BJJ Class Structure & Lesson Planning for Gym Owners

Timing breakdown:

• 0-10 minutes: Warm-up and movement drills
• 10-35 minutes: Technique instruction and drilling (25 minutes total)
• 35-55 minutes: Live training/sparring (20 minutes, typically 4 rounds x 5min)
• 55-60 minutes: Cool down and announcements (5 minutes)

Why this format works: Efficient time usage fitting busy schedules, accommodates weeknight training (7-8pm or 8-9pm most common UK times), balances all essential components without feeling rushed, students get meaningful technique instruction and adequate sparring.

UK context: Weeknight classes from 7-9pm dominate UK gym schedules, accommodating work commitments and family responsibilities. Two 60-minute classes back-to-back (7-8pm fundamentals, 8-9pm all-levels) maximises facility usage whilst serving different student segments.

This format proves most versatile for UK gyms—long enough for comprehensive training without excessive time commitment preventing regular attendance.

Timing breakdown:

• 0-15 minutes: Warm-up and movement drills (longer, more thorough)
• 15-50 minutes: Technique instruction and drilling (35 minutes, allows 4-5 techniques)
• 50-85 minutes: Live training/sparring (35 minutes, 5-7 rounds typically)
• 85-90 minutes: Cool down and Q&A (5 minutes)

When to offer: Saturday mornings (10-11:30am works well for weekend warriors), Sunday open sessions (relaxed pace, community atmosphere), intensive workshops or special training sessions, competition preparation classes (extra sparring time).

Advantage: More depth in technique instruction (can teach complex systems or multiple variations), more sparring rounds (students get more training partners and mat time), less rushed feeling (time for questions and refinement), suits dedicated students wanting maximum training.

Challenge: Requires significant time commitment (harder for parents or busy professionals), can be exhausting (conditioning required), needs break or water stops mid-session.

Timing breakdown:

• 0-5 minutes: Quick warm-up (essential movements only)
• 5-30 minutes: Technique instruction and drilling (25 minutes, 1-2 techniques maximum)
• 30-43 minutes: Controlled sparring or games (13 minutes, 2-3 short rounds)
• 43-45 minutes: Cool down (2 minutes, minimal)

When to offer: Lunchtime city gyms (professionals with limited lunch break), young kids classes (shorter attention spans, ages 4-7), express classes (marketing angle for time-pressed students), beginner-only classes (less sparring intensity).

Challenge: Time pressure limits depth (must focus on essentials), less sparring time (only 2-3 rounds), requires excellent time management (no buffer for delays), students arrive/leave rushed (lunchtime classes particularly).

Success factors: Efficient warm-ups (no wasted movements), focused technique selection (quality over quantity), controlled situational sparring (more productive than full rounds), clear start/end times (students must return to work punctually).

Primary objectives:

• Injury prevention: Gradual heart rate increase prevents strains and pulls
• BJJ-specific movement: Practise fundamental movements (shrimping, bridging) building muscle memory
• Skill development: Warm-up doubles as technical practice when designed properly
• Mental preparation: Transition from day stress to focused training mindset
• Community building: Partner drills create connections and camaraderie

Option 1: Traditional BJJ Warm-Up (Most Common)

Solo movement drills (5 minutes):

• Shrimping (hip escapes) forward and backward
• Bridging (hip bridges lifting partner weight progressively)
• Forward and backward rolls
• Sit-throughs and technical stand-ups
• Army crawls and bear crawls

Partner drills (5 minutes):

• Takedown entries (penetration steps, level changes)
• Guard passes (light resistance, flow practice)
• Sweeps (cooperative drilling, building movement patterns)
• Movement flow drills (transitioning between positions)

Advantages: BJJ-specific movements directly applicable to training, builds fundamental movement patterns consistently, students understand movements (performed them hundreds of times). Disadvantages: Can become monotonous (same warm-up every class), may not provide adequate cardio for some students.

Option 2: Circuit/Fitness Warm-Up

General cardio (3 minutes): Jogging, jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers. BJJ-specific movements (7 minutes): Solo drills, partner drills focusing on technique.

Advantage: Fitness conditioning included (appeals to fitness-focused students), higher intensity warm-up (gets heart rate up quickly). Disadvantage: Can be exhausting before technique instruction (students tired during drilling), may not emphasise technique enough (becomes workout not skill practice).

Option 3: Game-Based Warm-Up (Great for Kids)

Movement games incorporating BJJ skills maintain engagement through fun. Examples include 'Shark tank' (guard passing game where one passer faces multiple guard players), 'King of the mat' (position control competition), movement races (shrimping races, rolling races), and tag variations incorporating grappling movements.

Advantages: Engagement and fun (particularly for children and beginners), competitive element motivates effort, builds BJJ movement through play. Research shows educational games reinforce techniques effectively for kids programmes.

