Teaching Kids BJJ Classes – Top 5 To Do’s

Guy & Rob — Thu, 04 May 2023 14:29:33 +0000

Saying that running kids BJJ classes is a difficult task is an understatement to say the least! BJJ is definitely one of the most challenging styles to teach kids, especially at very young ages.

There are many things to consider for running kids BJJ classes specifically. From setting expectations for behavior to teaching moves that are appropriate for their age and level of development/experience, it is important to ensure that the class is safe and fun for everyone involved.

Kids can learn the fundamentals of BJJ in a safe environment that caters to their individual needs, when you know the best practices of running classes. With proper guidance and instruction, these classes can provide children with an enjoyable experience while helping them develop important physical, cognitive, and social skills that will benefit them for years to come.

As more and more academies venture into teaching kids BJJ classes, it is important instructors are competent in teaching fun, high-energy, and educational classes. The following is our top 5 To Do’s for teaching great kids BJJ classes;

Top 5 To Do's

1. Be prepared!

Lesson plans are one of the most crucial pieces of any instructor’s toolbox. And that’s no different when teaching kids BJJ classes. Having a well thought out lesson plan that includes warm-ups, lessons, drills, mat chats, and games is the foundation of any great class. It is also important to have rotating warm-ups, lessons, games and drills so to prevent boredom in your students.

2. Teach the Perfect Lesson

Every instructor needs a systematic step by step approach to teaching the BJJ lessons, especially for kids! This is also extremely important when teaching kids at various ages and skill levels. We use the STEDEYE approach to teaching the lesson which allows us to systematically deliver the lesson and run this portion of the class.

3. Classroom Survival Tips

Having classroom management tools to maintain high energy and fun classes is important not only for the instructor but the kids too.

Countdowns are a great way to create a competitive and fun atmosphere for students. This will encourage them to hustle and move onto the next technique or exercise during class.

Floor spots allow you to implement a floor plan for the various sections of your class (i.e. warm-ups, lessons, drills, etc.) while having a cohesive and organized class.

Hand claps are another excellent way to spotlight students who are showing exemplary behavior and technique. This helps to guide other students in the expectations of class.

There are many more classroom management tools to utilize for the kids BJJ instructor.

4. Establish Mat Chats and a Life Skills Program

Parents don’t sign up their child to become the next IBJJF world champion. They sign them up so that Martial Arts helps their child become a better version of themselves. With a well structured and implemented life skills program through mat chats, instructors can help students learn the essential life skills all kids should learn (i.e. honesty, respect, integrity, etc.).

5. Know How to Prompt Good Behavior

Behavior management can be one of the more difficult sides of teaching good behavior. Instructors need a step by step procedure to prompt and correct good behavior. We have developed our “5 Steps to Prompting Good Behavior” to give instructors the exact protocols to follow.

One simple way to prompt good behavior is through proximity praise. When instructors notice non-desirable behaviors from a student, simply coming into close proximity oftentimes will prompt the student to straighten up and “behave” better.

Another great way to prompt good behavior is through verbal redirection with expectations. Sometimes students are having a bad day and they just need a friendly reminder of what’s expected in class.

Summary

Running kids BJJ classes is not easy, even for the most seasoned instructors. Having a systematic and tested approach to running classes is imperative to your success. Everything from a solid lesson plan, organized approach to teaching, classroom management tools, quality life skills program, and the ability to prompt good behavior will allow you to teach amazing kids bjj classes.

BJJ Kids Made Easy