An invitation-only program for students who are ready to pursue excellence beyond the regular curriculum.

Junior Elite

What is Junior Elite?

Junior Elite was created for students who are ready to take the next step in their martial arts journey.

More than an advanced class, Junior Elite is a developmental program designed to help students grow as athletes, martial artists, teammates, and young leaders.

Through advanced coaching, specialized training, and higher expectations, students are challenged to discover what they're capable of while surrounded by other motivated students who share that same desire to improve.

As members of the REAL Leadership Academy, Junior Elite students are also expected to become role models within our school. They lead by example through their attitude, work ethic, respect, and willingness to encourage those around them. Younger students naturally look up to them, and we believe great role models help create a stronger, more positive culture for everyone who trains at REAL.

Our goal isn't simply to develop better martial artists. It's to develop young people who pursue excellence, embrace challenges, and positively influence the people around them—both on and off the mats.

Athletic Development

Every great martial artist is also a great athlete.

Each Junior Elite class begins with athletic development designed specifically for young martial artists. Throughout the year, students will build strength, speed, power, balance, coordination, endurance, mobility, agility, and overall athleticism.

Each six-week cycle places a greater emphasis on one athletic attribute, ensuring students continue developing as complete athletes while keeping training engaging and fun.

The Three Pillars of Junior Elite

Every aspect of Junior Elite has been intentionally designed around three key areas of development. Together, these pillars help students become stronger athletes, more skilled martial artists, and confident young leaders who positively influence those around them.

Every training session is built around these three pillars, creating a well-rounded experience that develops students both on and off the mats.

Martial Arts Excellence

Junior Elite provides students with opportunities to continue expanding their martial arts knowledge beyond the regular curriculum.

Students receive additional Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction, explore more advanced techniques and concepts, develop a deeper understanding of strategy, and spend significantly more time applying their skills through live training.

The goal is to help students become more confident, adaptable, and technically proficient martial artists.

Leadership Development

Junior Elite helps students develop the habits and mindset of strong leaders.

Leadership begins with the example students set every day through their effort, attitude, coachability, and respect for others. As members of the REAL Leadership Academy, Junior Elite students are expected to help raise the standard of our school by leading through their actions and encouraging those around them.

Each six-week cycle also includes a personal development focus that helps students build positive habits beyond the mats. Whether improving nutrition, strengthening discipline, developing healthier routines, or taking greater responsibility, students learn that consistent daily actions create lasting growth both in martial arts and in life.

What It Means to Be a Junior Elite Member

Being part of Junior Elite is both an honor and a responsibility. Every student who joins the program is expected to embrace the values that make the REAL Leadership Academy a positive, challenging, and supportive environment.

Junior Elite members are expected to:

  • Train consistently. Regular attendance allows students to build momentum, develop stronger skills, and contribute to the growth of their teammates.

  • Give their best effort. Progress isn't measured by being the most talented student in the room, but by consistently working to become better than you were yesterday.

  • Be coachable. Great students ask questions, accept feedback, and are willing to learn from both their successes and their mistakes.

  • Lead by example. Junior Elite students understand that younger students look up to them. They represent REAL Martial Arts through their attitude, sportsmanship, and respect for others.

  • Support their teammates. Training alongside motivated students is one of the greatest strengths of the program. Junior Elite members encourage one another, celebrate success, and help raise the standard of the entire team.

  • Embrace challenges. Growth happens outside of our comfort zone. Junior Elite students learn to welcome challenges, persevere through setbacks, and view mistakes as opportunities to improve.

F.A.Q

  • Junior Elite is designed for students who are looking for an extra challenge and are excited to continue growing beyond our regular curriculum. Members of Junior Elite enjoy training, are coachable, work hard, and want to continue developing as athletes, martial artists, and leaders.

  • Most students are invited based on their consistent attitude, effort, coachability, and readiness for the program.

    Students who would like to be considered may also submit a Request for Consideration form. While submitting a form does not guarantee an invitation, taking the initiative to request consideration reflects positively on a student's desire to grow and will be considered during the selection process.

  • Why is Junior Elite invitation only?

    Because the environment matters.

    Junior Elite is built around students who are excited to work hard, encourage one another, and embrace higher expectations. Keeping the program invitation only allows us to preserve that culture and ensure every student contributes positively to the experience of the entire team.

  • No.

    Competition is encouraged because it provides valuable opportunities to test skills, build confidence, and learn through experience. However, students can fully participate in and benefit from Junior Elite without ever competing.

  • Yes.

    Junior Elite is designed to complement our regular training program, not replace it. Students continue attending their weekly classes while participating in Junior Elite as an additional opportunity for advanced development.

  • Junior Elite is designed as a year-round program with a minimum three-month commitment. Students begin with a three-month proving period before earning their official Junior Elite shirt.

  • The proving period allows students to demonstrate the commitment, consistency, and attitude expected of Junior Elite members.

    Students who successfully complete the proving period earn their Junior Elite shirt, which may be worn while they remain active members of the team.

  • We understand that vacations, illnesses, and family commitments happen. While occasional absences are expected, consistent attendance is important for both individual progress and the development of the team.

  • No.

    Junior Elite is not about being the most naturally talented student in the room. It's about demonstrating the attitude, work ethic, coachability, and commitment to continue growing. We believe those qualities are far more important than talent alone.