As parents, we all want the best for our children—especially when it comes to their development in sports like Jiu-Jitsu. It’s natural to want to guide them, give them tips, and encourage them from the sidelines. But when it comes to their progress on the mats, one of the best ways to support them is by stepping back and letting the coaches do their job.

The Importance of Letting Coaches Coach

At Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club, our coaches are not only experienced practitioners, but they’re also skilled at teaching kids in a structured, supportive way. Jiu-Jitsu is a complex martial art, and it takes time for kids to grasp techniques, develop confidence, and learn discipline. When parents try to coach from the sidelines, even with the best intentions, it can actually cause more harm than good.

Why Parent Coaching Can Be a Problem

1. It Confuses the Child – Jiu-Jitsu techniques require precision and focus. When a child receives mixed instructions from both their coach and their parent, they don’t know who to listen to, which can slow down their learning.
2. It Can Add Pressure – Kids want to make their parents proud, but if they constantly hear corrections or instructions from the sidelines, they may feel extra pressure, making them more anxious rather than confident.
3. It Distracts the Class – If a child can see or hear their parent during class, they may become distracted instead of staying engaged with their instructor and teammates. This can take away from their experience and from the experience of others.

The Best Ways to Support Your Child in Jiu-Jitsu

Instead of coaching, here’s how you can help your child thrive in their Jiu-Jitsu journey:

• Encourage, Don’t Critique – After class, ask them how they felt and what they learned rather than pointing out mistakes. Let them process their own growth.
• Trust the Process – Jiu-Jitsu takes time. Your child won’t master every move overnight, but with consistent training and the guidance of their coaches, they will improve.
• Be Present Without Being a Distraction – We understand that parents love watching their kids train, but sometimes, just being in their line of sight can break their focus. If your child tends to look at you instead of paying attention to their coach, consider stepping out of view during class.
• Celebrate Effort, Not Just Wins – Whether they’re training or competing, focus on their effort rather than their performance. Jiu-Jitsu teaches resilience, and learning from mistakes is part of the journey.

Let’s Work Together

At Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club, we’re dedicated to helping your child grow, both on and off the mats. By trusting the coaches and allowing your child to fully engage in class, you’re setting them up for success in Jiu-Jitsu and beyond.

If you have any questions about your child’s progress, we encourage you to talk to the coaches outside of class time. We’re here to support both you and your child in this journey!

Ready to see how Jiu-Jitsu can benefit your child? Sign up for a free trial class today! Visit https://delmarjiujitsuclub.com/free-class/ to get started.