Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids Introduce
Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids is a truly unique and invaluable resource for families in Portland, Maine, and the surrounding communities. As the Northeast’s first kids-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu facility, it is a testament to the dedication of its founder, Shaun Durfee, and his team to providing a focused and nurturing environment for young martial artists. At Stonecoast, the curriculum goes far beyond the physical techniques of Jiu-Jitsu. The program is specifically designed to instill core values such as confidence, discipline, respect, and perseverance in children. The academy's philosophy is rooted in the belief that martial arts can be a powerful tool for building not just physical skills, but also the mental and emotional resilience necessary for a successful life.
The atmosphere at Stonecoast is consistently described by parents as a "fantastic family atmosphere." The instructors, or "professors," are known for their incredible dedication and ability to connect with each child on a personal level. They make an effort to get to know their students and are committed to guiding them to become the type of respectful and confident individuals that parents hope for. This creates a place where children feel safe and encouraged to learn and grow, free from pressure and judgment. This focus on character development is a major reason why many parents, like those with four sons involved in various sports, consider this program a "gem in Maine." The coaches' ability to guide children with love and respect while teaching them how to protect themselves and grow their self-confidence is a rare and priceless gift.
Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids offers a comprehensive training program that is tailored to different age groups. For the younger students, the focus is on fun activities and games that subtly teach essential skills like focus, teamwork, and coordination. As children grow, the curriculum evolves to include more detailed drilling, partner work, and live training, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and skill development. This logical progression ensures that every child can advance at their own pace, building a solid foundation of physical and mental skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Located at 131 Johnson Rd, Portland, ME 04102, USA, Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids is conveniently situated to serve the Portland community and the broader Southern Maine region. Its location is easily accessible, making it a simple stop for parents dropping off or picking up their children for class. The academy's commitment to accessibility is evident in its thoughtful amenities, which include a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating.
These features demonstrate a genuine desire to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all. Parents and guardians can be confident that the facility is designed to accommodate everyone, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable experience. In addition to the physical accessibility, the academy's location in a key part of Portland means it is part of a thriving and active community. This integration makes it a central hub for families seeking enriching after-school activities for their children. The combination of a prime, easy-to-reach location and its family-friendly accessibility features reinforces why Stonecoast is a top choice for martial arts education in Maine.
Services Offered
- Jiu-jitsu: Comprehensive instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the academy's core discipline, for children of all ages.
- Judo: Training that incorporates throws and takedowns, essential for a well-rounded grappling skill set.
- Wrestling: Classes focused on takedowns and grappling without the gi, building strength and fundamental control.
- Muay Thai: Training in striking and stand-up combat to complement the ground-fighting skills of Jiu-Jitsu.
- Kids Program: The academy is exclusively dedicated to children, offering specialized programs for different age groups (e.g., ages 4-6, 7-10, 11-16).
- Fundamental BJJ: Classes designed to teach the basic techniques and movements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Skill Development: A curriculum focused on developing not just physical skills but also life skills like discipline, focus, and respect.
- Trial Class: The opportunity for new students to try a class for free to experience the academy's environment and training style.
- Daily Training: Consistent classes available multiple times a week to ensure regular practice and progression.
- Strength Training: Exercises and drills integrated into classes to improve physical strength and conditioning.
- On-site Services: All training and programs are conducted in-person at the Portland facility.
Features / Highlights
- Kids-Only Focus: As the Northeast's first kids-only BJJ facility, it provides a specialized and focused environment for young martial artists.
- Dedicated Coaches: The "professors" are highly praised for their patience, kindness, and commitment to mentoring children.
- Family-Like Atmosphere: The school is known for its strong sense of community, where students and their families feel welcome and supported.
- Holistic Development: The program emphasizes not only physical skills but also essential life skills, character building, and emotional intelligence.
- High Accessibility: The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with a dedicated entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
- Convenient Payments: Accepts both credit cards and debit cards for easy and secure transactions.
- Variety of Disciplines: Offers a well-rounded martial arts education by incorporating elements of Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, and Muay Thai.
Contact Information
Address: 131 Johnson Rd, Portland, ME 04102, USA
Phone: (207) 776-5080
What is worth choosing
For parents in Maine searching for a martial arts school for their children, Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an exceptional and highly recommended choice. What makes this academy truly worth choosing is its unwavering dedication to kids' development. Unlike many facilities that treat martial arts as an afterthought to their after-school care programs, Stonecoast places the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the life lessons it teaches at the very core of its mission. The testimonials from a parent with four sons are particularly powerful, highlighting how the school’s teachings are in line with the values they want to instill in their children. The emphasis on love, respect, and confidence-building without pressure or force is a rare find and a priceless gift for any child.
