Last night was the first night of my children's program. I've had my own academy for 4 years now, but always shied away from teaching kids- as my own three kids give me more than I can already handle on most days.
However, I finally took the plunge, and it was a really fun experience. Not going to lie- I took a lot from the Gracie Bullyproof series, as I think those crazy Gracie brothers teach some awesome stuff, and I love their games and curriculum for the kids. The series is also really useful as it is fun and engaging for all ages, and does not require a gi (I'm letting all of my child students train for the remainder of July for free- so many don't have gi's yet).
We had 15 children and 2 adults participate, which was awesome, as it's hard to be so excited about teaching and only having 1-2 people show up (I've been there plenty of days when I first started the school).
The only bummer was that I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the kids class. However, late last night, one of the parents (who is a student of mine as well), sent me some pics he took.
I will always be grateful that he did- as he was able to document not only my first children's class, but the first time I taught my own children (in a class setting).
Here's the awesome pic- I'm teaching my oldest son, Dominic, how to maintain the mount position. (In case you were wondering - we have a very multi-cultural family- I'm Chinese, my ex wife is White (Irish/Italian), we adopted Dominic at 4 days old, who is part Black/ part White, and we have two biological twins (who are also in the picture).
I already ordered dodgeballs for the next class- I think the kids were more excited about the possibility of ending class with dodgeball than learning the single leg X guard.
Once those dodgeballs come out, those kids are going to have a blast! You should take a road trip up to Richmond to watch some of our classes (and steal ideas). The instructors are good at keeping the kids engaged.
Once those dodgeballs come out, those kids are going to have a blast! You should take a road trip up to Richmond to watch some of our classes (and steal ideas). The instructors are good at keeping the kids engaged.
Thanks for the offer! I might have to take you up on it someday! (I'm just really lazy about driving or I would have visited a long time ago)
Once those dodgeballs come out, those kids are going to have a blast! You should take a road trip up to Richmond to watch some of our classes (and steal ideas). The instructors are good at keeping the kids engaged.
Adults like dodgeball too! We've had way more injuries in dodgeball than we ever did training BJJ.
kying418 - Yes! I love him- I wouldnt ignore your question!
Oh, no biggie - he and I were roommates at Harvard a looooonnnnnggg time ago.
I don't recall him having any interest in martial arts stuff.... and yet, when we connected on Facebook a ways back, I noticed he posted a number of BJJ-related things, esp. pics from a Marcelo Garcia-based school in Florida (and he was from Buffalo or s/w in New York, so that was odd).
I just put two and two together that his posts were about you ;-)
And back on topic - yeah, I love the Bullyproof stuff too, I teach it to my kids and have bought 3 extra sets for various friends and family for them to use with their kids...
Once those dodgeballs come out, those kids are going to have a blast! You should take a road trip up to Richmond to watch some of our classes (and steal ideas). The instructors are good at keeping the kids engaged.
Thanks for the offer! I might have to take you up on it someday! (I'm just really lazy about driving or I would have visited a long time ago)
Running a gym has that potential to make you marginally less lazy.
I already ordered dodgeballs for the next class- I think the kids were more excited about the possibility of ending class with dodgeball than learning the single leg X guard.
endochokedme - whats a good age to get kids started in BJJ?
Whenever they are ready. I have taught attentive 7 year olds and unfocused 14 year olds, so each kid is different. I did some spot teaching of a 4 & 5 year olds class....Didn't think I would make it to day 2 the way day 1 went, but luck and attention-getting strategies were on my side. Fun times!
