I look at these little (and not so little, some of them are taller than me!) humans sometimes and expect their little brains
(which are huge and hilarious and unique and beautiful) to "close your guard, shin across the belly, ACROSS THE BELLY, now sweep, SWEEP...yes, yes, yes...now ARMBAR...not THAT arm 🤭 ( IYKYK)!" and yet, they do it. They do it, without question, with so much confidence.
I wondered why, and then I realized....they believe in me, as their coach.
I believe in them, as my students.
Tonight, we started a new program. I watched their excited faces, and eager smiles walk through the door. I put their gis on, and tied their belts. Every single one of them were brand new to Jiu-Jitsu.
It was a gentle reminder of how far my students have come from their first days on the mats, some have been with us from the beginning 10 YEARS AGO! That makes me feel old...and damn proud.
It was also a reminder of how far I have come as a coach. I started coaching at white belt. It propelled my Jiu-Jitsu journey incredibly, I was able to focus on the details, remember flows and movements that were fluid and made sense. I also learned what didn't work, in Jiu-Jitsu and as a coach. As much as I have taught the kids I've coached over the years they have given me so much more. They teach me, and fill my heart. I truly believe this is what I was meant to do.
So here is to another 10 years of coaching. I'm sure it will be fun and fart filled.
❤️~Prof. Christa