Introduction: Building Stronger Communities Through Shared Experience
At Carlos Lemos Jr. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we believe the strength of our academy doesn’t lie solely in our championships or technique—but in the people, the families, and the values that unite us. That belief was brought to life at the recent GB Chicagoland Kids Training Day and Black Belt Parent Summit—an event that celebrated not just Jiu-Jitsu skills, but also mentorship, family connection, and community leadership.
Hosted right here in the heart of Chicagoland, this special day brought together young students, experienced instructors, and parent black belts to engage in a powerful blend of training, teamwork, and dialogue. From high-energy kids’ sessions to thoughtful discussions between black belt parents, the event was a beautiful example of what makes Gracie Barra more than just a martial arts school—it’s a movement built on values.
Part I: GB Chicagoland Kids Training Day – More Than Just a Class
Empowering Our Youngest Warriors
The GB Kids Training Day was more than just a high-level workshop. It was an opportunity for young practitioners to experience what it means to be part of the larger Gracie Barra Chicagoland family. With participants from various GB academies across the region, kids had the chance to:
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Train with different instructors
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Learn from new peers
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Practice discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship
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Feel inspired by the larger Jiu-Jitsu community around them
Led by Professor Carlos Lemos Jr., a seasoned world champion and lifelong ambassador of Jiu-Jitsu, the event focused not only on refining technical skills but on instilling core values: respect, focus, humility, and perseverance.
Training Highlights: Discipline, Energy, and Fun
The mats were full of energy as kids participated in structured drills, playful warm-ups, partner-based training, and live rolling—all carefully supervised and adapted to their belt levels. Our curriculum ensured that even newer students could participate confidently while our more experienced youth were challenged to sharpen their technique and leadership.
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Fundamentals for All Ages: Emphasizing control, balance, and body movement
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Situational Drilling: Teaching real-life applications of Jiu-Jitsu in a safe, controlled setting
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Positional Sparring: Giving students a chance to problem-solve and develop timing
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Team Games: Reinforcing cooperation and building strong social bonds among students
This wasn’t just another day of training—it was an experience that left each child feeling inspired, accomplished, and proud to wear the red shield.
What Kids Took Away
At the end of the session, students didn’t just leave with improved technique—they left with a deeper sense of belonging. They saw themselves as part of something greater: a team, a community, and a legacy.
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Confidence to lead and learn
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Friendships across GB academies
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Motivation to keep improving
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Memories that will last far beyond the mats
Part II: The Black Belt Parent Summit – Wisdom Across Generations
Creating Space for Dialogue and Support
Running in parallel with the Kids Training Day, the Black Belt Parent Summit was a groundbreaking opportunity for black belt parents to gather, reflect, and collaborate. Many of these parents are not just caretakers—they’re lifelong martial artists, instructors, and mentors in their own right. This summit gave them the space to share insights, challenges, and stories around parenting in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
With Carlos Lemos Jr. facilitating open discussion, the summit was rooted in key questions:
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How do we support our children without adding pressure?
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How do we model humility, discipline, and consistency through our own practice?
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What boundaries should be respected between coach, parent, and child?
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How can we use Jiu-Jitsu as a tool to build strong, resilient families?
Why This Summit Matters
The Black Belt Parent Summit was more than just a discussion group. It was a bridge between two vital roles: that of martial artist and parent. For many attendees, it was the first time they’d reflected so deeply on the unique dual role they play—on the mats and at home.
Through conversation, they gained perspective on:
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How to balance constructive feedback with encouragement
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When to step back and let their children struggle and grow
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How to avoid comparison or unrealistic expectations
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Ways to model consistency, patience, and emotional control
Each insight shared helped reinforce the Gracie Barra philosophy that Jiu-Jitsu is a vehicle not just for athletic development—but for personal evolution and family unity.
Bringing it Together: One Team, One Family
One of the most beautiful parts of the day was watching the natural synergy between the kids on the mats and the parents in the summit. Although in separate rooms, their goals were intertwined:
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Kids learning to be responsible, confident students
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Parents learning to be supportive, mindful guides
When the two groups reunited after their sessions, you could see it in their smiles, their hugs, and their shared pride—this wasn’t just a training event; it was a celebration of how martial arts brings families closer.
The E-E-A-T Framework in Action
This event perfectly demonstrates the E-E-A-T values that we uphold at Carlos Lemos Jr. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
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Experience: Led by Professor Carlos Lemos Jr., who brings decades of global teaching, parenting, and championship experience
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Expertise: Technical sessions and parenting summits delivered by trusted black belts and instructors
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Authoritativeness: Hosted by one of the most respected names in the Gracie Barra organization
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Trustworthiness: Safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all families, regardless of background or belt rank
Conclusion: The Start of Something Bigger
The GB Chicagoland Kids Training Day and Black Belt Parent Summit wasn’t just a one-time event. It was the beginning of a new standard for how Jiu-Jitsu academies can involve the whole family—on and off the mats.
We are deeply proud to be a part of a team that sees the long-term value in connection, mentorship, and safe, empowering training. As we look ahead, we’re excited to host more events that unite students, parents, and instructors in pursuit of a shared goal: growing together through the art and lifestyle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Ready to experience the difference at Carlos Lemos Jr. BJJ?
Join our community where every student is seen, supported, and set up for success—on and off the mats.