Why Jiu-Jitsu Needs Coaches, Not Just Instructors
Coaching In Bjj
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Why Jiu-Jitsu Needs Coaches, Not Just Instructors
Simply put, there are not enough coaches in Jiu-Jitsu. With as young as this sport is, Jiu-Jitsu is still figuring out how it’s best to instruct and more importantly coach. Each has it’s place in the art, because we will always need one or the other as we move through our Jiu-Jitsu career.
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What Does An Instructor Does
I don’t want to downsize the role or importance of an Instructor. Their position inside within Jiu-Jitsu is vital and required. We all need instructors during specific moments. The art of being able to explain techniques, no matter how complicated, can aid in everyone’s technical development.
It’s a skill within itself, one that not everyone can can do, but is often perhaps surface level. Naturally, it almost has to be because of it’s a one vs many dynamic.
What They Do:
Teaches Technique, explains mechanics, and demonstrates.
Keeps the structure and timing of the class.
Often focuses on what to do but not always why.
What A Coach Does
A coach is different.
I’ll agree that many of the instructor duties and roles do bleed over to a coach but there are key differences, though. Coaching is a bit more personalized and specific in nature.
When I coach students, it’s more of a one on one approach. It’s about you, your needs, deficiencies, and requirements.
What Coaches Do:
Guides a student’s path.
Personalizes game planning and growth.
Help assess gaps in a student’s game.
The Gap Within Jiu-Jitsu
This sport is so new in comparison to other sports, that we’re still developing our methodology. Some of us understand coaching and the importance of an individualized approach. So we go out of our way to offer than. The issue is that there are a ton of instructors out there who just teach, set a timer for rounds, and then leave.
If you’re after a pay check or just want to teach broadly, so be it. But it honestly hurts our attrition rate when we do this. It’s my opinion that most people don’t quit Jiu-Jitsu because it’s hard, they quit because they feel lost and general instruction only gets you so far.
I myself have had to be my own coach for most of my career and it sucks.
The Issues:
Most gyms stop at instruction.
Students are often left to self coach.
Creates issues with retention.
How To Be A Proper Coach To Your Students
The number one thing we can do is teach with depth. If I can get you to understand concepts and how they apply to body types, Jiu-Jitsu starts to make more sense for people. Care beyond just the whole the group and start addressing the individuals.
Teach with context.
Understand who you’re teaching.
Understand student strengths and weaknesses.
Final Thoughts
Each role fills a different type of need within someone’s development. If you’re new to teaching, maybe you can only focus on instruction. Do that, but eventually, develop your ability to coach. That skillset will take you a long way.
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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!