The instructors, led by Shawn, are praised for their ability to be excellent teachers and positive role models, earning the respect and admiration of their young students. This personal connection and mentorship are what truly set Stonecoast apart. Furthermore, the academy's inclusive and accessible facilities, including wheelchair accessibility, ensure that it is a welcoming place for everyone in the community. With its specialized curriculum, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a genuine commitment to helping kids thrive, Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than just a school—it's a community that helps shape children into confident, disciplined, and capable individuals. It is a true gem and a place where you can confidently invest in your child's future, knowing they are in the best of hands.
Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids Services
Martial Arts School
- Jiu-jitsu
- Judo
- Mma
- Wrestling
- Brazilian Jiu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School
- Daily Training
- Fundamental Bjj
- Jiu Jitsu School
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Kids Program
- Muay Thai
- Skill Development
- Strength Training
- Takedowns Classes
- Training In
- Training Program
- Trial Class
Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids Details
Service options
- Onsite services
- Online classes
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids Photos










Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids Location
Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids
131 Johnson Rd, Portland, ME 04102, USA
Stonecoast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids Reviews
confidenceskillrespectcommunityattentionclasswell-beingboysunderstandingfeel
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Shawn and all of the professors at Stonecoast BJJ are incredible. It is a fantastic family atmosphere. Both of my kids gained confidence, fitness, and life skills. Absolutely recommend!
December 05 · Zac StoreyI have 4 sons and they are involved in a number of sports/hobbies. We have searched many years, looking for the perfect martial arts program. There are facilities which claim to be "martial arts", but upon further analysis I find their main pull is the after school day cares and summer camps, leaving martial arts as an afterthought. After asking trusted members of my community, I was pointed in the direction of Stonecoast. We have not been disappointed! The school's teachings are in-line with the type of men I want my boys to become. There is an emphasis on love and respect, the coaches guide my boys how to protect themselves, grow self confidence, and give them skills to be proud of. My husband is a tough critic, and after sitting in a few classes, stated that he "wished all of the boys' coaches taught like the coaches at Stonecoast." Truly, they could get away with charging a lot more than they do, and I am praying they never catch onto how cheap they are; what they give of themselves in order to love and teach the children at their school is priceless. My husband has an incredibly busy schedule, and it is important for our family to surround itself with a community we can grow with. When he isn't around, I wan't them to look up to people they can aspire to emulate. My boys respect, admire and look up to the coaches. Their character improves with the lessons because they want to be better, not because they feel pressured or forced. Stonecoast is a gem in Maine and we are grateful to be a part of it.
April 27 · Annie SheppardOur three kids have been practicing at Stonecoast for about 7 months now, and we are so impressed! We've lived all over the country and have checked out several kids Jiu Jitsu schools. Stonecoast is far and away the best we've encountered. The teaching is exceptional, the environment is so welcoming and positive, and the community is warm and fun.There are many kids who are clearly very driven and are making great progress toward their goals at Stonecoast. Our kids have been pretty casual about their training so far (in that they're not participating in competitions, and they haven't been striving to get new belts, etc.). I've been so happy that this hasn't in any way impacted the ways the coaches interact with them. There is just as much help and attention for new kids as there seems to be for veterans, and while there's lots of encouragement and support for kids who want to work harder and move up, there hasn't been any pressure for kids who are taking things slower.I think my favorite part is that the coaches often share words of wisdom and comments with the kids that help them with sportsmanship, confidence, and motivation. The messages are always so positive and have been refreshing, especially compared with the pressure that kids often face on travel teams, etc.We wouldn't hesitate to give Stonecoast our highest recommendation!
June 17 · Alice KuetherOur son has been part of this jiu jitsu program for two and a half years and we love it. We started going here because our kids were wrestling and wanted to give them a proper outlet. It has become so much more than we could’ve ever expected. The coaches give valuable feedback and advice that goes beyond Jiu Jitsu. I truly believe it has given our child the confidence in other areas of life. We just started our younger son and will add our daughter when she is old enough. It is an investment that we fully believe will pay back (and already has paid back) in the future.
December 29 · Tiffany QuirkReally amazing gym with great teachers. Very good curriculum to help the kids advance in a logical fashion. Highly recommend to help kids learn real self defense skills and confidence and just like a good place overall for life skills.
January 10 · Heather Shattuck-Heidorn
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