JiuJitsu career-wise...

[Nate Musick]

Hey 10th Planet!

I'm posting this thread hoping I can get some serious responses from Eddie and Chris H. hopefully, but anyone with ideas is certainly welcome to post.

I've been in the hard martial arts game now for about 3 years, practicing 10th Planet JJ, Brazilian JJ, muay Thai and wrestling. It's been such a good thing for me and I've thought about capitalizing on this and making it a career. Does anyone know of anything that can be done to get your foot in the door in a martial arts business? I've asked my instructor about cleaning the gym, instructing classes...I'm just looking for something to wrack my brain with.

Thanks guys

[MichaelCarrillo3]

Funny someone should ask this.

A coach at my school suggested I should start teaching a morning class. I've been wanting to teach since I started learning.

As far as a career. It probably helps to be some sort of multiple gold medalist, invent some techniques or be related to jiu jitsu royalty. At least study under someone highly-esteemed.

Once an intelligent person is familiar with your skill, temperament and teaching style, they'll decide whether to study with you based on that. But getting students into the door is probably a lot about marketing. That's where the previous attributes I mentioned will probably help.

You've been training longer than me by about a year. You might not have control over all the things that can benefit you but surely you can control some. Start teaching a kids class/morning class where you train now. Try to get a certification through a bigger school. Teach private classes in peoples homes. Build up your resume slowly so you can slowly command more numbers.

Keep us updated. I'm sure others also want to know about this.

[Jesse Bell]

I have been looking for the same answers. This is my ultimate dream. I love to teach. Unlike you I'm still a baby in this system. Hopefully with the hard work I will continue to put in I will get an opportunity to teach one day.

[Stephan Pepin]

I aswell would love to teach someday. That is the ultimate goal!

[Jesse Bell]

Hey Stephan, If you ever come through Montreal, stop by and roll with us.

[Nate Musick]

Everyone has good ideas so far. Does anyone know anything about getting a certification through a bigger school like MC3 mentioned? I'd like for this thread not to kick soon so everyone get some input in

[Jon Helton]

I got a good bit to say on this, but I don't feel like typing that much on my phone. I'll try to chime in tonight.

[MichaelCarrillo3]

*it rises from the ashes

Gracie Academy has a new Instructor Certification Program. It's pricey but seems valuable. http://www.gracieacademy.com/instruc...tification.asp

[Chris Leavelle]

Morning classes is a good way to get a few more people in the gym and would be a great place for you to start

[Chris Herzog]

The reality is...........its very difficult. Its taken me over 25 years to get where I am now. I just started teaching full time 1.5 years ago and I still struggle and make less than I did when I was a case manager in the human services field (and I made shit then). However I couldn't be happier, and love every minute of my day now. Be persistent, refuse to give up, and prepare to work your ass off, and take care of your mind and body. Public speaking and coaching courses are a must, also some phys ed, person training classes would benefit as well. I've meet some great competitors that had great skill but couldn't teach their way out of a paper bag, they knew what THEY needed to do to make techniques work, but they couldn't articulate at all and their students suffered because of it.

Study all styles of grappling. My guys usually have a significant edge because of the various grappling arts I integrate into what I teach. Kids classes are huge, my morning and noon class are hit and miss depending on the time of year (obviously weather for us). Very important to remember as a teacher/coach, the average student where you teach will not be a competitor/mma fighter, gear your programs accordingly, or you can push students away.