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How do you run your average class?
5 year(s) ago • 966 views • 26 replies
JCBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
How do you conduct the average class at your gym?
Our beginner/all level class starts with individual movement drills, then the instructor demonstrates techniques from the curriculum and the class partners up and drills them. Then we finish with positional or regular rolling. The curriculum techniques for the week usually have a theme like a guard break and a pass or an escape and a sub from mount etc. Average class is an hour to 75 minutes.
Advanced class is a little different as there isn't a curriculum but we do stick on a topic for several sessions. There's also more rolling time. Usually 90 minutes long.
Do you have a warm-up? Is it individual shrimping, front rolls, etc? Partner warm-ups? Is it tough conditioning?
Do you have a curriculum that you practice from? Do you have advanced and beginner classes? Is there any personal drilling time where people can work on things they want to work on?
Do you do positional sparring? Do you have stand up sparring regularly? Do you spar with takedowns often?
Is there anything you wish your club did? Is there anything that other sports do that we should implement?
Our gym is opening up after being closed for a while and I'm thinking now is the time to make some changes for the better.
Our beginner/all level class starts with individual movement drills, then the instructor demonstrates techniques from the curriculum and the class partners up and drills them. Then we finish with positional or regular rolling. The curriculum techniques for the week usually have a theme like a guard break and a pass or an escape and a sub from mount etc. Average class is an hour to 75 minutes.
Advanced class is a little different as there isn't a curriculum but we do stick on a topic for several sessions. There's also more rolling time. Usually 90 minutes long.
Do you have a warm-up? Is it individual shrimping, front rolls, etc? Partner warm-ups? Is it tough conditioning?
Do you have a curriculum that you practice from? Do you have advanced and beginner classes? Is there any personal drilling time where people can work on things they want to work on?
Do you do positional sparring? Do you have stand up sparring regularly? Do you spar with takedowns often?
Is there anything you wish your club did? Is there anything that other sports do that we should implement?
Our gym is opening up after being closed for a while and I'm thinking now is the time to make some changes for the better.
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SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I don't have a strict curriculum, but I do have a position of the month. I cycle between six: side control, mount, back, closed guard, half guard and open guard. Within each of those, there are some classes I teach every time - e.g. basic guard recovery from side control, how to maintain the mount, breaking posture and grips from closed guard etc. Others I'll teach occasionally, and I'll also try and throw in a couple of new classes I've not taught before each time. That way, I cover off the important fundamentals, refine what I already know and hopefully generate more classes to throw into the mix each month.
I never spar with takedowns: that's for competition class, which I don't run. Some of the other instructors will include them too. In terms of general format, I do this in an hour, with pretty much unlimited open mat to follow in case anybody wants more sparring/drilling time:
My class format (pre-covid, at least) is:
* Warm up (jiu jitsu movements, like shrimping, bridging, open guard sparring with no sweeps or subs allowed, etc)
* Technique demonstration (I always stick to just one, I've never liked it when there are loads of techniques in the space of one short class)
* Drilling without resistance (4 minutes each)
* Drilling with progressive resistance (3 minutes each, I encourage them to talk to eachother all the way through. E.g., "your pressure is a bit off here, try gripping there instead, should I be sliding my shin across like this", etc)
* Specific sparring (two groups based on weight, line up against the wall, each person going on the mat on the mat twice, switching from top to bottom, then back the line. Sparring from a specific position, aiming to either progress to a different top position - e.g., going from side control to mount - escaping a position, or submitting. E.g., one person tries to pass closed guard, the other tries to sweep or submit)
* Free sparring (this time, I pair people up, plus you don't stop once you move into a different position)
* Review the technique we did (I have everybody line up in front of me in pairs, facing in the same direction, so I can talk them through the technique step by step, meaning when I say 'with your left arm, grab their collar' or whatever, everybody's in the same configuration)
* Stretch to finish
Example of a full class here: https://www.facebook.com/[...]_permalink , if you're curious, from a few years ago. This year, I've naturally had to vary that format at bit, so it's now more like this: https://www.facebook.com/[...]3547830994 - that footage is from the brief time I was able to get to the gym between lockdowns.
