“It’s great to train hard and become a champion, but it’s greater to become a good human being” Jean Jacques Machado

@Andy DeJesus I’ve only watched his online stuff, but he seems like a very empathetic, calm and structured coach😊 Maybe some day there’ll be an opportunity to train with some of the role models in BJJ😊

Thank you🙏

We do 60min classes for the 8-12yo group in the gym I’m at, and that’s kind of what I’m used to with kids both in BJJ and Taekwondo. I think that how the class is run is more important than if it’s 45 or 60min. Though of course, the younger the kids are, the shorter time they can focus their attention. I’m used to a traditional IP approach to coaching, and that is also the mostly used coaching style in the gym. What I see with the kids though, is that several kids tend to lose focus when explaining take to long or include to much information (and it doesn’t take much before it’s to much). Or if they don’t “get it” right away. A 60min classes can feel very long for both kids and coaches if focus gets lost. I’ve currently started learning about and trying out the CLA approach to coaching, with more games and a playful approach to learning. So far I’ve found this works really well. It seems to keep the kids more engaged, the class flows better and it feels less stressful as a coach. Instructions is kept as short and simple as possible, giving the kids clear goals to work on in each game. I don’t know if a CLA only class is to prefer, but I think a combination of IP and CLA can be a good approach to keeping kids engaged and focused in 60min classes. Then again I know other gyms who run 45min CLA only classes with kids, and the kids seems both happy, content and with energy well spent. For them a 60min classes can feel like too much.

@Jason Reno That’s like the best feeling, when the class flow, time flies and the kids want more😊 Well done!

Thank you professor🙏 I really like those exercises!

My kids (14 and 11yo) train with me at home. The competitive sports style at the gym is just not their thing. To introduce them to martial art I combined my knowledge from Taekwondo and what I learned through the Bullyproof program at Gracie University. The parent guide there, which among other things focus on fun, empowerment and mastery, was a great guideline for me and helped a lot to get the kids engaged. I try to focus on: To be conscious about expectations to myself and the kids. Making sure it doesn’t take away the fun. Be patient. As long as we train together and have fun, they will want to do it again, and with time they will learn. If they smile, they learn. Everyone learns differently. Some learn best by hearing things explained, some by being shown, and some by feeling. I try to adapt to the kids, and make sure they get high fives and hugs. Physical appraisal is more valuable than verbal only. I take the responsibility to make sure we train safe and adjust intensity to appropriate resistance. Sometimes they win, sometimes they don’t. But they get the opportunity to experience and grow through the training. But most of all - just having fun together