BJJ Mental Models Ep. 375: Becoming a Kids Coach, feat. Andrew Green
Feb 2, 2026
Andrew Green, a 25-year martial arts coach and creator of the Kids Jiu-Jitsu Playbook, runs Innovative Martial Arts in Winnipeg. He explains why kids need developmentally appropriate coaching. Topics include building kids-first gym culture, gamified engagement like magazines and rewards, emotional regulation strategies, staffing and training coaches, and turning jiu-jitsu into life-skill development rather than just medals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Teach To Developmental Stage
- Understand developmental stages and adapt teaching methods for ages three to teens.
- Prioritize play and simple skills for tots, progressively add technical depth as kids age.
Make Culture Part Of The Program
- Build community activities into your program to replace adult socializing kids won't create themselves.
- Run events like Nerf nights, barbecues, and birthday parties to retain families.
Different Classes For Different Ages
- Expect big differences between 3–4, 5–7, 8–10, and teens and design classes accordingly.
- Give teens autonomy and leadership roles to earn respect and buy-in.