are hygiene, team spirit, and it is functional (many techniques rely on the gi and it also slows down movements which facilitates learning.)
Since the Gi uniform may not be sensory-friendly for some of our students, we recommend students with sensory to wear compression clothing under their uniform.
We offer monthly membership.
Note: We are not eligible for insurance reimbursement.
