We've always believed that jiu-jitsu is about more than what happens on the mat. The techniques, the drilling, the sparring, those are the tools. But the real work of Jiu-Jitsu is building the kind of person who shows up, tries hard, treats others well, and keeps going when things get difficult. That's been our mission since day one at the Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale. If you're looking for kids' martial arts classes in Scottsdale that go beyond technique, you've found them.
This May, we're bringing that mission to life in a new way. We're thrilled to introduce The Warrior Code, a 12-month character development program built specifically for our Tigers and Little Tigers students, ages 5 through 12.
Why We Built This Kids Jiu-Jitsu Character Program
Parents tell us all the time that jiu-jitsu has changed their kids — not just physically, but in how they carry themselves at school, how they respond when things get hard, how they treat the people around them. We wanted to build a program that made that transformation intentional, trackable, and something the whole family could be part of.
We've been working on something special for our kids program — something that goes deeper than technique and brings the values we teach every day in class into the home and the classroom too. The Warrior Code is that program.
"Jiu-jitsu gives kids a framework for life, how to stay calm under pressure, how to get back up when you're knocked down, how to respect yourself and everyone around you. The Warrior Code puts words and structure around what we've always been teaching. Now we get to make it official."
—
Coach Darin Mowery, Head Instructor, Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale
How The Warrior Code Kids Program Works
The Warrior Code is a 12-month program organized around six character traits, values we believe every young warrior needs to develop on their journey to black belt and beyond. We spend two months focused on each trait, exploring what it looks like in class, at home, and at school.
Each trait has five key concepts — specific, concrete ideas kids can understand and practice every day. We introduce and discuss these concepts during class, and students are given a Warrior Code Worksheet to bring home. The worksheet helps them track moments when they practice the trait in their daily lives, with parent sign-off on their progress.
The Six Warrior Traits
The program covers six traits over the course of the year:
Discipline —
Consistency, Focus, Follow-Through, Self-Control, Accountability
Respect —
Honor, Kindness, Listening, Gratitude, Responsibility to Others
Health —
Nutrition, Hydration, Sleep, Movement, Recovery
Perseverance —
Grit, Resilience, Effort, Patience, Growth Mindset
Mindset —
Awareness, Balance, Flow, Mindfulness, Intention
Courage —
Bravery, Honesty, Confidence, Vulnerability, Standing Up for Others
We're launching in May with Health, covering nutrition, hydration, sleep, movement, and recovery. It's a perfect starting point as we head into summer, and kids are thinking about how to fuel and take care of their bodies.
How Kids Earn Points in The Warrior Code
Here's where it gets exciting for the kids. Every time a student demonstrates the current trait — at home, at school, or on the mat — they earn points on their Warrior Code Worksheet:
10 points when they practiced the trait after being reminded- 20 points when they did it completely on their own, without being asked
The point goal is simple: your child's age multiplied by 100. A 7-year-old needs 700 points.
A 10-year-old needs 1,000. Every child has a goal that's right for them.
Warrior Game Day + Parents' Night Out
Every two months, we host Warrior Game Day (or night), a high-energy, two-hour event right here at the academy in Scottsdale. Students who have earned enough points are invited to celebrate and play with their Jiu-Jitsu teammates.
Two of the dates will be Warrior Game Night and Parents’ Night Out as a drop-off event. While your young warriors celebrate on the mat, you get a night off. It's our way of saying thank you for being our partners in this program. Enjoy time shopping or at a nearby restaurant in Scottsdale.
Program Schedule
Here's how the year breaks down — including the trait for each two-month cycle and the corresponding Game Night dates:
2026 Game Day Schedule
Health
Sat. May 30
3–5 pm
Perseverance
Sat. July 25
3–5 pm
Mindset
Sat. Sept 26
5–7 pm
Parents’ Night Out!
Courage
Sat. Dec. 5
3–5 pm
Discipline
Sat. Jan. 30
3–5 pm
Respect
Sat. March 27
5–7 pm
Parents’ Night Out!
How to Get Started at the Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale
If your child is currently enrolled in our Tigers or Little Tigers classes, they're already in. The Warrior Code is part of their program starting in May. Watch for your Warrior Code Worksheet to come home with your child in the first week of May — that's where the journey begins.
If you have questions about the program, talk to Coach Darin or any of our instructors. We're excited to share more details as we get closer to launch.
Want your child to be part of The Warrior Code? New students are welcome to try their first class at the Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale completely free — no commitment, just come see what your young warrior is capable of. Learn more about our
Tigers and Little Tigers program for kids.
