The differences between a good coach and a great one may be subtle, but they can make a world of difference. Knowledge, ability to demonstrate drills and organizational skills are important. But traits like humility, compassion, effective communication, passion and advanced leadership separate the best from the rest.
In Boise, Idaho, one of the best has been emerging toward the highest levels in his field and across all channels. I first met Jiu Jitsu athlete and coach Mitch Coats while working for Troy McClain (of Donald Trump's Season One Apprentice fame) at his Boise office. McClain shares the same office building and trains with Coats.
"Success leaves tracks. So follow them." - Troy McClain (A Mitch Coats Jiu Jitsu student)
Here are some of the qualities I have noticed by being able to observe this master teacher since 2015:
Every coach wants to win, but not at the expense of skill development. Coats recognizes that it’s about his students, not the man behind the bench. He doesn't measure his success by his trophy case, but by the smiles on the participants faces, their improvement on the Jiu Jitsu mat and their passion for the martial arts.
Coats, who practices a unique form known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, takes the time to get to know his practitioners, on and off the mat. He makes the effort to listen, be understanding and treat participants with respect. He knows that their team is only as strong as its weakest individual and works hard to give every fighter the chance to improve.
Coats, who practices a unique form known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, takes the time to get to know his practitioners, on and off the mat. He makes the effort to listen, be understanding and treat participants with respect. He knows that their team is only as strong as its weakest individual and works hard to give every fighter the chance to improve.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using joint-locks and chokeholds to force an opponent to submit or give up.
BJJ encourages free sparring against a live, resisting opponent (also know as “rolling”). Practitioners therefore have the opportunity to test and develop their skills under realistic conditions, while minimizing the risk of injury. SOURCE: combatfitness.com.
A coach can have all the technical knowledge in the world but if he can’t communicate and teach effectively, that brain power is useless. The clear communication that I have seen Coats demonstrate stems from realizing how each person learns. He crafts and tailors the information to reach each intended target. He knows how to deliver criticism and praise in a way that participants take to heart.
When a coach has a passion for the game and the team, it makes the experience a fruitful one. Coats' excitement for martial arts and for continuous improvement is contagious.
This true Jiu Jitsu master offers direction and motivation to help his team reach their goals. They have a plan, are organized and develop strategies to encourage each other. They believe in themselves and work together. Coats leads an enthusiastic, excelling, growing team by personal example.
Stop by and meet Mitch Coats at The Base Training Center in Boise. And get ready for an experience that will change your life.
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