{"id":210,"date":"2026-02-22T09:28:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T22:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graciebarra.com\/oceania\/st-peters\/?post_type=news&p=210"},"modified":"2026-02-22T10:13:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T23:13:38","slug":"school-holiday-camp-at-gracie-barra-st-peters-what-kids-do-learn-and-take-home","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/graciebarra.com\/oceania\/st-peters\/news\/school-holiday-camp-at-gracie-barra-st-peters-what-kids-do-learn-and-take-home\/","title":{"rendered":"School Holiday Camp at Gracie Barra St Peters: What Kids Do, Learn and Take Home"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A Different Kind of School Holiday Activity<\/b><\/h3>\r\nIf you\u2019re a parent in <\/span>St Peters<\/b> or the Inner West, you know how fast school holidays fill up with screens, snacks and \u201cMuuuum, I\u2019m bored\u2026\u201d.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of options out there \u2013 vacation care, sports clinics, art classes \u2013 but it can be hard to find something that\u2019s <\/span>active, fun and actually builds life skills<\/b>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe <\/span>School Holiday Camp at Gracie Barra St Peters<\/b> is a different kind of summer activity. It\u2019s not just babysitting or free play. Kids spend the day <\/span>moving, learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), building confidence<\/b> and being part of a positive, respectful team environment.<\/span>\r\n
What Is the Gracie Barra St Peters School Holiday Camp?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
A Quick Overview<\/b><\/h4>\r\nOur School Holiday Camp is designed for children who want an active, structured and fun day on the mats.<\/span>\r\n
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Age range:<\/b> typically primary school and early high school (you can specify exact ages when you promote this camp).<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Format:<\/b> you can book single days or multiple days, depending on the program we\u2019re running that school holidays.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Times:<\/b> camp runs across the day with a clear <\/span>drop-off and pick-up window<\/b> so parents can plan around work and other commitments.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Location:<\/b> everything takes place at our <\/span>Gracie Barra St Peters academy<\/b>, making use of our safe, fully matted training space.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWhether your child already trains with us or is brand new to Martial Arts for Kids, the camp is a great way to spend part of their summer.<\/span>\r\n
Who Runs the Camp<\/b><\/h4>\r\nThe camp is led by our <\/span>Gracie Barra St Peters coaching team<\/b>, the same people who teach our regular kids\u2019 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.<\/span>\r\n
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Coaches are experienced in working with children of different ages and personalities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
All staff involved in the camp hold appropriate <\/span>Working With Children<\/b> checks and follow our safety and supervision guidelines.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYour child spends the day around <\/span>positive role models<\/b> who live the values of Gracie Barra: <\/span>Brotherhood, Integrity and Development<\/b>.<\/span>\r\n
A Day at Camp: What Kids Actually Do<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Morning: Warm-Up, Games and Jiu-Jitsu Basics<\/b><\/h4>\r\nWe start the day by helping kids feel comfortable and shake off their nerves.<\/span>\r\n
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Fun warm-ups and ice-breaker games<\/b> so everyone learns names and starts moving.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Basic <\/span>Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu movements and positions<\/b> taught in a fun, age-appropriate way \u2013 think rolls, hip escapes and simple holds.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Partner drills that build <\/span>teamwork, confidence and listening skills<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEven kids who are new to Jiu-Jitsu pick things up quickly because everything is broken down step by step.<\/span>\r\n
Late Morning: Skill Sessions and Challenges<\/b><\/h4>\r\nAs the morning progresses, we move into more focused skill work:<\/span>\r\n
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Simple <\/span>Self Defence concepts<\/b> like how to fall safely, how to stand strong, and how to escape basic grabs.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Balance, coordination and agility drills<\/b>, using cones, markers or simple obstacle-style setups.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Mini challenges<\/b> where kids can test themselves in a fun, supportive way \u2013 such as timed drills, relay races or technique challenges.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe aim is to keep kids <\/span>engaged and learning<\/b>, without ever feeling like they\u2019re in a bootcamp.<\/span>\r\n
Lunch and Break Time<\/b><\/h4>\r\nSomewhere in the middle of the day we pause for a proper break.<\/span>\r\n
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Kids have <\/span>lunch and snacks<\/b> in a designated area off the mats.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
They get time to <\/span>relax, chat, read or chill<\/b> before the afternoon session.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe encourage:<\/span>\r\n
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Plenty of water<\/b> throughout the day (refills are available).<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Healthy snacks and lunches.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Clear rules around devices \u2013 if allowed, they stay off the mats and are only used during breaks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Afternoon: More Jiu-Jitsu, Games and Team Activities<\/b><\/h4>\r\nAfter lunch, the energy ramps back up.<\/span>\r\n
