Teaching children Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is about far more than techniques, drills, or keeping them busy on the mats. It is about understanding how children learn, how they think under pressure, and how coaching choices shape confidence, behaviour, and long-term development.
Coaching the Next Generation bridges the worlds of classroom education and martial arts instruction, offering a clear, practical guide to teaching children with intention, empathy, and structure.
Written by experienced educator and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Ali Bayley, this book draws on educational practice, sports pedagogy, and real-world coaching to show how evidence-based teaching can transform children's learning experiences on the mat.
Inside, you will explore:
How children learn movement, decision-making, and problem-solving through different coaching methods
When to use direct instruction, games-based learning, constraints-led practice, and athlete-centred approaches
How to build confidence, resilience, focus, and emotional regulation alongside technical skill
Practical strategies for behaviour management, safeguarding, and working effectively with parents
Real session reflections that show how theory translates into day-to-day coaching
Rather than prescribing a rigid system, Coaching the Next Generation helps coaches adapt their teaching to different ages, abilities, and needs. The focus is not on creating perfect techniques, but on developing capable, confident learners who feel safe, supported, and motivated to grow.
This book is ideal for: Martial arts instructors teaching children and teens, youth sports coaches seeking evidence-based methods, educators interested in learning through movement & parents who want to understand what great coaching really looks like.
"An intelligent manuscript on how to inspire children with our beloved martial art." Mauricio Gomes, Coral Belt & "Godfather" of British Jiu Jitsu