Candy & Confidence: Free Kids Jiu-Jitsu in Pasadena

Most Halloween plans for kids start and end with a bag of candy. Candy & Confidence adds something that lasts a little longer: a free jiu-jitsu class where kids try a new skill, meet a few new friends and walk out with a treat bag anyway. It runs on Saturday, October 31, in Pasadena, and it is one of the easier answers to things to do in Los Angeles with the family on Halloween afternoon.

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Where: 75 W Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103 Cost: Free, RSVP required Ages: 5 to 12, split into two classes

What to expect

The flyer describes two classes, sorted by age. Little Champs, for kids 5 to 7, starts at 1:00 PM. Junior Grapplers, for kids 7 to 12, starts at 2:00 PM. Both are led by the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena team, and the session is built around the school's BullyProof program, which focuses on building self-confidence rather than winning anything.

Expect a beginner-friendly hour on the mat: warm-up games, a few basic movements and plenty of encouragement. Nobody needs experience, and nobody needs to own a uniform. The point is to let kids see what they can do when they try something unfamiliar in a friendly room. Every attendee gets a free treat bag, so the candy is covered too.

Before you go

An RSVP is required, and a parent or guardian should stay with each child. The organizers ask for RSVPs by phone, text or email, and the contact details are on the event page linked below. Spots in a free kids class can fill up, so respond early if you plan to come.

Pick the class that matches your child's age. A 7-year-old fits either one, so choose whichever time suits your afternoon. Comfortable clothes work fine, and a water bottle never hurts. If your child is nervous, arrive a few minutes early so they can look around before the class starts.

Getting there

The address is on West Walnut Street in central Pasadena, a short walk from the Old Pasadena shopping and dining blocks. Plan to park nearby, and leave a little extra time on a holiday Saturday, since the area tends to be busy. A coffee or an early lunch afterward is easy to find within a few blocks.

If you are lining up LA events this weekend for the kids, this one pairs well with a trick-or-treat route later in the evening. Check the Pasadena neighborhood page and the arts and culture events for more upcoming events in Los Angeles County around the same date.