Emmanuela Oliveira 
As a Jiu-Jitsu black-belt and professor, what are your priorities and goals in this role? Passing on the teachings of martial arts is a huge responsibility, and unfortunately, not all teachers are aware of this. A future world champion can choose a academy, for example, while still in a trial class. For this, the professor’s charisma, methodology and way of teaching are determining factors. Paving the way for success as a professional who passes on Jiu-Jitsu is an activity that depends exclusively on you.
Roney Edler, a black-belt born in Brazil, was aware of these facts when he decided to make a living from Jiu-Jitsu. He created a team from scratch with little incentive, Sertão BJJ, developed it with determination and new partnerships and today he witnesses the growth of the team. Now a professor in the United States, Roney listed, in an interview with VF Comunica, fundamental points for those who want to, once and for all, succeed as a Jiu-Jitsu professor.
Stay tuned and get to work!
- PASSION
It is essential to love what you do. When love is the main reason behind what we do, success is a natural consequence.
- UPDATE
Always try to be open to learning both inside and outside the gym, with other professors from different Jiu-Jitsu schools. With the development of the sport around the world, the exchange of knowledge between teams has become a necessity.
- CREATIVITY
Be creative and reinvent yourself, always within the real possibilities that Jiu-Jitsu offers in terms of technique, so that students become even more involved with the Gentle Art.
- COMMUNICATION
Being able to communicate clearly and directly with students makes all the difference. This will make it easier for them to assimilate the techniques and, consequently, learn.
- COMMITMENT
Be committed and punctual to classes. Last-minute cancellations are also unacceptable. This makes students feel insecure and uncertain about attending classes.
- EMPATHY
Always put yourself in the student’s shoes and be willing to help, without exception. Remember that you were once an inexperienced athlete. A student who feels supported will hardly abandon the sport or leave you for another professor.
- SELF-ASSESSMENT
You need to know how to assess yourself and thus improve on what you have identified as a weakness. Be humble and have the wisdom to listen to those who are on the outside, because they have a more privileged view. It’s like a coach who observes a fight outside the mat and has more clarity to suggest moves that will work. Think about it.