England has been largely locked down in terms of BJJ since March 2020, so I've mostly taught over Zoom this year. Most recently, I've been adjusting the balance between solo and dummy drills, with more dummy work.
I never spar with takedowns: that's for competition class, which I don't run. Some of the other instructors will include them too. In terms of general format, I do this in an hour, with pretty much unlimited open mat to follow in case anybody wants more sparring/drilling time:
My class format (pre-covid, at least) is:
* Warm up (jiu jitsu movements, like shrimping, bridging, open guard sparring with no sweeps or subs allowed, etc)
* Technique demonstration (I always stick to just one, I've never liked it when there are loads of techniques in the space of one short class)
* Drilling without resistance (4 minutes each)
* Drilling with progressive resistance (3 minutes each, I encourage them to talk to eachother all the way through. E.g., "your pressure is a bit off here, try gripping there instead, should I be sliding my shin across like this", etc)
* Specific sparring (two groups based on weight, line up against the wall, each person going on the mat on the mat twice, switching from top to bottom, then back the line. Sparring from a specific position, aiming to either progress to a different top position - e.g., going from side control to mount - escaping a position, or submitting. E.g., one person tries to pass closed guard, the other tries to sweep or submit)
* Free sparring (this time, I pair people up, plus you don't stop once you move into a different position)
* Review the technique we did (I have everybody line up in front of me in pairs, facing in the same direction, so I can talk them through the technique step by step, meaning when I say 'with your left arm, grab their collar' or whatever, everybody's in the same configuration)
* Stretch to finish
Example of a full class here: https://www.facebook.com/[...]_permalink , if you're curious, from a few years ago. This year, I've naturally had to vary that format at bit, so it's now more like this: https://www.facebook.com/[...]3547830994 - that footage is from the brief time I was able to get to the gym between lockdowns.
England has been largely locked down in terms of BJJ since March 2020, so I've mostly taught over Zoom this year. Most recently, I've been adjusting the balance between solo and dummy drills, with more dummy work.
DBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
5 min general joint mobility.
5 min standing grip fighting / pummeling with partner feedback.
5 min wrestling / takedown drills with partner feedback.
30 min isolated sparring (pass & defend)
10 / 15 min active instruction on subject that came up during isolated sparring.
30 / 45 min isolated sparring where we start in the position that was the subject of instruction. Students then have the option to work on the material & apply it, or do work their way back to their A game.
Short feedback on the class.
5 min standing grip fighting / pummeling with partner feedback.
5 min wrestling / takedown drills with partner feedback.
30 min isolated sparring (pass & defend)
10 / 15 min active instruction on subject that came up during isolated sparring.
30 / 45 min isolated sparring where we start in the position that was the subject of instruction. Students then have the option to work on the material & apply it, or do work their way back to their A game.
Short feedback on the class.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Warmup and movement drills
For brevity:
Takedown or throw
Instructional period
Focus sparring (from position of instruction, "King of the hill" for anything from takedowns to passing or escapes depending on class focus)
Free Rolling
For brevity:
Takedown or throw
Instructional period
Focus sparring (from position of instruction, "King of the hill" for anything from takedowns to passing or escapes depending on class focus)
Free Rolling
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I find the perfect length for a BJJ class is 105 minutes :) (including final 30 minutes for self-regulated-intensity positional and/or full sparring)
VABlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
It varies, there shouldn't be one formula for all classes and just switching out X and keeping the same structure.
It depends on the groub, more experienced groups get more freedom, the focus is what they should do but less how they do it, as well as more time and focus is on one specific thing or scenario thats causing problem.
With less experienced its both, what they should do and also how they do it.
Depending what the focus is on the class structure varies and the warm up is longer/shorter depending on the aftermath. The short one is a dew min of joint mobility while the longer one is the same but also getting the heart rate up.
It should be treated like a sport and have focus on the physical side, some say that this is a bjj class not a conditioning class and while that is true it has to be noted that the less physical you are the more likely the average person gets fucked up.
