Are Private Lessons Worth It? Yes, If You Use Them Right
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As someone who’s now doing Private Lessons semi regularly as an instructor, I’ve had students approach it various ways. As someone who’s only been privy to taking a few during my time as a student, I have a few ideas on what a student can do to get the most from these.
E36 | Bonus Ep - My Worst Injuries
Who Actually Needs Private Lessons?
There used to be a time when people had the idea that private lessons were something that was just for the professionals. In reality, anyone can take them and everyone can benefit from taking them regularly.
If you’re stuck and don’t know why?
If you leave class with more questions than answers.
If you’re prepping for something important.
If you need specialized feedback on a technique or position.
If you’re trying to build your own game.
How to Maximize Your Time
Show Up With A Topic - Don’t just show up with a topic, but let the instructor know ahead of time so he or she can prepare. If for some reason, you don’t really know what to cover, you can always have the instructor decide if they know your game well enough.
Film and Study - Ask if you can record the session. If the instructor is OK with it, set up a tripod and review when you’re done or have questions. You wont have to worry about taking notes, which will allow you to focus on being in the moment.
Ask for Homework - I give students homework. I’ll have them implement something that we reviewed and to get back to me a week or two later with questions. This offers guidance to how to implement the answers that you were given.
Limit the Range of Topics - Don’t try to jam a bunch of topics into your hour. Have a few specific questions or a theme that the instructor can work off of with you. It’ll allow you to focus, ultimately getting better results in the end.
How To Make It Budget Friendly
Split The Cost - Grab a good friend who wants to learn the same thing and split the cost in half. Some instructors will also allow you to do a small private lesson with three or four people together. It allows you to split the cost four ways.
Book Multiple Sessions - Booking multiple sessions will usually get you a better discount, the only catch is that you usually have to pay in advance.
Ask for Mini Sessions - Some instructors will allow you to get creative with a lesson. Squeezing a thirty minute private lesson in after class for example, can often be advantageous for a busy student. Additionally, half the price.
Barter System - If you have an expertise or skill that might help an instructor, explain your situation and offer your skillset as a trade. Maybe you’re great at marketing or social media, that’s a huge asset for most instructors.
Be Honest About Your Budget - Some instructors will actually adjust the cost based on your income. Not everyone does this but it’s worth a try asking about.
Ask About Add-Ons
Ask For A Written Recap - This one is pretty rare, as I’ve never done one for someone or seen one handed out, but something that isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
Rolling Review Beforehand - You can do this one of two ways. One, you have them watch your rolls before meeting with you. The other way is to send your video to them so they know how you’re responding to rolls. This is beneficial for all students but could be a great aid for those getting ready for a competition.
Follow Up Questions - Ask if the instructor would be open to follow up questions after the session. I always tell students to hit me up and I will also check in a week or two later to see how things are going.
Private Lesson Roll Review - I will actually record the student rolling at the end of our Private Lesson at no added cost. The roll is either with me or their partner for the session and I try to send the rolling review back with a day or tow. It’s a fantastic for students.
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Last Thoughts
If there was anything that I wish I would have been able to take advantage of coming up, it would have been private lessons. When I started, I just wasn’t there financially. While they’re not cheap, you are paying for someone’s expertise, there are ways to make it work.
Thank you for reading.
David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!