BJJ Mental Models Ep. 341: Jiu-Jitsu Is a Team Sport, feat. Francesco Fonte
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Jun 9, 2025 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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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.
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.
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.