Its a fun topic and I haven't really written it down before so this text might not be my best work
It depends on the groub, more experienced groups get more freedom, the focus is what they should do but less how they do it, as well as more time and focus is on one specific thing or scenario thats causing problem.
With less experienced its both, what they should do and also how they do it.
Depending what the focus is on the class structure varies and the warm up is longer/shorter depending on the aftermath. The short one is a dew min of joint mobility while the longer one is the same but also getting the heart rate up.
It should be treated like a sport and have focus on the physical side, some say that this is a bjj class not a conditioning class and while that is true it has to be noted that the less physical you are the more likely the average person gets fucked up.
Its a fun topic and I haven't really written it down before so this text might not be my best work
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
It varies, there shouldn't be one formula for all classes and just switching out X and keeping the same structure. [...] some say that this is a bjj class not a conditioning class and while that is true it has to be noted that the less physical you are the more likely the average person gets fucked up.
It's true that different groups will respond to different formats, but I think that if somebody is having to constantly switch the format of their class, then they are doing a poor job of splitting up their classes across the school timetable. Hence why a decent BJJ school schedule should include different types of class, so people know what they're getting in advance. E.g., competition class, fundamentals class, open mat, etc.
In regards to BJJ being physical, that's also true, but people come to class to learn BJJ. If somebody wants mega fitness, there are better places to go for that. So I focus on technique, not on an intense workout.
In regards to BJJ being physical, that's also true, but people come to class to learn BJJ. If somebody wants mega fitness, there are better places to go for that. So I focus on technique, not on an intense workout.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
While I agree 100% that classes will vary depending on the group, the question was about an "average" class.
Some classes are definitely not average as there are many variables that contribute to running a class.
Some classes are definitely not average as there are many variables that contribute to running a class.
TPBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
We don't do split classes according to skill level.
However, we do run a "beginner's course" (I think it's 9 weeks, 2 classes week) with a very specific curriculum. People sign up for it first, for a set fee, don't need a gi etc. or any prior knowledge. It's designed to be very approachable both money & time commitment wise, plus the beginners are gradually introduced to sparring etc.
I cannot understand why all gyms don't do this. It's also a key money maker for the gym. Most people don't continue (and our room would run out every half a year if they did), but some do, and we already got the course fee from the others anyway. :)
Class split is competition class, "regular" class, and fundamentals (basically meaning just not the fanciest shit).
Competition classes vary widely in content, depending when the targeted comp is etc.
How to run an average class also depends on the instructor (we have multiple regulars) and I like the different styles and flavors also when it comes to class structure. Typically a 20ish minute of warming up with movements such as ukemis, shrimping, animal walks etc. or some like to run what I call a "Brazilian warm-up" of light mobility work while everyone is on their own place and nobody starts to breathe too heavily (Brazilian instructors running seminars tend to do this), sometimes it's more stand up wrestling, sometimes a total S&C workout with rope climbs & stuff (typically saved for the comp crew).
Then about 30-40 mins of technique. Again, done very differently for the comp class, but for the average class the coach shows the move and then it is drilled. Usually the coach is going through a theme for some time but we don't have all coaches coordinating on these, and not a more general curriculum either.
Depends on the coach if specific sparring from the position is involved. Quite often it is not, or is just the starting position for the rounds.
Most typically the last 30-40 mins are free sparring, 5-10 min rounds. Always starting standing, unless the coach wants to start them from a specific position that was just studied.
Very rarely any kind of a cooldown or feedback/recap.
One of the reason I like to visit different gyms is too see how the classes are run. I think ours are not quite ideal, but there is also a big difference of what a hobbyist who comes in 2-3 times a week and a dedicated competitor wants and needs. Most hobbyists just want a good workout, learn/refine something, get in a bunch of free sparring time, and hang out with their training buddies. They are used to this type of class structure and enjoy it.
However, we do run a "beginner's course" (I think it's 9 weeks, 2 classes week) with a very specific curriculum. People sign up for it first, for a set fee, don't need a gi etc. or any prior knowledge. It's designed to be very approachable both money & time commitment wise, plus the beginners are gradually introduced to sparring etc.
