Youth Competition Classes at High Altitude Martial Arts: Preparing for NAGA

At High Altitude Martial Arts (HAMA), competition is never about pressure, it’s about preparation, confidence, and growth. Our Youth Competition Classes are designed to help kids step onto the mats feeling ready, supported, and informed, especially as they prepare for events like NAGA (North American Grappling Association) tournaments.

Whether a child is competing for the first time or continuing their competition journey, our goal is simple: no surprises on competition day.

Why Competition Classes Matter

Regular Jiu Jitsu classes build strong fundamentals, but competition introduces new variables, the crowds, referees, scoring, nerves, and unfamiliar opponents. Our youth competition classes bridge that gap.

In these classes, students learn how to: Apply their Jiu Jitsu in live, competitionstyle rounds Understand rules, scoring, and match flow Develop confidence under pressure Practice safe, controlled intensity Build mental toughness and sportsmanship

We emphasize preparation without burnout and confidence without ego.

What Is NAGA?

NAGA (North American Grappling Association) is one of the largest and most popular grappling tournament organizations in the world. NAGA events are known for: Divisions for kids, teens, and adults Separate Gi and NoGi brackets Skill and agebased divisions A structured ruleset focused on control and submissions

For many young athletes, NAGA is an excellent introduction to competitive grappling because of its organization, safety standards, and clear rules.

Youth Divisions at NAGA (Basic Overview)

While exact divisions may vary slightly by event, youth competitors are typically grouped by: Age, Weight, Experience level

Matches are generally short and fastpaced, encouraging action, control, and technical awareness rather than brute strength.

Basic NAGA Rules Youth Athletes Learn at HAMA

Our competition classes introduce kids to the core NAGA rules they’ll see on competition day so nothing feels unfamiliar.

Scoring Basics

Youth matches are decided by points or submission. Common scoring includes: Takedown: 2 points Sweep: 2 points Guard pass: 3 points Mount: 4 points Back control: 4 points

Control must be established for points to count—movement without control doesn’t score.

Submissions (YouthSafe Focus)

NAGA allows ageappropriate submissions with an emphasis on safety. In our classes, we focus on: Proper application and defense Early tapping and awareness Coach and referee communication

We strongly reinforce that control and safety always come first.

Gi vs NoGi Differences

Our youth competition classes prepare students for both formats.

Gi matches include: Grips on the gi and belt Collar chokes and sleeve control

NoGi matches include: Faster pace Underhooks, overhooks, and body positioning Rashguard and shorts requirements

Understanding the differences helps athletes adjust strategy and pace.

Additional Competition Training Opportunities

To better prepare our youth athletes for NAGA and other tournaments, we also offer focused competition training sessions led by experienced coaches:

Fridays at 6:30pm – Judo Takedowns & StandUp for Competition
Led by Professor Nate Davis, this class focuses on basic, competitionlegal Judo takedowns and standup control. Athletes learn how to confidently start matches, secure takedowns safely, and understand grip fighting and balance—skills that are critical under NAGA rules.

Saturdays at 9:00am – Youth Competition Training
Led by Professor Riley Golden, this session is dedicated to competitionspecific Jiu Jitsu. Athletes work on match strategy, scoring awareness, live rounds, and situational training designed specifically for tournament environments.

These sessions are structured, age appropriate, and designed to complement regular youth classes without overloading young athletes.

What We Focus on in Youth Competition Classes

At HAMA, our competition training is structured, intentional, and ageappropriate.

Kids learn: How to start a match confidently How to score first and protect the lead How to recover if they’re down on points How to listen to coaching during matches How to win—and how to lose—with respect

We also practice tournament routines like warmups, match pacing, and managing nerves.

For Parents: What Success Really Looks Like

Medals are great—but they’re not the only goal.

Success for us means: A child who understands what’s happening on the mat A child who feels confident and prepared A child who handles wins and losses with maturity A child who grows through the experience

Competition is just one part of the Jiu Jitsu journey, and it should always support longterm development.

Preparing the Right Way

Youth competition isn’t about pushing kids too hard—it’s about preparing them the right way.

Our Youth Competition Classes at High Altitude Martial Arts give students the tools, structure, and confidence they need to step into events like NAGA feeling ready.

Prepared kids compete better. Confident kids grow stronger.

That’s how we do competition at HAMA.