3 THINGS I DON’T DO AS A JIU JITSU COACH and why!
When I first stepped on the mat in 2013, I had an idea of what I thought learning Jiu Jitsu would look like. I thought I would attend class, the coach would have all the answers, and if I followed their instructions, I would one day execute every technique with absolute perfection.
What I quickly learned is that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I figured everything out on my own. A good coach can save you a lot of time and frustration, and learning from someone who’s been there before is invaluable for figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But at the end of the day, no one else can make you improve. Lasting progress comes from taking ownership, experimenting, failing, and finding solutions in a way only you can.
That realization, combined with a lot of trial and error, shaped the way I coach today and how I encourage my students to build skill. Here are three things I don’t do as a Jiu Jitsu coach and why.
#1. I DON’T GIVE AWAY ANSWERS.
I don’t believe in handing students the “right” move or answer. Instead, I try to create situations where they can discover it on their own. I encourage them to try new things, make mistakes, and think critically so they can take responsibility for their own growth. I want students to understand and own what they’re learning, not just follow instructions because I said so.
One of my favorite moments is when a student proudly says, “I invented [insert move or technique]!” Because honestly, they did. They figured it out themselves, and that ownership makes the lesson stick far more than anything I could tell them.
#2. I DON’T TREAT EVERYONE THE SAME.
Every student is different. Everyone moves differently, thinks differently, and learns differently. What works for one person might not work for another, and what clicks for one might completely miss someone else.
There’s no “one size fits all” approach to coaching Jiu Jitsu. My job is to pay close attention and adjust my cues, language, and pacing to find what’s most effective for each individual. I love the energy of a full class, but nothing beats a small group where I can focus on each person and help them reach their potential.
#3. I DON’T ALWAYS CORRECT ATHLETES.
When I see a student trying something “wrong,” I don’t immediately jump to fix it. As long as I can see that learning is happening, I let them explore and experience failure. I will use small cues or questions to guide them toward a solution without freezing their creativity or shutting down their curiosity. I want athletes to think for themselves and experiment with their own solutions.
Sometimes, those experiments lead to solutions I never would’ve thought of myself. When students discover something on their own, it sticks in a way that correction alone never could.
INTERESTED IN TRAINING OR LEARNING MORE?
I mulled over the idea of starting Jiu Jitsu for years before I ever actually stepped on the mat. My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner. I work with students of all ages and skill levels at Precision Submission Grappling in Des Moines.
If you’re interested in learning more about our approach to training or about No-Gi Jiu Jitsu and wrestling in general, you can request more information, and I’’ll reach out to you right away!