I cannot understand why all gyms don't do this. It's also a key money maker for the gym. Most people don't continue (and our room would run out every half a year if they did), but some do, and we already got the course fee from the others anyway. :)
Class split is competition class, "regular" class, and fundamentals (basically meaning just not the fanciest shit).
Competition classes vary widely in content, depending when the targeted comp is etc.
How to run an average class also depends on the instructor (we have multiple regulars) and I like the different styles and flavors also when it comes to class structure. Typically a 20ish minute of warming up with movements such as ukemis, shrimping, animal walks etc. or some like to run what I call a "Brazilian warm-up" of light mobility work while everyone is on their own place and nobody starts to breathe too heavily (Brazilian instructors running seminars tend to do this), sometimes it's more stand up wrestling, sometimes a total S&C workout with rope climbs & stuff (typically saved for the comp crew).
Then about 30-40 mins of technique. Again, done very differently for the comp class, but for the average class the coach shows the move and then it is drilled. Usually the coach is going through a theme for some time but we don't have all coaches coordinating on these, and not a more general curriculum either.
Depends on the coach if specific sparring from the position is involved. Quite often it is not, or is just the starting position for the rounds.
Most typically the last 30-40 mins are free sparring, 5-10 min rounds. Always starting standing, unless the coach wants to start them from a specific position that was just studied.
Very rarely any kind of a cooldown or feedback/recap.
One of the reason I like to visit different gyms is too see how the classes are run. I think ours are not quite ideal, but there is also a big difference of what a hobbyist who comes in 2-3 times a week and a dedicated competitor wants and needs. Most hobbyists just want a good workout, learn/refine something, get in a bunch of free sparring time, and hang out with their training buddies. They are used to this type of class structure and enjoy it.
Edited 5 year(s) ago
VABlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
It's true that different groups will respond to different formats, but I think that if somebody is having to constantly switch the format of their class, then they are doing a poor job of splitting up their classes across the school timetable. Hence why a decent BJJ school schedule should include different types of class, so people know what they're getting in advance. E.g., competition class, fundamentals class, open mat, etc. In regards to BJJ being physical, that's also true, but people come to class to learn BJJ. If somebody wants mega fitness, there are better places to go for that. So I focus on technique, not on an intense workout.
The format of the class is based on what the participants will be doing. Different class for X and Y.
And I don't really understand "fundamentals" and "advanced" There should be a beginners course for sure, to prepare people for what they are getting into. But calling the class "advanced" doesn't make it more suitable for more experienced grapples.
A pro soccer practise isn't any more advanced in a major league compared to a lesser league. Its the players and the coaches that determine the level.
And yeah people shouldn't have to much fitness since grappling is already very demanding. But one should use some portion of the class to warm up joints and open the body up.
And I don't really understand "fundamentals" and "advanced" There should be a beginners course for sure, to prepare people for what they are getting into. But calling the class "advanced" doesn't make it more suitable for more experienced grapples.
A pro soccer practise isn't any more advanced in a major league compared to a lesser league. Its the players and the coaches that determine the level.
And yeah people shouldn't have to much fitness since grappling is already very demanding. But one should use some portion of the class to warm up joints and open the body up.
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Yeah, it gets into semantics. For me, 'advanced' just means I expect the students who attend to already have enough knowledge that I don't have to re-explain stuff, whereas in a 'fundamentals' class I try and teach technique that doesn't need prerequisites. E.g., an 'advanced' class might be triangle to omoplata with a pressing armbar thrown in and a bunch of variations on the entry. The 'fundamental' version would be a vanilla triangle with one, very simple entry.
There aren't any restrictions on who can attend what class, it just means they have an idea of what they're getting. I would hate to have a class where it's random stuff every time, I like structure. ;)
There aren't any restrictions on who can attend what class, it just means they have an idea of what they're getting. I would hate to have a class where it's random stuff every time, I like structure. ;)
JCBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
However, we do run a "beginner's course" (I think it's 9 weeks, 2 classes week) with a very specific curriculum. People sign up for it first, for a set fee, don't need a gi etc. or any prior knowledge. It's designed to be very approachable both money & time commitment wise, plus the beginners are gradually introduced to sparring etc.
