Why Choose Our After School Program?
At One Nations After School Program in Smyrna/Murfreesboro, we understand the challenges parents face in finding quality after-school care that goes beyond simple supervision. Our comprehensive program combines the ancient discipline of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with modern educational support, creating an environment where children thrive physically, mentally, and socially.
Physical Development & Fitness
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu provides a full-body workout that improves flexibility, coordination, and strength. According to the CDC's physical activity guidelines, children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Our structured classes ensure your child meets and exceeds these recommendations while learning valuable self-defense skills that build confidence for life.
Character Development
Beyond physical training, our After School Program emphasizes respect, discipline, and perseverance. These core values translate directly into improved behavior at home and better academic performance at school. Research from the National Association of School Psychologists shows that structured after-school activities significantly improve children's social-emotional development.
Safe & Supervised Environment
Our certified instructors maintain a secure, bullying-free environment where every child feels valued and supported. We maintain appropriate student-to-instructor ratios and follow strict safety protocols. Visit our about us page to meet our experienced coaching team and learn about our commitment to child safety.
Daily Schedule
Our structured daily routine provides consistency and security for children while allowing flexibility for individual needs. When your child arrives after school, they'll enjoy a short snack time to refuel, change into their One Nation Jiu Jitsu uniform, and have supervised free time before classes begin. This transition period helps children decompress from their school day and prepare mentally for training.
During free time, children can complete homework with assistance from our staff, engage in quiet activities, or socialize with peers in a supervised setting. We believe this balance between structure and freedom helps children develop time management skills while ensuring they're ready to focus during their BJJ classes. Explore our full class schedule to see all available training times.
First Day Grouping: On the first day, we'll assess each child's age, size, and experience level to place them in the most appropriate class group. This ensures optimal learning and safety for all students. Our grouping system follows guidelines from the ADCC Youth Championship adapted for youth development.
Class Times
Each After School class is 30-35 minutes of focused instruction, perfectly timed for optimal learning retention according to child development experts.
Academic Support
We recognize that academic success is just as important as physical development. That's why our after-school program includes dedicated homework assistance time. Our staff members are available to help children with assignments, provide a quiet study space, and ensure homework is completed before evening pickup. This support system helps reduce stress for both parents and children while reinforcing the discipline learned on the mats.
Balancing Athletics and Academics
Children who participate in physical activities like martial arts show improved focus, better grades, and enhanced cognitive function. Our program strategically schedules homework time before physical activity when children are most alert and focused.
Pickup Information
We've streamlined our After School pickup process to be as efficient and secure as possible. Your child's safety is our top priority, and our procedures ensure that every child goes home with the right person every time. Please familiarize yourself with these guidelines to help maintain a smooth pickup routine for all families.
Early Pickup
Life happens, and we understand that sometimes you need to pick up your child before their scheduled class ends. If your child needs to be picked up before or during their scheduled class, please text or call us at (615) 459-5248 before the class starts. This advance notice allows us to prepare your child for early departure without disrupting the coaches and other students during instruction.
Sign-Out Procedure
When picking up your child, you must sign them out at the front desk with your name and pickup time. This creates a clear record of departures and ensures accountability.
Authorized Pickup
Your child's safety is paramount. If someone not on your pre-approved pickup list will be collecting your child, please notify us in advance. They must:
- • Present a valid government-issued photo ID, or
- • Provide the password listed on your registration form
We will verify the identity of anyone unfamiliar to us, so please be patient as we get to know you during the first few weeks. This verification process protects all children in our care.
Absences & Communication
Clear communication helps us maintain an organized and safe environment for all students. If your child will not attend on a specific day, please text or call us at (615) 459-5248 before school dismissal. This advance notice allows us to update our pickup list and ensures we don't waste valuable time looking for a child who won't be attending.
We understand that emergencies happen, and sometimes you might forget to notify us. However, consistent communication helps us maintain the high-quality service all our families deserve. When we know in advance about absences, we can better manage class sizes and ensure optimal training experiences for attending students.
⚠️ Three-Strike Policy
After three instances of not notifying us about an absence, a $5 no-call, no-show fee will apply. This policy ensures fairness for all families and helps us maintain efficient operations. Thank you for helping us keep our schedule on track!
Parking and Safety
⚠️ Important Safety Notice ⚠️
For the safety of our students, please DO NOT park in front of the building.
Cones are placed daily as a visual reminder. Vehicles parked in front of our entrance block visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, creating potential hazards especially during busy pickup times. This safety measure follows recommendations from the Safe Kids Worldwide parking lot safety guidelines.
Please use the designated parking spaces in our lot or along the side of the building. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe environment where children can enter and exit the building without navigating around vehicles. Together, we can keep our One Nation family safe!
Want to meet our instructors? Visit our About Page for an introduction to our outstanding leadership.
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Children
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers unique advantages for children's development that extend far beyond the mat. Unlike striking-based martial arts, BJJ focuses on leverage, technique, and problem-solving, making it ideal for children of all sizes and athletic abilities. The National Institutes of Health research shows that grappling arts like BJJ improve executive function and emotional regulation in children.
Anti-Bullying Skills
Our program teaches children how to defend themselves without throwing punches, using control and technique instead of aggression. This approach builds genuine confidence while teaching de-escalation skills that prevent conflicts before they start.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
BJJ is often called "physical chess" because it requires strategic thinking and planning. Children learn to analyze situations, anticipate reactions, and adapt their strategies in real-time. These cognitive skills transfer directly to improved academic performance and better decision-making in daily life.
Ready to Get Started?
Thank you for considering One Nation Jiu Jitsu for your child's after-school care and martial arts education. We're honored to be part of your child's growth journey and committed to providing an experience that builds champions both on and off the mats.
Here's to a fantastic school year at One Nation Jiu Jitsu!