Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Alameda, Oakland, and San Leandro — The Smartest Choice for Kids and Families

Sergio Silva
Oct 7
2 min read

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU CLASSES,PRIVATE LESSONS AND SMALL GROUP CLASSES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST!

Demo presentation available !

The Martial Art That Actually Works

When people think of martial arts, they picture kicks and punches. But most real-world fights — from playground scuffles to street altercations — end up in a clinch or on the ground.

That’s where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu dominates.

BJJ’s core is grappling and ground-fighting. A smaller person can control or neutralize a bigger, stronger aggressor without throwing a single punch. That’s why so many parents in Alameda, Oakland, and San Leandro look specifically for “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids” or “self-defense for kids in Alameda.”

Why BJJ Is Ideal for Kids

Other martial arts teach strikes. BJJ teaches safety.

A child learns to close distance, manage space, escape grabs, and, if needed, control a bully without harm.

Key benefits:

Confidence that lasts: kids who can protect themselves walk taller and are less likely to be targeted.
Calm under pressure: grappling teaches problem-solving in real-time.
Respect and discipline: the structure of the academy carries over into school and sports.
Physical literacy: balance, coordination, agility, and fitness — the foundation for all athletics, from Alameda soccer to swimming.

Verbal Jiu-Jitsu: The First Line of Defense

At Team Silva Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Alameda, kids don’t just learn takedowns and submissions. They also train in Verbal Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Sergio Silva’s unique curriculum for conflict de-escalation.

Students practice:

Using words and posture to set boundaries.
Staying calm and respectful under stress.
Knowing when to disengage or call for help.

In real life, the first battle is usually verbal. Teaching this early is what makes the program stand out for families searching “self-defense for kids in Alameda” or “martial arts in Alameda.”

Meet Professor Sergio Silva

A 5th-degree black belt, former World Champion in Submission Wrestling, and multi-time National and International BJJ and MMA champion, Professor Sergio Silva has been teaching since 1992 — including preschool programs for ages 2½ and up.

He has trained with legends such as Ralph Gracie, Carlson Gracie, and Crosley Gracie, alongside elite UFC and Pride fighters. His decades of coaching in the East Bay have shaped not only champions on the mat but also strong, resilient young people.

For Women and Families

The same techniques that let a smaller child control a bigger bully give a woman practical tools for self-defense.

Many women in Alameda, Oakland, and San Leandro choose Team Silva because BJJ’s emphasis on leverage, position, and escapes fits real-world scenarios.

Why Families Choose Team Silva

The most established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Alameda, led by the highest-ranked instructor in the city.
Programs for kids, teens, adults, and women’s self-defense.
A curriculum that combines grappling, submission wrestling, verbal self-defense, and life skills.
A safe, positive environment for all ages.