There are two main roles for a BJJ or MMA coach. First teaching the techniques, tactics, and strategies of BJJ & MMA and second creating the correct training environment for students to improve.
Most aspiring coaches myself included focus on the first part. They think I will be a more successful coach if I can learn as many moves as possible or memorise as many details or intricacies about those techniques. It certainly helps to have a deep knowledge and understanding of the sport but over the years I’ve realized that the second skill is more important.
The aspiring student needs instruction from a qualified coach but more importantly, they need access to good training partners in order to improve. Good training partners enable you to improve and reach your potential.
My number one role as a coach is to create a room full of good training partners. This is easier said than done and requires constant supervision and improvement. Over the years I’ve realised that it comes down to ‘getting the right people on the bus and getting the wrong people off the bus’. Make sure that everyone in the room has the same goals and objectives with their training.
Just a few lazy students or people with the wrong attitude can cause problems for everyone. It’s easy to just turn a blind eye but the coach’s job is to call out the wrong types of behaviour and uphold the expected standard.
As a coach you can’t be everyone’s best mate but if you want to get results in your training you need coaches who are willing to make the tough decisions that are in the best interests of the team.
