Becoming a better coach / teacher

Hi all, As coaches, do you take the time to improve your craft? If so, what do you do to improve your coaching ability? Is there any reading material you would recommend? Any books? Audiobooks?

I think coaches are doing themselves and their students a disservice if they aren't constantly expanding their knowledge. All students are different and need a different "game" to suit their attributes. Such information may not be immediately available in the coaches skillset and therefore it would be beneficial to learn how to develop them.

BJJ/Grappling shouldn't be a one size fits all approach. Imagine if they did this in football (soccer to our American friends) , rugby, hockey, basketball, cricket etc. A coach wouldn't last two minutes if they treated each position (defence, forward, centre, winger, full back etc) all the same.

Edited 5 year(s) ago

Nick Tyau

Black belt 1st degreeVerified314 forum posts4290/1000

I’m a very small time coach and since the pandemic, my coaching reps have been with my kids (3 and 5). It has been challenging trying to take what I know and turning it into something fun for them. Some weeks are better than others.

I recently bought an instructional from Joel bouhey. He has some fun games and ideas for teaching kids some of the fundamental movements

I agree that knowing your students and being able to provide something for everyone is a skill that needs to be trained and developed

Paul King

Blue beltVerified

8 forum posts635/200

Expanding on this further; what about kids? What about those with learning difficulties? What about those with disabilities?

In the UK in other sports, particularly those with recognised NGB's via Sport England or the Scotland, Wales, NI equivalent, we have coaching courses. Being a coach isn't just about having a belt and passion on a load of techniques that you like that form part of your own game.

Look at the resources that the British Judo Association has for its coaches. The Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 coaching qualifications, child protection, revalidation courses such as technical, kata, behavioural recognition and coaching etc.

https://www.britishjudo.o[...]alidation/

Edited 5 year(s) ago

Brian Barlow

Black belt 2nd degreeVerified

332 forum posts3055/1000

A good coach must know their own strengths and weaknesses. They must be organized and have a plan for each class and or week or month at a time. If coaches go Into classes unorganized I'd recommend that they be prepared. You have to know the audience. Try to be as detailed in explanations that you can be, but also be easily understood. This all of course takes practice. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ben Van Doren

Black beltVerified

15 forum posts1800/1000

I spend a lot of time doing "homework" to expand my skill set, but I think the most important thing I have done to become a better coach is focus on how I assess peoples capacity. Some people can go steps 1-10 no problem right away, some people steps 1-5, and that's OK. I need to determine where people are at, and meet them there, so that they can continue to enjoy BJJ and stay on the mats. A lot of that assessing I then go back and think about how I can incorporate modifications and challenges into my break down of the technique.

Christian Graugart

Black belt 4th degreeVerified

4323 forum posts39315/1000

Working on a little project on this, not officially launched yet as we still have a lot of content in the works, but site is functional on http://www.teachingbjj.com and we're currently at around 60 videos online.

There is also a Facebook group for coaches interested in contributing: https://www.facebook.com/[...]1155822121

Edited 5 year(s) ago

Michael Morgan

Blue beltVerified

128 forum posts2105/200

Working on a little project on this, not officially launched yet as we still have a lot of content in the works, but site is functional on http://www.teachingbjj.com and we're currently at around 60 videos online. There is also a Facebook group for coaches interested in contributing: https://www.facebook.com/[...]1155822121

Love it. Really think this is a fantastic idea. I think BJJ misses a structured coaching programme with coaches holding recognised qualifications .

As previously mentioned, we have access to an array of sports coaching qualifications , many will apply to BJJ. https://www.ukcoaching.org/courses
https://www.1st4sportqual[...]fications/

Sports like judo have courses specific to judo like gymnastics for judo, strength and conditioning for judo, technical, judo games etc etc.

So to see something like this being developed for BJJ is refreshing !

Brown beltVerified

229 forum posts3155/700

Working on a little project on this, not officially launched yet as we still have a lot of content in the works, but site is functional on http://www.teachingbjj.com and we're currently at around 60 videos online. There is also a Facebook group for coaches interested in contributing: https://www.facebook.com/[...]1155822121

Love this Christian!

