Teaching BJJ: Explanation, Recall and Application
10 related references (techniques and positions)
In Teaching BJJ to Kids, John Connors and Jon Grayzel describe lessons built around purpose, identification, execution and application. The final phase is students trying the technique with partners against gradually increasing resistance. Connors says he uses the presentation format in adult classes as well.
During explanations, he asks students to recall the next step and offers hints or the answer when they struggle. The article also describes positional practice followed by free grappling. It is a concrete account of one teaching approach, rather than a standardized instructor curriculum.
Is this for you?
- You teach children or adults and want a clear account of how explanation, recall and partner practice can fit into a BJJ class.
Also consider
Blue to Purple: Development and Promotion — For student development and the distinction between technical breadth and belt recognition.
Coverage and limits
- Explaining why a technique matters before identifying it and demonstrating its steps.
- Recall questions with hints or answers for students who need help.
- Partner application with increasing resistance, positional practice and free grappling.
Limits
- The article reports one instructor’s approach; it does not compare the effectiveness of different teaching methods.
- Promotion standards and instructor certification are outside its scope.
Sources Expand for evidence and notes
Independent BJJGraph guide. Not authored or endorsed by the instructor.
Teaching BJJ to Kids — John Connors and Jon Grayzel — public instruction; checked 2026-09-16. Read the guest article and its four-part presentation format, prompted recall and positional practice description. It reports the authors’ teaching approach, rather than a comparison proving one method best. Inspected: Article text, especially the Why/What/How/What If and Active Recall paragraphs