Leadership in the academy (gym) is a topic that is rarely mentioned unless you are teaching a kid’s class. I personally see leadership principles and traits everyday in our owners and coaches.

“How is it that I see owners and coaches regularly demonstrating these principles and traits when we rarely bring them up in conversation?” I believe part of the answer is in the quality of people that are drawn to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner (and most martial artists) is extremely dedicated and loyal to the sport and the academy (there are many reasons for this, we will discuss later), their work ethic is second to none and their ability to endure hardship is incredible.

These alone are powerful traits, but alone they will not breed a successful academy. The owners and the coaches together need to have a vision, set the tone of the academy and lead from the front.

In my day job (Lieutenant/Paramedic in the fire service) I have to lead from the front in the fire station and on emergency scenes. I have a long way to go to becoming a solid company officer (basically the rest of my career) so to make positive strides every day I have to use what I have learned from my mentors, leaders and others I admire.

Over the next several months I will break down a document that has helped me tremendously in the fire service and in my academy (Impact Jiu-jitsu Newberg). This document is by General James L. Jones, Commandant of the Marine Corps and it is titled “Ten Principles for Marine Leaders”.

This document has been adapted by others for the fire service and I have adapted for my gym.

Ten Principles for Marine Leaders
General James L. Jones
Commandant of the Marine Corps
(Adapted for Impact Jiu jitsu by Matt Leech)

1. Have a vision- Develop a strong sense of where you want to go. You may not begin with a clear end state, but you should at least have some guiding principles. The end state will emerge before long, and you can begin to articulate it more fully-in broad terms. Develop goals along the way…milestones, so you can measure progress and share the achievements.

2. Build Consensus- You must invest time in articulating the vision in order to build consensus. If it’s just YOUR vision…when you leave, the vision leaves with you. If you build consensus and share the ownership, the vision will remain. Do not script the vision…sell it! Let those around you fill in the details of how to get there. You must keep talking about the vision…from many different aspects…until everyone understands it in their own way.

3. Lead from a position of confidence- Believe in the direction you have charted. There is no need to develop an opposition. If you have a good vision that is shared, it should motivate everyone so you don’t have to make enemies in order to motivate your people. Achieve the vision because it is the right thing to do!

4. Allow time to achieve your end state- It will not come about overnight or all at once. Be satisfied with measurable progress toward the goal. If your vision is right…if your message is received…the means will present themselves in time.

5. You will not achieve all of your goals- At least, not on your watch. That’s OK…after all; it’s not about you, but about US.

6. Your coaches are trying to do the right thing- Assume this is true for ALL your coaches, regardless of rank. If they seem misguided, discover whether or not they understand the vision. Often, they just need a bit more guidance…that’s what leaders are for.

7. Allow for human failure- Across everything we do, there will be setbacks associated with human failures. Most of these will be errors of omission rather than errors of commission. Giving someone a second chance will never hurt you, and will often help.

8. It’s OUR academy- It’s not my academy, or your academy. From white belt to black and from student to gym owner on…people should be held accountable to meet your expectations. But you need to meet theirs as well. Meeting expectations is a two-way contract. This is the only way the team will work over the long term.

9. Empower your coaches- Give clear guidance and intent, and then let your coaches do what they do best! Write good policy; then drive execution to the lowest levels practicable. You will be amazed at the results.

10. Embrace change but protect our Culture- Change is how we grow, how we stay sharp, how we deliver what the members needs. Don’t fight it…but control its direction through articulating your vision. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. In embracing change, however, do not abandon those things that make us who we are! The qualities that truly set Impact Jiu jitsu apart have held up over time.

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