Francesco Fonte, head coach at Sportschule Next Level in Germany, shares his insights on making Jiu-Jitsu feel like a team sport. He highlights the importance of playful training environments that foster community and encourage learning through experimentation. Francesco discusses how humor and camaraderie enhance gym culture, making it inclusive for both hobbyists and competitors. He emphasizes viewing mistakes as growth opportunities and cultivating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can thrive. Join him for tips on building connections in the sport!
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insights INSIGHT
Jiu-Jitsu as a Team Sport
Jiu-Jitsu is more than a one-on-one fight; it's fundamentally a team sport at the gym level.
The gym should act as a 'third place' where people connect socially beyond training.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Shift Mindset with Gamification
Promote a playful, gamified approach to training to reduce stress and competition tension.
Use inside jokes and relaxed moods to transform the partner into a teammate, not a rival.
insights INSIGHT
Sparring Like Skateboarding Tricks
Viewing jiu-jitsu sparring like a skateboarder trying tricks encourages experimentation and removes the fear of failure.
Pulling off a "trick" on your partner becomes a moment of shared fun, not conflict.
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In this episode, we're joined by Francesco Fonte, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu head coach from Sportschule Next Level in Germany! Francesco explores the idea of Jiu-Jitsu as a team sport. He explains how fostering a relaxed, playful training environment not only builds community but also accelerates learning by encouraging experimentation and removing the fear of mistakes. Drawing on his experiences organizing camps and running a diverse gym, Francesco highlights the value of humor, inside jokes, and a “third place” culture where people feel at home on the mats. Together, they discuss how hobbyists and competitors alike can thrive in inclusive gyms that prioritize connection over competition.
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