At Straight Blast Gym we take pride in our dedication to nurturing minds through the art of Jiu Jitsu. Our programs, for children are not focused on teaching martial arts techniques but on instilling valuable life skills and principles. Behind the success of our Kids Jiu Jitsu programs at SBG Buford and SBG Atlanta you’ll find our coaches, Montana and Lawson. Lets take a moment to learn more about them and the passion they bring to their coaching.
Montana: Inspiring Young Warriors
Inspiration and the Journey to Coaching
Montana’s path into coaching was quite fortuitous. Before stepping into the world of arts he had a strong desire to work with children. His love for assisting kids led him down the path of coaching as he pursued his martial arts journey. He began by teaching children at another gym. Has never looked back since.
Unforgettable Coaching Moments
Montana’s enthusiasm for coaching is continually reaffirmed. One heartwarming memory involves a student who presented him with a frog shaped eraser along with a purple belt as a token of appreciation that deeply touched his heart. These moments serve as reminders of the impact he has, on his students lives.
Coaching Approach:
Montana’s coaching style combines a balance of love. Nurturing self expression. He strongly believes that children should embrace their selves both on and, off the mats as this leads to personal growth.
Life Skills and Values:
Jiu Jitsu imparts life skills with self confidence being a top priority for Montana. He sees Jiu Jitsu as a tool that boosts self esteem through executing moves on opponents.
Catering to Needs:
Recognizing that every child has their unique path to development Montana emphasizes building personal connections with his students before assessing their skill levels. This personalized approach enables him to establish expectations and provide tailored guidance.
Fostering Confidence:
Montana shares an anecdote about a student who experienced remarkable transformation over time. By taking the effort to truly understand the child and pairing them with peers he witnessed tremendous growth in both confidence and communication skills.
Discipline and Respect:
According to Montana, discipline and respect are crucial qualities, in a childs martial arts journey. He instills these values by allowing his students to make decisions during class while also experiencing the consequences of their actions.
Teamwork and Companionship:
Encouraging a growth mindset Montana places emphasis on fostering teamwork among his students.He believes in the idea that by helping one another we indirectly help ourselves. He also emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting each other.
Parental Advice:
Montana advises parents to have faith, in the process and not solely focus on outcomes. The growth and development of a child hold significance than results.
Personal Hobbies:
Apart from coaching Montana finds joy in drawing and listening to death metal music. Patience, a value he highly regards serves as a thread connecting these interests with his coaching philosophy.
Lawson: Creating Fun and Learning Opportunities
Surprising Inspiration:
Lawsons path into coaching took a turn. Initially hesitant about working with children he was invited by his mentors to coach the age group known as “micro monkeys.” This opportunity became a turning point redirecting his career from fighting to coaching.
Reaffirmation of Passion:
Lawson recalls a day when a young student named Eden expressed gratitude after class and gave him a hug. This simple act reminded him of the significance his role, as a coach holds and how it can make an impact.
Coaching Approach:
Lawson adopts an approach that’s both firm and fun. He believes in imparting the joy of grappling through transforming skills and positions into games enabling children to learn while enjoying themselves.
Key Life Skills:
One of the lessons Lawson imparts to his students is the value of hard work. He emphasizes that putting in effort pays off in mastering any skill or overcoming challenges.
Adapting to Ages and Skill Levels:
Lawson has simplified his teaching approach to be effective, for both children and adults. He focuses on core principles like posture and balance in every lesson regardless of the students age or level of expertise.
Overcoming Shyness:
Lawson shared an inspiring story about a student who gradually gained confidence. Through support and allowing the child to progress at their pace he witnessed a remarkable transformation.
Discipline and Respect:
Lawson ensures that students demonstrate respect towards both him and their peers. By emphasizing how their actions impact the group he instills a sense of responsibility.
Friendship:
Lawson incorporates teamwork into games and activities. He underscores the importance of working towards success fostering an inclusive environment.
Advice for Parents:
His recommendation to parents is to enroll their children in Jiu Jitsu classes without delay. The documented benefits of discipline, socialization, exercise, focus along, with self defense skills make it a worthwhile choice.
Personal Interests:
Alongside coaching Lawson finds fulfillment in volunteering at animal shelters.
This experience has taught him the importance of understanding and helping others, which he incorporates into his coaching philosophy.
Montana and Lawson are more, than coaches; they are mentors who have an impact on the lives of our young martial artists. Their commitment, compassion and enthusiasm are the driving forces, behind the success of our Kids Jiu Jitsu programs. Through their guidance children not learn Jiu Jitsu. Also gain valuable life skills that will benefit them long after they leave the mats. We appreciate having them as members of our SBG community as they shape the generation one lesson at a time.
