Fighter

Welcome back to another installment of BJJ Academy Dreams, where I give you valuable insight into what it takes to start and run a successful academy of your own. If you’re been training long enough, you’ve already started dreaming of the possibility of making your passion – jiu-jitsu – your career.

As exciting as the idea is, it can also be daunting. Where do you even start? Will you be successful? What do you do if [insert random fear here]? How do I get the word out? 

For over 15 years, I’ve trained at and visited hundreds of different academies, all over the world. I’ve taken note about what works and what doesn’t. I’ve created this multi-part series called “BJJ Academy Dreams” to give you tips and ideas that will help your academy thrive… so you can share your passion for jiu-jitsu to others. 

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Welcome to part three on how to create a great kid’s BJJ program. As I mentioned in part one and two, a good kid’s program is one of the most essential parts of a successful jiu-jitsu academy.

If done right, the kid’s program can become the most stable and largest source of revenue, covering the academy’s major expenses, allowing for coaches’ salaries, and becoming the primary source of natural marketing (kids and parents love to tell their friends about this cool martial art they’re learning).

In this series so far, I’ve provided insight into how to craft a good kid’s program, and what it takes to be a good – and eventually great – kid’s BJJ instructor. In part one, I talked about the structure of a good kid’s BJJ program: the importance of a consistent format, a well-planned curriculum, a reasonable coach-to-student ratio and the role of games. In part two, I focused on best practices concerning the instruction of kid’s classes. In this third part, I’ll be covering some of the biggest challenges related to kid’s classes, and tips on how to deal with them. 

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Welcome to part two on how to create a great kid’s BJJ program. As I mentioned in part one,  a good kid’s program is one of the most essential parts of a successful jiu-jitsu academy.

If done right, the kid’s program can become the most stable and biggest source of revenue, covering the academy’s major expenses, allowing for coach salaries, and becoming the main source of natural marketing (kids and parents love to tell their friends about this cool martial art they’re learning).

In this three-part series, I want to provide insight into how to craft a good kid’s program, and what it takes to be a good – and eventually great – kid’s BJJ instructor. In part one, I talked about the structure of a good kid’s BJJ program: the importance of a consistent format, a well-planned curriculum, a reasonable coach-to-student ratio and the role of games. Part two centers on the actual instruction.

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Nowhere is it growing faster than among the youth. Kid’s jiu-jitsu classes around the world are jam-packed with students. For many academies, the children’s memberships alone cover their rent and basic expenses, and then some. A kid’s program is the bread-and-butter of any good academy… if done right.

A good kid’s BJJ program depends on two things: the structure of the program, and the quality of its instructors. In this three-part series, I provide some insight into how to craft a good kid’s program, and what it takes to be a good – and eventually great – kid’s BJJ instructor.

In Part 1, I talk about how a good program structure leads to better learning and retention, and a better overall experience, for the kids. 

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As some of you might have already heard, the IBJJF has updated their jiu-jitsu gi regulations for competitors.

Don’t freak. Many of you won’t be affected. While the rules do increase the restrictions on fabrics, fit and placement of details, they aren’t terribly extreme. However, some of you may have to take care when selecting the gis you plan on bringing to your next competition. Additionally, the rules don’t go into effect until after the IBJJF World Championships (at the end of May).  

We took a look at the new rules and decided a quick cheat-sheet is necessary, especially for all of you who might be too lazy to look it up yourselves. (It’s okay, we’re not judging). 

Without further ado, here are the major changes...

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