I think that's interesting. Can beginners only start when a 9 week course starts and then they can go to regular classes?
JCBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Warmup and movement drills For brevity: Takedown or throw Instructional period Focus sparring (from position of instruction, 'King of the hill' for anything from takedowns to passing or escapes depending on class focus) Free Rolling
For new students do you have someone teach them a takedown or throw or do you have them do something else during that time? I would like to incorporate a little bit of stand-up into each class.
JCBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
It should be treated like a sport and have focus on the physical side, some say that this is a bjj class not a conditioning class and while that is true it has to be noted that the less physical you are the more likely the average person gets fucked up.
I struggle with this too as our members are of several different age groups and physical capabilities. Many people that are in shape are also doing weight training and workouts outside of Jiu-Jitsu and would rather just come in and roll and work on techniques.
In our competition classes people expect a conditioning workout, but the average class the most conditioning they get is rolling. There's got to be a balance somewhere.
In our competition classes people expect a conditioning workout, but the average class the most conditioning they get is rolling. There's got to be a balance somewhere.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
For new students do you have someone teach them a takedown or throw or do you have them do something else during that time? I would like to incorporate a little bit of stand-up into each class.
We run a Fundamentals course which is based on a 26 Lesson plan for beginners. (3 techs each lesson that include everything from self defense, throws, takedowns and ground techs, escapes, movement etc). These are Tuesdays and Thursdays. They can join at any time as it constantly repeats. Most folks choose to start in the Fundamentals program and continue it while already in the regular class, but I have had some that had scheduling issues and only end up in our more advanced classes. We make sure to keep them safe and help them along until they can swim on their own.
As for takedowns and throws, new folks can are welcome to jump in with the only restriction is that they do not get thrown until they are comfortable with the idea of breakfalls which are always done during the warmup and movement portion of class. They do however get to learn and do the takedown and throws on their more experienced partners which I usually assign a blue belt or higher to work with them. I incorporate a takedown or throw in every class. I do not encourage guard pulling although I do teach those as well because they are good to know too.
As for takedowns and throws, new folks can are welcome to jump in with the only restriction is that they do not get thrown until they are comfortable with the idea of breakfalls which are always done during the warmup and movement portion of class. They do however get to learn and do the takedown and throws on their more experienced partners which I usually assign a blue belt or higher to work with them. I incorporate a takedown or throw in every class. I do not encourage guard pulling although I do teach those as well because they are good to know too.
TPBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I think that's interesting. Can beginners only start when a 9 week course starts and then they can go to regular classes?
Yes, they either have to complete the "Beginner's course" or have the equivalent understanding of basic grappling from training elsewhere, before starting regular classes.
The course has emphasis on training safety, so we practice how to tap/sub safely, breakfalls, training etiquette etc. Lots of stand up to get them comfortable starting on their feet. Then it's the major positions, and to give them an idea about what they should be doing in each, on top and bottom. Plenty of subs, so that they recognize when they're attacked by them. This way they should have a general idea about BJJ positional game as a whole, even if the regular classes don't cover a certain position for a while.
We have multiple instructor on each class so we can give them more individual attention (2-4 purple to brown belt level coaches). Sparring starts right away but easily with more game-like positional stuff, to full "free" sparring by the end of the course. Because of the good instructor to student ratio, it's easier to have people calm down if we see they're too aggressive or spazzy. After the course, they oughta be ready for regular classes without any special attention. (They still suck and that's why they need it though, but theoretically ready.)
The course also includes some practical "self defense" stuff, because a majority of participants take the course but don't continue. So I feel it's good to give them an idea how to be safe from punches in different scenarios, escape the headlock, and ofc basics like escaping mount, that they should be able to use if in a confrontation with an untrained person.
All of our marketing is just for the Beginner's courses. We have them for each discipline that is practiced at the gym. Typically we have 20-40 new people joining each BJJ Beginner's course, 4 times a year. Only a handful continue to become regulars, but that's still more than 100 people paying the course fee annually.
