Bel Air is a Jiu-Jitsu martial arts school for kids who aren’t yet ready or simply need a little bit more support to join a regular martial arts school. Our small group classes accommodate our student’s interests, strengths and challenges—all in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.
OUR MISSION
“To prepare kids with developmental differences to transition to a traditional Jiu-Jitsu program by connecting to their world, inspiring them to move, play and learn with others.“
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
Create a welcoming environment where each child’s individuality is recognized and affirmed.
ROLE MODELS
Serve as role models, exhibiting behaviors that children will want to emulate.
SKILLS
Provide the type of training that will foster independence as well as cooperation with others.
WHO IS IT FOR
Bel Air classes are designed for children who are continually distracted, withdrawn, defiant or prone to emotional outbursts. These traits exist to some extent in all children but when expressed continuously to a high degree, they create a barrier to learning. At Bel Air we do not focus on these visible challenges but rather on the root causes. Understanding each child’s profile is key to developing an effective strategy.
VISIBLE CHALLENGES
DISTRACTED
Child is easily distracted by the environment. Hyperactivity and compulsive actions also hinder focus.
WITHDRAWN
Having no interest in a suggested activity or absolutely want to do something else.
DEFIANT
Frequently argues and ignores requests. Can lead to hurtful words and annoying behavior.
EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS
Meltdowns or tantrums that can lead to aggressive behavior.
COMMON ROOT CAUSES
SENSORY
Child is hypersensitive or unresponsive to things in the environment. Normal sounds or a light touch can be overwhelming.
ANXIETY
Feeling distress, nervousness or fear in everyday situations.
EMOTIONAL SELF-CONTROL
Inability to regulate emotions and is often stubborn.
WEAK MOTOR SKILLS
Difficulty with balance, core stability, coordination, flexibility and strength.
STUDENT’S JOURNEY AT BEL AIR
Students start their Jiu-Jitsu journey with a 1-on-1 assessment class. If the prerequisites are met, they join the recommended class (Private, Fundamentals, Intermediate or Advanced) and then work towards transitioning to the regular Jiu-Jitsu program at our partner school within the same location.
1-ON-1 ASSESSMENT
An informal assessment will be made at first to determine a child’s readiness for Jiu-Jitsu as well as his degree of interest.
PRIVATE
1-on-1 session with an instructor helps the student to become familiar with Jiu-Jitsu and get ready to join one of our group class.
FUNDAMENTALS
Small group class up 4 students with high support needs.
INTERMEDIATE
The student joins a class up to 6 kids with moderate support needs.
ADVANCED
Group Class for students with some support needs and close to transitioning to our partner school.
FULL TRANSITION
Student graduates from the Bel Air program and joins the regular program at our partner school.
BENEFITS
FITNESS
Jiu-Jitsu builds strength and promotes core stability and agility
FOCUS
By being engaged in a highly technical activity, students learn to better pay attention
SOCIAL SKILLS
Kids interact with each other as they join in a fun activity
CONFIDENCE
As kids meet the physical and mental challenges of Jiu-
Jitsu, their confidence grows along with their abilities
WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
This program has been developed in close collaboration with parents.
LEA
“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.“
ARGELIA
“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.“
ROCHELLE
“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.“
ELIZABETH
“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.“
Other organizations love us too.
WHAT SETS US APART
Only program of its kind
We’re the only martial arts program in Chicago designed specifically for youth with special needs.
Attuned to kids with special needs
Our coaches are flexible and experienced about helping kids with special needs.
Alliance
Our partnership with Redzovic Jiu-Jitsu embodies an inclusive environment and facilitates the transition from Bel Air to Redzovic.
Small class size
We offer small group classes where students receive the individual attention they need to learn and progress at their own pace.
Collaborative
We work with parents, schools and caregivers to ensure that our training is aligned with each child’s goals.
Parent Class
We offer classes for parents so they can play and learn with their kids at home.