Coachpotato

Black belt 1st degreeVerified

776 forum posts1920/1000

The best thing for me has been exchanging ideas and talking with other coaches. aaI did a couple BJJ instructor courses as a purple belt when I was only teaching kids classes, then later entered a proper school for coaching. After "graduation" I've been reading articles and listening to people smarter than me on podcasts. I've been sucking in any grappling related information since I started training. That has less focus now that I have more stuff to do, but it's always there. If the sponge is already wet, it can still absorb more especially when you squeeze some stuff out. :D

Vince Choo

Black belt 3rd degreeVerified

1126 forum posts21045/1000

Over the years I have emulated other coaches teaching styles and have retained what works for me and the audience. In addition, the program I am on have a separate Trainer's program- what to coach, how to coach it , when to coach in group or personal training formats, when and how to conduct assessments, etc.- from the client's program which is very useful.

While teaching styles may differ, mostly the more memorable people whom I have shared a class or a few with have all based their coaching methods on empirical evidence sourced from university or military based.

Coaching is a separate skill and learning how to speak publicly, confidently in front of a large audience, a roomful of strangers and potential killers, familiarity with subject matter, class planning, trouble shooting, providing corrective suggestions and feedback, encouragement, and connecting with the participants are all part of a skill set that isn't taught as part of a regular martial arts program but you learn as you go along. To be an effective teacher you have to constantly be learning too.

I find that coaching kids and special needs population requires the most energy and specialized knowledge. Some skills I learnt as a Personal Fitness Trainer, while others via different martial arts coaching courses and programs I've been part of for many years.

I would suggest you search according to your regional availability, relevance and cost as what may work in one setting, localized region, country may not be as effective elsewhere.

Brown beltVerified

229 forum posts3155/700

This is a great thread folks.

I agree with what’s being discussed here. Coaching is a responsibility and a big one at that. Coaches have to be accountable for their roles.

I have spent some time looking into the habits and styles of some of the most successful coaches in modern sport - there seems to be some pretty solid trends in regards to coaching philosophy.

A mat full of students is going to be a melting pot of training needs. In my opinion, this needs to be approached holistically (that’s my social work background kicking in).

I am enjoying studying my coaching style as much as I am planning lessons and developing myself.

I’ve had the fortune to be taught by some amazing instructors in the UK; equally, I’ve spent some time around folks who shouldn’t be coaching. That’s also been a good experience in terms of reflection.

I’ve told myself that I’m going to approach the next 6yrs (that’s my goal for black belt) like I would if I was studying for a bachelors degree. With an academic approach. Research, reading, note taking, revision, critical reflection and analysis. In my opinion this journey deserves no less and the people who I coach deserve no less either.

Have a good week all!

Black belt 1st degreeVerified

1900 forum posts3635/1000

Hi all, As coaches, do you take the time to improve your craft? If so, what do you do to improve your coaching ability? Is there any reading material you would recommend? Any books? Audiobooks?

The first chunk of the Gracie Bullyproof is very good for teaching, plenty applicable to adults too. I also find it's really useful to record yourself teaching and study it. That's something I do for all my classes, along with taking notes (e.g., "students had trouble remembering to switch their hips", "people kept forgetting to use the grip, emphasise that more next time"), so that when I next come to teach that technique, I can hopefully continue refining the class.

Jorgen Matsi

Black belt 2nd degreeVerified

1772 forum posts17315/1000

If I teach a conceptual class where I have to talk, I like to ask feedback from my assistant coaches afterwards with the question of "So, on a scale from zero to Priit, where was I today?"

Joemoplata

Black belt 4th degreeVerified

762 forum posts3915/1000

I think, as someone already pointed out, that one of the biggest things to being a good coach is remaining a student. Brain plasticity only works when we are learning something new and so we should try to find new things to learn for ourselves, even if it has nothing to do with BJJ/Combat Sports/Martial Arts. This allows us to be receptive to new ideas and concepts which is exactly what we are asking from our students.