The course has emphasis on training safety, so we practice how to tap/sub safely, breakfalls, training etiquette etc. Lots of stand up to get them comfortable starting on their feet. Then it's the major positions, and to give them an idea about what they should be doing in each, on top and bottom. Plenty of subs, so that they recognize when they're attacked by them. This way they should have a general idea about BJJ positional game as a whole, even if the regular classes don't cover a certain position for a while.
We have multiple instructor on each class so we can give them more individual attention (2-4 purple to brown belt level coaches). Sparring starts right away but easily with more game-like positional stuff, to full "free" sparring by the end of the course. Because of the good instructor to student ratio, it's easier to have people calm down if we see they're too aggressive or spazzy. After the course, they oughta be ready for regular classes without any special attention. (They still suck and that's why they need it though, but theoretically ready.)
The course also includes some practical "self defense" stuff, because a majority of participants take the course but don't continue. So I feel it's good to give them an idea how to be safe from punches in different scenarios, escape the headlock, and ofc basics like escaping mount, that they should be able to use if in a confrontation with an untrained person.
All of our marketing is just for the Beginner's courses. We have them for each discipline that is practiced at the gym. Typically we have 20-40 new people joining each BJJ Beginner's course, 4 times a year. Only a handful continue to become regulars, but that's still more than 100 people paying the course fee annually.
RBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Class structure may vary slightly but it usually looks something like this:
Warm-up with movement drills.
Usually some pummeling, arm drags, etc. but some kind of standing drills into a takedown.
Technique/concept of the day based on a position or submission type of the month. (I.e.: attacks from back mount, guillotines, half guard bottom)
Rolling.
Warm-up with movement drills.
Usually some pummeling, arm drags, etc. but some kind of standing drills into a takedown.
Technique/concept of the day based on a position or submission type of the month. (I.e.: attacks from back mount, guillotines, half guard bottom)
Rolling.
ELBlack belt 1st degreePending
5 year(s) ago
Regular classes are built as sequences, usually a pass or sweep, transitions, counters and a finish. Comp class are very different.
Ex for a regular 90 minutes class:
10 min warmup
Water
Fundamentals: couple minutes of explication on a position, guard, submission...
Technique 1: weave pass from half guard to side mount (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom)
Technique 2: side mount escape to closed guard (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom)
Technique 3: side mount transition to knee on belly, opponent pushes the knee, spinning armbar (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom)
Water
Situational specific training 1:
side mount (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom ) (bottom needs to escape or sweep to get on top or submit. Top needs to get the sub and not lose top or control. If any of these are achieved, we restart in initial position)
Situationnal training 2:
Half guard (same rules and time as previous one)
Water
5 x 6 minutes rolls
Stretching
Ex for a regular 90 minutes class:
10 min warmup
Water
Fundamentals: couple minutes of explication on a position, guard, submission...
Technique 1: weave pass from half guard to side mount (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom)
Technique 2: side mount escape to closed guard (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom)
Technique 3: side mount transition to knee on belly, opponent pushes the knee, spinning armbar (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom)
Water
Situational specific training 1:
side mount (3 min on top, 3 min on bottom ) (bottom needs to escape or sweep to get on top or submit. Top needs to get the sub and not lose top or control. If any of these are achieved, we restart in initial position)
Situationnal training 2:
Half guard (same rules and time as previous one)
Water
5 x 6 minutes rolls
Stretching
Edited 5 year(s) ago
KLBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Warm up with FYJJ, do some drills with predictable responses/resistance in the area that we will be working that day. Followed by whatever movements or concepts I’m trying to teach then more of the above followed by live training.
OHBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
for 30 minutes
- joints warm-up
-solo drills
-situational drills
for 20 minutes
guard passing/situational rolls/wrestling stand up only
30 minutes technique of the day (each month a position, each class 1 to 3 techniques from this position)
30 minutes rolls/sparring
10 minutes cooling (generally they want to keep rolling, savages :-D )
- joints warm-up
-solo drills
-situational drills
for 20 minutes
guard passing/situational rolls/wrestling stand up only
30 minutes technique of the day (each month a position, each class 1 to 3 techniques from this position)
30 minutes rolls/sparring
10 minutes cooling (generally they want to keep rolling, savages :-D )
YBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
We don't do split classes according to skill level. However, we do run a 'beginner's course' (I think it's 9 weeks, 2 classes week) with a very specific curriculum. People sign up for it first, for a set fee, don't need a gi etc. or any prior knowledge. It's designed to be very approachable both money & time commitment wise, plus the beginners are gradually introduced to sparring etc. I cannot understand why all gyms don't do this. It's also a key money maker for the gym. Most people don't continue (and our room would run out every half a year if they did), but some do, and we already got the course fee from the others anyway. :) Class split is competition class, 'regular' class, and fundamentals (basically meaning just not the fanciest shit). Competition classes vary widely in content, depending when the targeted comp is etc. How to run an average class also depends on the instructor (we have multiple regulars) and I like the different styles and flavors also when it comes to class structure. Typically a 20ish minute of warming up with movements such as ukemis, shrimping, animal walks etc. or some like to run what I call a 'Brazilian warm-up' of light mobility work while everyone is on their own place and nobody starts to breathe too heavily (Brazilian instructors running seminars tend to do this), sometimes it's more stand up wrestling, sometimes a total S&C workout with rope climbs & stuff (typically saved for the comp crew). Then about 30-40 mins of technique. Again, done very differently for the comp class, but for the average class the coach shows the move and then it is drilled. Usually the coach is going through a theme for some time but we don't have all coaches coordinating on these, and not a more general curriculum either. Depends on the coach if specific sparring from the position is involved. Quite often it is not, or is just the starting position for the rounds. Most typically the last 30-40 mins are free sparring, 5-10 min rounds. Always starting standing, unless the coach wants to start them from a specific position that was just studied. Very rarely any kind of a cooldown or feedback/recap. One of the reason I like to visit different gyms is too see how the classes are run. I think ours are not quite ideal, but there is also a big difference of what a hobbyist who comes in 2-3 times a week and a dedicated competitor wants and needs. Most hobbyists just want a good workout, learn/refine something, get in a bunch of free sparring time, and hang out with their training buddies. They are used to this type of class structure and enjoy it.
I am actually working on creating this kind of onboarding 'beginner's course' for our gym. I have come up with 8 key lessons, with the ultimate intent of giving people a foundation in understanding how BJJ works conceptually and technically, but also to teach about sparring safety- basically, they will have to attend these classes before they can free roll (they can still go to the general class, but can't free spar).
LMBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
We use a general warmup, joint rotations and movement drills usually specific to the content intended for the class with the added extras fundamental shrimping variations and breakfalls. Sometimes warmup may consits of a more relaxed game based activity.
Classes vary based on a theme for the month and I try to make sure we hit the same class a few times over that month to ensure everyone gets a chance to review the material and those who are more regular get to refresh and improve.
We usually end the class with positional rolling or free rolling depending on who is in atendance followed by some sort of finisher exercise and time is allowed for stretching / cooldown after class.
Some nights we may go with more of an open mat formula warm up is more individual and the guys all work in with each other to roll / drill etc
or we may work a series starting from Grip Fighting> Takedown> Pass > Control Position> Submission/Transition Options (more competition focused)
At the moment we have a heavy fundamentals focus.
Classes vary based on a theme for the month and I try to make sure we hit the same class a few times over that month to ensure everyone gets a chance to review the material and those who are more regular get to refresh and improve.
We usually end the class with positional rolling or free rolling depending on who is in atendance followed by some sort of finisher exercise and time is allowed for stretching / cooldown after class.
Some nights we may go with more of an open mat formula warm up is more individual and the guys all work in with each other to roll / drill etc
or we may work a series starting from Grip Fighting> Takedown> Pass > Control Position> Submission/Transition Options (more competition focused)
At the moment we have a heavy fundamentals focus.
JJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I have seen and experimented with a bunch of class formats. My go to is a warm up for 7-10, teach a technique for 10 minutes or less, drill, bring them back together to explain what I had missed, drill, perhaps bring them back for a third time. I really like spending as much time with the individual groups as everybody's body is different and of course their understanding level is different. Being able to clean individual techniques helps us develop a relationship and of course correct some holes in their technique.