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More Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including <\/span>light, age-appropriate rolling and positional games<\/b> for kids who are ready.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Team-based games and <\/span>problem-solving activities<\/b> that encourage leadership and cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
We always finish with something <\/span>fun and high-energy<\/b>, so kids leave on a high.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBy pick-up time, most kids are happily tired, a little sweaty and very proud of themselves.<\/span>\r\n
What Kids Learn (On and Off the Mats)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Confidence and Resilience<\/b><\/h4>\r\nHoliday camp is a safe place for kids to try new things:<\/span>\r\n
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They step onto the mats not knowing what to expect.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
They learn new movements and skills that might feel tricky at first.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
They experience what it\u2019s like to <\/span>keep going when something is hard<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThroughout the day, coaches celebrate <\/span>small wins<\/b> \u2013 a new technique, a good effort, helping a partner. That constant positive reinforcement builds real confidence.<\/span>\r\n
Respect, Discipline and Teamwork<\/b><\/h4>\r\nMartial Arts is full of everyday lessons:<\/span>\r\n
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Lining up, bowing and listening when the coach is talking.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Working with different partners, sharing and taking turns.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Encouraging others, not putting them down.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nKids learn that being part of <\/span>Gracie Barra St Peters<\/b> means treating teammates with <\/span>kindness and respect<\/b>, not just trying to \u201cwin\u201d.<\/span>\r\n
Real Self-Defence Foundations<\/b><\/h4>\r\nWe also cover practical Self Defence foundations:<\/span>\r\n
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Basic principles like good <\/span>posture, distance and awareness<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
The idea that the goal is to <\/span>get away safely<\/b>, not to hurt others.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Discussions around when jiu-jitsu is appropriate \u2013 and when it\u2019s not.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nKids are reminded that their skills are to be used <\/span>responsibly<\/b>, and only in the right situations.<\/span>\r\n
What They Take Home (Besides Tired Legs!)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
New Skills and Confidence<\/b><\/h4>\r\nBy the end of camp, kids don\u2019t just feel like they\u2019ve \u201cplayed all day\u201d \u2013 they:<\/span>\r\n
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Know a few real <\/span>Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Understand basic ideas about Self Defence and body control.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Feel proud of having tried something challenging and different.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThat sense of <\/span>earned confidence<\/b> sticks with them long after the holidays.<\/span>\r\n
Friends and Positive Role Models<\/b><\/h4>\r\nKids often form strong connections during camp:<\/span>\r\n
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They make friends from different schools and backgrounds.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
They look up to older students and coaches as <\/span>positive role models<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIt\u2019s a refreshing change from spending the holidays mainly with siblings, screens or the same school group.<\/span>\r\n
A Spark for Ongoing Training<\/b><\/h4>\r\nFor many children, camp becomes their <\/span>first step into Martial Arts<\/b>.<\/span>\r\n
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Some come back for every School Holiday Camp.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Others decide they want to join our <\/span>regular kids\u2019 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes<\/b> during the term.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe\u2019ve had plenty of students who started at a camp and are still training, growing and thriving on the mats years later.<\/span>\r\n
Is the Holiday Camp Right for Your Child?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Great For\u2026<\/b><\/h4>\r\nThe Gracie Barra St Peters camp is ideal for:<\/span>\r\n
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Energetic kids<\/b> who need a positive outlet for their energy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Shy kids<\/b> who could use a gentle confidence boost in a small group.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Kids who are curious about Martial Arts, movement or trying something new.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYou don\u2019t need any prior experience \u2013 beginners are very welcome.<\/span>\r\n
If Your Child Is Nervous or Shy<\/b><\/h4>\r\nFirst-day nerves are totally normal.<\/span>\r\n
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Some kids rush onto the mats.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Others prefer to hang back and watch for a bit.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur coaches:<\/span>\r\n
Pair shy kids with gentle, encouraging partners.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
Can allow parents to <\/span>stay and watch at the start<\/b> (if that\u2019s something you\u2019re comfortable with), so your child feels secure.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe goal is for every child to finish the day feeling proud of themselves.<\/span>\r\n