What happens when a brand-new face walks into your Jiu-Jitsu class? Do you feel welcoming, nervous, or excited like a shark that smells fear and fresh meat?
Whether you’re the seasoned black belt, a relatively new white belt, or somewhere in between, how you welcome a newcomer can shape their entire Jiu-Jitsu journey. Or, you might unknowingly end it.
In this episode, we’re sharing the moments where your smallest gestures can change someone’s story…and yours. Every time someone new steps on the mats, it’s an opportunity for growth—yours and theirs.
We dig into why the way you welcome new students matters more than you think, and how the health of your gym depends on rising together to create an inviting and welcoming culture. You’ll get actionable dos and don’ts straight from our own growth experiment, plus ideas for making anyone feel at home, even if you’re an introvert (head nods count, promise!). By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to bring warmth and positivity to every class, build your training pool, and create the kind of environment people want to come back to.
Here’s the thing —it’s not all up to your coach. You and your teammates play a huge role in creating a gym culture that grows your team and brings people back for more.
If you’re a coach, you’ll want to listen to this episode and share it with your students.
Chapter Highlights
(00:00) How to welcome new people when they walk into Jiu-Jitsu class
(03:08) How your behavior changes the experience for new students
(04:15) Simple ways to help beginners feel comfortable on the mats
(05:44) How to make rolling safe and less overwhelming for first-timers
(07:13) Finding the balance between being friendly and teaching technique
(08:49) Why the coach needs to understand someone’s “why” for starting Jiu-Jitsu
(11:03) What not to do with a new person
(14:38) How to frame Jiu-Jitsu’s adaptability for new students
(17:45) Should you share Jiu-Jitsu horror stories with the new girl?
(22:05) Growing gym culture—why new students make you a better practitioner
We’re here to help you be the reason someone comes back for their second class.
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