Our classes are an hour, and on average that takes about 40 minutes. We open roll after that. We will bow out after class time but normally have an "open mat" feel after the class. When people want to roll longer we try not to kick them off the mats.
Our classes are an hour, and on average that takes about 40 minutes. We open roll after that. We will bow out after class time but normally have an "open mat" feel after the class. When people want to roll longer we try not to kick them off the mats.
GYBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
My format varies between class types, but for my main Jiu Jitsu classes I loosely follow the format: Warmup > Rolls> Technique. Most schools I have visited tend to work on technique before rolling, but I have changed that in my gym for a two reasons. Firstly, my gym is in a fairly cold place and I have found that we have fewer injuries if we go directtly from warmups to rolls. The second reason is that I have also found that if we work on a technique and then roll people tend not to be able to implement the techniques as easily as their opponents are expecting those techniques to be tried out.
This format works for us, but I am always open to other ideas and will vary the format from time to time. Sometimes the warmup will be solo and sometimes it will be partnered. Sometimes the warmp directly relates to the technique of the night (eg. If we are working a pass, the warmup may be setting up or using the guard in question).
The rolling portion of the class is usually free rolling, but at times I will make structured to a certain goal or focus. I also sometimes include a Q&A section after technique if time allows.
The technique portion of my class heavily involves principles and I attempt to tie everything I teach together with sounds mechanics and tactics.
This format works for us, but I am always open to other ideas and will vary the format from time to time. Sometimes the warmup will be solo and sometimes it will be partnered. Sometimes the warmp directly relates to the technique of the night (eg. If we are working a pass, the warmup may be setting up or using the guard in question).
The rolling portion of the class is usually free rolling, but at times I will make structured to a certain goal or focus. I also sometimes include a Q&A section after technique if time allows.
The technique portion of my class heavily involves principles and I attempt to tie everything I teach together with sounds mechanics and tactics.
TKBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
We have a fundamentals class and a standard class. New students are encouraged to start at fundamentals but it is not a requirement due to the students schedule.
A typical fundamental class would be traditional warmup with shrimps, breakfalls, forward rolls etc.. about 10min
One to 3 basic moves depending on who's in the class what the tech is. End with some positional if the majority is comfortable with the techniques. Fundamentals is only 1hr so time is a factor.
Reg class which usually follows fundamentals and is faster paced. 10-15min warmups that are usually relatable to class content. Something like some speed drills for time (basic x pass, leg drag, bull pass. something quick, in and out) Then some drills usually refreshing the last training to build upon tech. For example if I was teaching some attacks from side control I might have them drill knee cuts and smash pass to get to side control. About 30min of drilling technique and usually 15min of positional emphasizing working on the technique/position of the day. If we are just starting a position then positional starts off with the uke going just a little harder than drilling and building up to more of a king of the hill style.
Then we roll. Personally, I bow everyone out before rolling so students can leave whenever they want. Some roll for 30min some closer to an hour.
Then once in while mix it up with a totally different format to guage reactions, like starting with positional. Sometimes I start from "checkmate" and work backwards.
A typical fundamental class would be traditional warmup with shrimps, breakfalls, forward rolls etc.. about 10min
One to 3 basic moves depending on who's in the class what the tech is. End with some positional if the majority is comfortable with the techniques. Fundamentals is only 1hr so time is a factor.
Reg class which usually follows fundamentals and is faster paced. 10-15min warmups that are usually relatable to class content. Something like some speed drills for time (basic x pass, leg drag, bull pass. something quick, in and out) Then some drills usually refreshing the last training to build upon tech. For example if I was teaching some attacks from side control I might have them drill knee cuts and smash pass to get to side control. About 30min of drilling technique and usually 15min of positional emphasizing working on the technique/position of the day. If we are just starting a position then positional starts off with the uke going just a little harder than drilling and building up to more of a king of the hill style.
Then we roll. Personally, I bow everyone out before rolling so students can leave whenever they want. Some roll for 30min some closer to an hour.
Then once in while mix it up with a totally different format to guage reactions, like starting with positional. Sometimes I start from "checkmate" and work backwards.
