Gym Surveys
A Tool for Improvement
I’ve been in charge of the DawnBreakers Morning Program for three years now. One of the first decisions that I made was to run a yearly survey. I wanted to be able to see what people felt in an anonymous nature, in order to get more honest responses.
It’s my personal belief that we have a great program with fantastic culture, but I do understand that instructors can have blind spots. No gym is perfect.
The survey itself was put together through Google Docs. I try to keep the same questions, so I can compare results over several years. I will add a question or two based on an issue that I hadn’t considered in previous surveys.
With that in mind, please understand that the rest of this blog post is directed at my students, but quite a bit can still be learned if you plan on doing this for your program.
Years Training and Weekly Classes Attended
Cleanliness and The Promotion Process
Cleanliness - This is a tricky one. While the numbers have improved from previous years, I do think the gym needs some TLC. My plan is to voice these concerns with the hope that we can make further advancements this year.
Promotion Process - This is another one that’s improved over the years. Before coming on board, the morning program was sort of on an island by themselves. The added communications between the instructors and students has been a big help. Currently Billy, Greg, and myself get together as a committee and review. I am not perfect and this is in some ways still new for me. So getting their feedback has been very helpful.
Class Satisfaction and Subject Matter
Class Intensity and Instructor Satisfaction
Instructor Coverage and Class Culture
Instructor Coverage - We have decided to keep things as they are, but we now have a group chat. The goal is to communicate what we’re going over so we’re at least on the same page and have an avenue to discuss areas that need our attention.
Class Culture - Medals are great, but really this is what I’m most proudest of. Any other success with this program will always be second to the culture we have. We are looking at getting together maybe twice a year for an event of some kind.
How You Feel and Goals
Reaching Your Goal - Thankfully this has improved from previous years. Jiu-Jitsu in nature is sometimes vague. There will be times when it may feel like you’re not getting closer to your goals, but in reality you are. It’s more often about perspective. I’m going to try to have more check-ins with students.
How Lost Do you Feel and Private Lessons
Feeling Lost - This goes in connection to the previous section. I would add, I am always available and actually enjoy answering questions. I want to know when you feel lost or are having issues in general. My door is always open.
Private Lessons - Private Lesson rates are set by the school. If you have mats we can arrange something at your house. Students can also get creative and set something up for 2-4 students and split the cost evenly. Let me know if you’re interested, we can definitely make this happen.
Video Reviews and One on One Mentorship
Video Review - With CoachNow, you or I can upload your sparring or competition footage and you get an in depth review through the platform. Note, if I notice a student is struggling with something, I will do this on my own at no charge.
Mentorship - This consists of One on One or group Q&A and regular check-ins. Video Reviews are included with this. I’ve been doing a version of this with a certain American that’s out in Germany.
**These are both Add-Ons. If you are an active student, I have special pricing.**
In Closing
Communication is going to go a long way. Jiu-Jitsu is hard and it’s going to test you in ways that you will not always be prepared for. Each belt and even our given age, is going to give us unique challenges.
The relationship that you and I have, as student and instructor, is going to be the determining factor in improving.
Don’t hesitate to text, IM, call, or pull me to the side. I want to know if you’re struggling mentally, having issues striving towards your goals, need suggestions on what to focus on, or when you’re feeling lost.
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!
