How To Get Into Teaching
The Steps I Took To Become A Bjj Instructor
TL;DR In This Issue
Your Purpose: Ask yourself, WHY do you want to teach.
The Tools You’ll: Communication, Self Reflection, and Emotional Intelligence.
Understanding The Role: This comes at a deep sacrifice.
Bonus Audio: E90 | Bonus Ep | The Real Win As A Coach
How To Get Into Teaching
Most people will have a different story on how and even why they got into teaching. Some had an itch for it long before they were ready, while others reluctantly moved into the position after some encouragement.
I was a little of both.
I knew I wanted to teach, but I’m also a massive introvert who has never been strong when it came to public speaking or being the center of attention.
A Tapped In Episode You Might Like
E134 | Bonus | Everything You Want Is Downstream
How I Got Into Teaching
I got into teaching after my being asked to help as an assistant instructor for Gracie San Diego’s Jr’s program. While I got a lot out of it, it wasn’t until I started teaching and running my own program that I really learned the art of instruction.
The 3-7 Year olds ended up becoming the cornerstone of how I approach teaching adults.
Kids, are brutally honest and have limited attention spans. They require you to be engaging and fun, while also pleasing the parents who are watching everything.
Ask Yourself, Why Do You Want To Teach?
Unfortunately, some people jump into this role driven by ego and validation.
If you are driven by ego or money, your students will eventually pick up on it. You really need to be driven by wanting to be of service to others. At the end of the day, that’s what the role is genuinely about.
Ask yourself, do you enjoy or care about the following..
Helping Others.
Studying What Doesn’t Interest You.
Safety and Culture.
What Will You Need
As an instructor, you have to have a suite of tools at your disposal. The most important skillset are centered around people. Your people skills will be the determining factor on if you’re going to be successful or not.
Emotional Intelligence
Patience
Strong Communication
Technical Understanding
Class Management And Awareness
Understanding The Role You Play
I knew the importance of being an instructor, but I didn’t quite understand all of the hats that I would end up wearing.
You’ll find yourself serving as a mental coach, a competition coach, a mentor, and confidant to many of your students. While no one is expecting you to be an expert in all of these roles, understanding your limitations and how to navigate threw roles is important.
Invest in classes, online or in person. It’ll make all of this easier for you.
This community is FREE to join!
You’ll have full access to General Discussion, Q&A, Technique Breakdowns, Recorded Work Shops, and Audio Courses.
Thank you for reading.
David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching Bjj
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!