I also encourage critical thinking and problem solving as well as drilling and repetitions. I teach what works for me, but someone could come up with something that works better for them. I believe BJJ is a long and personal journey and when you get a Black Belt tied around your waist it should be because you have your own game. Not a mimic of mine or anyone else's.

Black belt 1st degreeVerified

1900 forum posts3635/1000

If I teach a conceptual class where I have to talk, I like to ask feedback from my assistant coaches afterwards with the question of 'So, on a scale from zero to Priit, where was I today?'

Ha, that's a great scale! Do you ever go Full Priit? This is another reason I record myself teaching, to check I'm not talking too much. ;)

Jorgen Matsi

Black belt 2nd degreeVerified

1772 forum posts17315/1000

Ha, that's a great scale! Do you ever go Full Priit? This is another reason I record myself teaching, to check I'm not talking too much. ;)

AFAIK I have never gone Full Priit but been close.

For some classes I'm aiming between 6-8. For others - I'm aiming lower than 4.

I'm not always successful.

Vince Choo

Black belt 3rd degreeVerified

1126 forum posts21045/1000

For me it also depend on the audience. Eg. White belt beginners vs seasoned purples+ on the amount of verbal info to hands on demonstration and practice whether going Full Priit is warranted and appreciated or less explanation and more 'doing'

Black belt 1st degreeVerified

1900 forum posts3635/1000

For me it also depend on the audience. Eg. White belt beginners vs seasoned purples+ on the amount of verbal info to hands on demonstration and practice whether going Full Priit is warranted and appreciated or less explanation and more 'doing'

Yeah, also the setting. In a small class at your home gym, where it is experienced grapplers who you know well, turning it into more of a discussion could work, like an undergraduate seminar. Particularly if there isn't time pressure (e.g., overlapping into open mat afterwards).

In a BJJ Globetrotter camp type setting, where you only have an hour, the Kenny Polmans, Lilo etc approach is best IMO. Show the technique, minimum talk. Similarly in a big class with less experienced grapplers. They are paying for BJJ, not a lecture. :)

Brown beltVerified

229 forum posts3155/700

Yeah, also the setting. In a small class at your home gym, where it is experienced grapplers who you know well, turning it into more of a discussion could work, like an undergraduate seminar. Particularly if there isn't time pressure (e.g., overlapping into open mat afterwards). In a BJJ Globetrotter camp type setting, where you only have an hour, the Kenny Polmans, Lilo etc approach is best IMO. Show the technique, minimum talk. Similarly in a big class with less experienced grapplers. They are paying for BJJ, not a lecture. :)

I think the variables are vast aren't they.

Personally, I learn best from listening and applying in my own time. I am very conceptual I suppose. That goes for all aspects of my life. Learning to grapple, education, even things like being taught how to lay a slab in the garden. I absorb information much easier through discussion - maybe this stems from my time studying for a degree? I don't know. I really appreciate critical analysis / reflection.

Very valid point about what people paying for. You are going to struggle to retain your mat sharks if they're not getting much time to smash each other. Maybe.

Ah! EVERYTHING is a maybe!

Black belt 1st degreeVerified

1900 forum posts3635/1000

I think the variables are vast aren't they. Personally, I learn best from listening and applying in my own time. I am very conceptual I suppose. That goes for all aspects of my life. Learning to grapple, education, even things like being taught how to lay a slab in the garden. I absorb information much easier through discussion - maybe this stems from my time studying for a degree? I don't know. I really appreciate critical analysis / reflection. Very valid point about what people paying for. You are going to struggle to retain your mat sharks if they're not getting much time to smash each other. Maybe. Ah! EVERYTHING is a maybe!

Interesting: I also come from an academic background, so I agree discussion is good, but I hate it when instructors talk too much.

It always feels self indulgent and unhelpful to me: show the technique, then any details you want to add, do that as you're walking around while people drill. I particularly don't want to hear tangential analogies about how this is like boxing or it reminds you of a UFC fight you saw once. I want to go and drill the technique. ;)

Almost always, I find that students won't take it in if you try and cram your teaching full of words. I also found that when I taught undergraduate seminars during my English Lit postgrad studies: "talk less" is a key teaching principle, IMO.

