Help your child during class.

From the Sidelines: Dos and Don'ts for Parents Watching Kids' Class (Guidance on supporting without 'over-coaching')

At our academy, we love the energy and support that parents bring. Seeing you on the sidelines, invested in your child's journey, is fantastic. We are partners in this, with the shared goal of helping your child build confidence, resilience, and a deep love for Jiu-Jitsu.

To make this partnership work best, we want to share some insight into how we teach and how you can be the most effective supporter from the side.

Why We Encourage "Mistakes"

You might see your child "mess up" or "fail" at a task during our games. Our coaching approach (based on Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints-Led Approach) is built on this!

We don't teach by "rote drilling." Instead, we design games and scenarios that challenge kids to discover solutions for themselves. In this system, mistakes are not failures; they are the main ingredient for learning. When a child tries something and it doesn't work, their brain is getting crucial feedback. This process of trial and error is what builds adaptable, creative problem-solvers.

The "Don'ts" (How "Over-Coaching" Hurts Learning)

This is where well-intentioned sideline coaching can accidentally slow down learning.

• DON'T Coach from the Side: Shouting "Move your hip!" or "Grab the arm!" pulls your child's focus away from solving the problem themselves. It makes them dependent on external instructions rather than their own critical thinking.
• DON'T Scold for Mistakes: Phrases like "Why did you let them pass?" or showing visible frustration when they "lose" a game tells your child that making mistakes is bad. This can stop them from taking the risks needed to improve.

The "Dos" (How to Be Their Biggest Supporter)

• DO Be Their Biggest Fan: Your child is on the mat. We are not. Cheer! Applaud! A simple "Great job!" or "Awesome effort!" is all they need. Let your presence be a source of calm, positive energy.
• DO Praise the Process, Not the Outcome: After class, instead of "Did you win?", try asking, "What was your favorite part?" or "I saw you trying really hard in that game, that was awesome!"
• DO Trust the Coaches: We have a plan. We are intentionally letting kids struggle a bit because that's where the growth happens. Your child is safe, having fun, and learning to be a problem-solver.

Thank you for being such a vital part of our community. By working together, we can help your child become a confident and resilient individual, both on and off the mats.