Youth Programs   

• The Basics: Proper grip, ready stance, and foundational forehand/backhand strokes.
• Serving & Returns: Mastering legal underhand serves and deep returns to start rallies.
• Dinking: Developing soft-touch control at the net to play within the "Kitchen".
• Court Positioning: Understanding where to stand for teamwork and safe movement.
• Scoring & Rules: Learning how to track points, handle serving rotations, and follow the two-bounce rule.

Perfect for brand-new players or those who know the basic rules! Our small group lessons will fast-track their improvement by teaching key openings, must-know middlegame tactics, and essential endgame strategies. They’ll practice their skills in competitive games, with trophies at the end of the session for top finishers and most improved. By the end of the session (or sooner), they’ll be ready to compete in US Chess-rated tournaments as well as vie for the title of household champion!. 

Age range: 6-14

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the world's most effective martial arts! Ages 5-7 can come learn in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. BJJ Sprouts focus on developing fundamental grappling skills with games, exercises, and drills. Students will learn confidence, composure, respect, and self-defense skills!

Ages: 5-7

Materials: White or Gray Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Uniform

This class is held offsite at: Ground Rules Academy Jiu Jitsu - 7034 Commerce Cir. Ste. F, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the world's most effective martial arts! Ages 8-13 can come learn in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. BJJ Sprouts focus on developing fundamental grappling skills with games, exercises, and drills. Students will learn confidence, composure, respect, and self-defense skills!

Ages: 8-13

Materials: White or Gray Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Uniform

This class is held offsite at: Ground Rules Academy Jiu Jitsu - 7034 Commerce Cir. Ste. F, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Intensive physical training program for epee fencers who are currently competing. There will be specific time set aside for strength training, point control and footwork drills. Bouting in pools and DE's will be organized on a weekly basis. Bring personal fencing equipment and gear. 

Age range: 12-20

Our foil classes are intended for those fencers who have had at least one full year of instruction, or with permission of coach.  Emphasis is on correct form, skill techniques, and tactical knowledge.  All fencers must provide their own equipment, including electrical gear for future upcoming tournaments.

Age range: 9-13

Tailored for experienced youth players (US Chess Federation tournament rating 400-800), online (Chess.com or ChessKid rating 500-1000), or the equivalent. Our small group lessons will strengthen core tactics, while improving long-range strategic thinking and psychological skills such as focus and resilience. Students will practice their skills in USCF-rated games, with trophies at the end of the session for top finishers and most improved. By the end of the session, players will be ready to win weekend tournaments while also having sharpened critical thinking skills. 

Age range: 6-16

Join us for a educational walk through Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area where you will observe the return of  the winter bird species.You will learn to identify these birds by their field marks, with special attention to east-west migratory species, such as the Loggerhead Shrike, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Say’s Phoebe, Pine Siskins, and Townsend's Warbler. Additionally, the group will identify various shorebirds and even raptors. Beginning birders welcome! This educational walk involves walking through the park grounds, possibly up to a mile, so please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. 

Location: Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, Pleasanton CA. Please park in the "Shadow Cliffs North Beach parking lot." Entry fee for Shadow Cliffs is $6.00. Students are responsible for this fee.

Please note: Please note that students are responsible for their own transportation. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Age range: family friendly 11+ ( parents must accompany their children)       

During our Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve birding walk, you will observe winter species returning to the area. We will spend time learning to identify these birds by their field marks, focusing on east-west migratory species, such as Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pygmy and Red-breasted Nuthatch, Say’s Phoebe, Pine Siskins, and wintering warblers. Beginning birders welcome! This educational walk involves walking through the park grounds, possibly up to a mile, so please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. 

Location: Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. We will meet by the Sunol Visitor Center. Entry fee for Sunol is $5.00. Students are responsible for this fee.

Please note: Please note that students are responsible for their own transportation. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Age range: family friendly 11+ ( parents must accompany their children)