When I teach, or more specifically deal one on one in class with students, I identify what the current goal is of the student. It may be technique based. It may be health benefits. Weight Loss. Strength gain. Self Defense. Personal betterment. Professional aspirations. The list is vast.
I've learned a lot as a coach and understand that the white belts goals and the brown belt's goals are equally important. Tyically, the newer belts require more time honing those than those of the advanced belts. However, the complexity of some of the goals of the advanced belts may require more sophisticated solutions.
What are some of the current goals of my students? Let me share so you get an idea of what the dynamic is like on the mat for the 'coach'. Its more than just showing up and 'showing a move.' There is a ton of things going on in the background which no one really thinks about.
-How do I get better or work around my injury?
-How do I practice enough to get ready for my belt test?
-I am moving and I am sad leaving my gym family. How do I restart in my new city?
-I need to refine my striking for my jiu jitsu. I need more tools for self defense.
-I want to win competitions and build a resume of success to eventually open up my own academy.
-How to I stay competitive with the younger killers in the gym. Its different being over 40.
-I get anxiety when I roll because everyone comes after me because I am (stronger, better, faster) than the average student. I just want to learn and not have death matches.
-I tap all the time.I don't want to tap all the time.
-How do I become a better teacher?
Then there are goals which some students don't realize they need to tackle and that is where the coach also comes in to help. These include:
-I only go to grappling sessions and avoid technique class.
-I only go to technique class and avoid grappling class.
-I need sensitivity training and must learn to roll light.
-I need to learn when to turn it up and gain aggression when needed.
-I avoid rolling with certain people. I am selective all the time.
-I need to slow down and realize that Rome wasn't built in a day. My goals will come but I can't rush them.
-My GF/BF/Wife/Husband/Partner doesn't understand why I need Jiu Jitsu. How can I let them know.
-I have a ton of excuses why I don't show up to class but seldom tackle the real reason.
Jiu Jitsu is hard. There are so many factors. So many layers to it. When I grapple, I am facing my opponent, myself, the days events, my fatigue, my hunger, my injuries, my mental game. There is so much going on that will effect how we do in any given class. As teachers we actually sacrifice our own training in order to help our student base. I have zero regret for doing it. I love seeing them succeed. THAT is my payoff.
I'll never be a world class competitor. At 43, and starting later in my journey, that's just they way things are. It isn't important to me. What I want is my students to smash their goals and know that I am here to help them in any way I can to make that happen.
Goals are important. Without them, you float aimlessly in the universal ocean. By your own power, you can steer your own ship....and its nice to have people to help guide along the way. I know I have had those people.
Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it has left you.
