By Jamie VarnerInspired by a Ryan Hall interview I am a coach. But what, exactly, is an instructor—and how is that role different from mine? Most of us have had instructors. Fewer of us have had a true coach. Instructors teach skills; coaches shape people. Both are valuable. Both can be excellent. But they do […]
Coach vs. Instructor: Why the Difference Changes Lives Read More »
Coaching & Culture
By Coach Kevin A local promoter contacted me about a BJJ superfight on his MMA card a couple of months ago. I’ve been active on the regional jiu-jitsu scene for years and built a bit of a following here in Florida, so I get these offers often. There was a time—really not that long ago—when
Talent Gets You In The Game; But Pride, Character, And Accountability Keep You There Read More »
Coaching & Culture
By Coach Kevin Written in 2022 Ricardo De La Riva is a pillar of the jiu-jitsu community — a living link to the foundations of our art. To many, he represents honor, mastery, and the Bushido code. But for decades, the same patriarchal values promoted by the old guard have been handcuffed to an outdated,
Ricardo De La Riva’s Legacy of Misogyny Read More »
Coaching & Culture
Everyone knows I love competitive jiu-jitsu. Spend five minutes with me and you’ll hear about my matches, my medals, and my obsession with the game. But now that I own an academy, my focus has shifted. My passion isn’t fueled by my own competition schedule anymore—it’s by my students. Watching them succeed fires me up
Coaching Jim: The Real Reason I Love Jiu-Jitsu Read More »
Coaching & Culture
Sometimes the toughest injuries to cope with leave no visible wounds. I suffer from long-term concussion issues that can sideline my training for weeks at a time and leave me crippled with anxiety and depression. The most challenging part is that I appear to be fine. I don’t have a cast or brace on my
Tapping Into Healing: Dr. Gino Collura on Jiu-Jitsu and PTSD Read More »
Coaching & Culture