Taking Your BJJ to the Next Step: Teaching/Coaching

Recently, I posted on my FaceBook page how challenging teaching can be, yet satisfyingly rewarding when people who outrank me say that they enjoyed my class and learned a small, game changing detail from the techniques that I taught. A friend commented and wanted to learn a little bit more about how to give back to his academy by teaching or helping out. Teaching is not for everyone, just like how competition is not for everyone, but with a fundamental understanding of BJJ techniques, understanding techniques to help students retain information, and a passion to help others – I believe anyone can be a good teacher.

This is my story: Prior to being awarded my blue belt, I was offered to participate in an Instructor Training Course provided by my academy. Students of every belt color were allowed to participate, including kids/teens. It was a 15 week course that went over everything from how to teach effectively so that every type of learner could be engaged, how to deal with problem students, recognition, etc. This was eye opening for me, as some of the principles taught were things that I could apply in my daily life and in my career outside of the academy. When I got my blue belt, I began teaching a beginner class with a set curriculum then started a women’s only class. I now am a seasoned purple belt and teach 3 classes a week, including a designated women’s specific class.

Starting out teaching as a lower belt, especially at blue belt (and being a female), had its challenges. One in particular, I will never forget because it made me question whether I wanted to continue teaching. It eventually fueled me to keep going and to want to be the best instructor at the academy. A purple belt told me quite snottily – “What can you teach me?” And he was serious. It was at that point that I realized that not everyone is willing to learn from people they outrank. This was a thought that was so foreign to me because I always (and still do) believe that you can learn something from anyone. With that being said, even though they don’t think they can learn anything from you, they will still come to your class and either: 1) automatically try to take control over it because they outrank you or 2) be disruptive to the point that they will be teaching their drilling partner something completely different than what you just taught because that’s the way that THEY do it.

Anyway, if you are interested in teaching at your academy, and if you’re lucky enough that they offer an instructor training course or some type of initial training for their instructors – take advantage of that. It will be well worth the money and time that you put into it. If your instructor allows you to help out, start small. Start by helping out with the kids class… or if you are not kid friendly like I am, start with the fresh white belts where you can help mold them into shape – including their thought processes about BJJ (i.e. not trying to kill their partners in live training). In the end, you’ll figure out what role you play in your academy – student/training partner, teacher/coach, or competitor... and you will also solidify your technical knowledge by having to teach it to others. Most importantly, your communication skills will skyrocket. This is a skill particularly useful in ANY situation and one that we all should be constantly working on.

Like any schoolteacher, there will NOT always be fun, happy days. There will be students that will challenge you mentally, challenge your techniques, and maybe even downright disrespect you. Just remember these things: 1) Not everyone has the same learning curve so if they don’t get it after the what seems like the millionth time, it’s okay to move on; 2) If you’ve positively influenced or changed the life of someone else, you’re doing a great job; and 3) Being a good BJJ instructor takes a lot of trial and errors. Don’t get discouraged and stick with it until you know if it is/isn’t right for you.

Lastly, remember that without good teachers, our growth is limited. Give them the respect and recognition that they deserve. It’s just as difficult to get out there and teach as it is to get out there and compete.

For those of you who dedicate your time to teach: nothing is greater than seeing your students grow, love BJJ, and share it with others. That in itself, is the best reward.