About GraPPle Up
OUR STORY
It all started with a simple observation: while grappling sports like Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and MMA are practiced by people of all ages, there was little to no content made specifically for kids. No platform helped children truly understand the complexities of these arts or the life lessons they carry. It was not long before ideas materialised, content and apparel were made, and Grapple Up was ‘officially’ born.
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Founded in late 2024, Grapple Up is a virtual hub and growing community for young martial artists aged 7–12. We create engaging, child-friendly content and practical tools to support kids beyond the mats—at home, in school, and in life.
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But we know kids don’t walk this journey alone. Parents are pivotal to a child's growth in martial arts, which is why we equip you, too, with resources, checklists, and guidance to support your child every step of the way. With school, multiple sports, and packed family schedules, most instructors only get 30–45 minutes a couple of times a week with each student. That’s simply not enough time to dive deep into techniques, build strong habits, or teach powerful mindset tools. That’s where we come in.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between class and home—and work with your child’s instructor and academy— to help your child grow into a strong, confident, and well-rounded martial artist.
Our Philosophy
We believe that to become a strong, confident, and complete martial artist, you need to train five key pillars: Skills, Body, Belly, Mind, and Rest.
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Each pillar plays a vital role. They work together—like a team—building on one another to support your child’s growth on and off the mats. For example, quality sleep fuels clear thinking, better food choices, and sharper reaction times in training. And how a young athlete sees themselves can shape the outcome of a match before the first grip is taken.
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Yet most people only focus on the tip of the iceberg—Skills—while the rest goes unseen.
This balanced approach isn’t just for elite athletes or entrepreneurs—it’s a lifestyle we believe every child should be exposed to early. When these five pillars are nurtured, they lay the foundation for champions— not just in sport, but in life.
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So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know when new content, tools, and instructionals drop for you and your child.
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©2025 by Grapple Up.
Our Purpose, Vision & Mission
OUR PURPOSE
Growing balanced, happy kids.
OUR VISION
To build confidence and holistic wellness in thousands of kids.
OUR MISSION
To equip children with healthy practices via the art of grappling to guide them in becoming well-rounded individuals.
ABOUT FOUNDER
Professor Romina is a double Black Belt and seasoned coach with over a decade on the mats. She founded Grapple Up to help build complete martial artists— on and off the mats.
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With 7+ years of coaching experience, including leading her academy’s kids’ program and preparing young athletes for World Championships, she’s mastered the cues that truly connect with children of all ages.
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A decorated competitor in both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, Romina is a national champion across Gi and No-Gi disciplines.
ABOUT co-FOUNDER
From his first class at age 4 to winning a world title in Abu Dhabi, Oliver (aka “Ollie”) has turned his boundless energy into a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Guided by Professor Romina and fuelled by his love for the sport, Oli’s journey is packed with hard work, big wins, and lessons in mindset, health, and resilience. Now, he’s sharing that journey with Grapple Up to help kids like him thrive—on and off the mats.