Brown beltVerified

229 forum posts3155/700

Interesting: I also come from an academic background, so I agree discussion is good, but I hate it when instructors talk too much. It always feels self indulgent and unhelpful to me: show the technique, then any details you want to add, do that as you're walking around while people drill. I particularly don't want to hear tangential analogies about how this is like boxing or it reminds you of a UFC fight you saw once. I want to go and drill the technique. ;) Almost always, I find that students won't take it in if you try and cram your teaching full of words. I also found that when I taught undergraduate seminars during my English Lit postgrad studies: 'talk less' is a key teaching principle, IMO.

That sounded like I was being high and mighty with the degree reference; I absolutely was not haha. I was just trying to say that when I studied, it was very much with this approach.

I do appreciate analogies; it helps me link things and I process things much easier and with a greater degree of clarity. Things tend to stick with me if this happens.

This is why I started the thread; it goes to show that people can absolutely do more when it comes to teaching. It really isn't straightforward is it.

Joemoplata

Black belt 4th degreeVerified

762 forum posts3915/1000

I agree with Steve here in that people have preferences for how they believe they learn best. Then they assume that is how everyone also learns best. So we will hear things like "You should do [fill in learning style] more because I am a [fill in learning style] type of person and I think most people are as well."

For example: I hate drills. They bore me and frustrate me. But I have had coaches that only believe in drills (every Judo school ever, ever). I like to learn WHEN to do something, not just HOW to do something. I picked Judo up must faster when we practiced kuzushi than doing uchikomi. So for me, this is the path to success.

But it's not fair for me to only teach that way because it's how I believe I learn the best. I think it's important to try to cover all the bases for all the students and change up how we are teaching and not get stuck in one mindset.

Black belt 1st degreeVerified

1900 forum posts3635/1000

For sure, I agree with both of you, in that being able to cater to multiple learning styles is important.

Ruadhán Macfadden

Brown beltVerified

73 forum posts5675/700

I picked Judo up must faster when we practiced kuzushi than doing uchikomi.

I'm curious to know what you mean by this, since to me uchikomi *is* practising kuzushi. Do you mean a randori-lite situation where you moved around and tried to off-balance each other at opportune moments?

Edited 5 year(s) ago

Joemoplata

Black belt 4th degreeVerified

762 forum posts3915/1000

I'm curious to know what you mean by this, since to me uchikomi *is* practising kuzushi. Do you mean a randori-lite situation where you moved around and tried to off-balance each other at opportune moments?

I understand your dilemma. But I haven't found that the kuzushi used as part of the uchikomi is practical. The actual moving around looking for fit-ins "randori-lite" is much more practical in finding out when to do something. Because I am, by my nature, a counter fighter and so I am usually doing something based on what you do. The uchikomi is almost always based on me moving them for the kuzushi.

Man, this is a terrible way to describe what I'm trying to say. I think you get the idea, though.

Ruadhán Macfadden

Brown beltVerified

73 forum posts5675/700

Yeah, that's very clear. I've been trying that randori-lite same thing myself, and it is indeed a whole different beast from static uchikomi. Some movements that work really well for me in uchikomi don't transfer well into a live situation, but equally some movements I find hard in uchikomi work *significantly* better when there's more dynamic footwork involved.

Would love to really dive in and kick up the tempo a bit, but we've got such limited training space at the moment - hard to get things going without accidentally kuzushi'ing each other into a wall.

Jorgen Matsi

Black belt 2nd degreeVerified

1772 forum posts17315/1000

Ha, that's a great scale! Do you ever go Full Priit? This is another reason I record myself teaching, to check I'm not talking too much. ;)

AFAIK I have never gone Full Priit but been close.

For some classes I'm aiming between 6-8. For others - I'm aiming lower than 4.

I'm not always successful.

Brown beltVerified

229 forum posts3155/700

Who is taking notes?

Reflection?

Analysis?

Vince Choo

Black belt 3rd degreeVerified

1126 forum posts21045/1000