• Consistency: Students learn routine, arrive on time knowing what to expect, can warm up independently if arriving late
• Gradual intensity increase: Start gentle, build to training intensity (prevents injuries from cold muscles)
• Relevance to class technique: If teaching mount escapes, include bridging in warm-up (primes movements)
• Safety first: No injuries in warm-up (defeats purpose entirely), appropriate intensity for student fitness levels
• Time management: Don't let warm-up run long (eats into technique and sparring time), strict 10-15 minute maximum, use timer keeping you honest

Cold weather: UK winters require longer warm-ups (12-15 minutes versus 10 minutes summer), extra attention to joints and muscles in cold facilities, layered clothing until properly warm.

Older students: Masters classes (40+ years) need gentler warm-up progression, more stretching and mobility work, accommodation of previous injuries and limitations.

Insurance considerations: Structured warm-up demonstrates duty of care to UK insurers, reduces injury claims through proper preparation, documented warm-up routine shows professional approach.

Space constraints: Small mat spaces common in UK (converted industrial units, small retail premises) require adapted warm-ups without running laps, creative use of limited space (partners instead of lines), vertical movements when horizontal space limited.

Beginners: 2-3 techniques maximum. White belts can't process more without overwhelm. Focus on quality over quantity—solid understanding of 2 techniques beats confused exposure to 5.

Intermediate: 3-4 techniques. Blue and purple belts can handle slightly more volume, connect techniques into sequences (if A fails, try B, then C), understand relationships between related techniques.

Advanced: 4-5 techniques or complex system. Brown and black belts can process comprehensive systems, appreciate detailed variations and options, understand conceptual frameworks tying techniques together.

Why less is more: Research consistently shows retention and mastery improve with focused depth over broad surface coverage. Students remember and can apply techniques they've drilled 20 times, not techniques demonstrated once then abandoned.

• Logical connection: Techniques flow together naturally (guard pass → pass defence → submission from passed guard)
• Progressive difficulty: Easy to hard progression within single class (basic technique first, advanced variation last)
• Complementary options: If technique A doesn't work, technique B provides alternative (creates decision trees)
• Theme-based: All techniques from same position or concept (maintains focus, builds depth)
• Avoid randomness: 'Technique of the day' approach without connection creates confusion (students can't synthesise learning)

Step 1: Setup and Context (2 Minutes)

When would you use this technique? What position are we in? What's the goal? Why this technique works (principles and mechanics). Context helps students understand application not just memorise movements.

Step 2: Demonstration (3-5 Minutes)

Full speed demo first (students see the flow and end result). Slow detailed demo (step-by-step breakdown with key details highlighted). Multiple angles if needed (students positioned to see clearly). Common mistakes shown (what NOT to do helps understanding).

Step 3: Partner Drilling (15-20 Minutes)

Students drill with partners (bulk of technique time). Instructor circulates and corrects (individual feedback during drilling). Partner rotation (exposure to different body types and sizes). Gradually increase resistance (cooperative → light resistance → fuller resistance).

Step 4: Situational Sparring (5-10 Minutes, Optional)

Start in position, work technique against resistance. Bridges drilling to live training (reduces gap between cooperative drilling and full sparring). Builds confidence before full sparring (students apply technique with resistance but limited scope).

• Clear, concise instructions: Avoid over-explaining (paralysis by analysis), bullet-point key steps (remember students processing new information)
• Visual demonstration: Showing beats telling (students learn by watching), multiple demonstrations reinforce learning
• Check for understanding: Ask questions (ensure students understand before drilling), observe drilling (identify common errors)
• Partner students appropriately: Similar size when possible (reduces injury risk, improves drilling), mix belt levels strategically (upper belts help beginners, beginners stay together for confidence)
• Positive reinforcement: Encourage students (notice improvements and highlight them), create supportive atmosphere (mistakes are learning opportunities)
• Safety emphasis: Tap early culture (ego control), control training partners (appropriate intensity for drilling), monitor dangerous situations (intervene before injuries)

Strategy for all-levels instruction:

• Teach basic version first (ensure beginners understand fundamentals)
• Show advanced variations for experienced students (keeps them engaged, provides progression)
• Pair beginners with patient upper belts (learning opportunity for both—beginners get help, upper belts refine through teaching)
• Option to skip to sparring for advanced students (if drilling very basic content they've mastered, allow early sparring with permission)

Mixed-level classes challenge instructors but reflect reality—not all gyms can separate all levels all the time. Skilful instruction accommodates range without boring advanced students or overwhelming beginners.

Standard Round Format (Most Common):

• 5-minute rounds (most common duration across UK gyms)
• 1-minute rest between rounds (water, partner change, recovery)
• 4-6 rounds per class (20-30 minutes total sparring)
• Students choose partners or instructor assigns (depends on gym culture)

Alternative Round Formats:

• 6-minute rounds: More intensity, fewer rounds (3-4 rounds), suits competition preparation
• 4-minute rounds: More partners, less fatigue (6-7 rounds possible), better for beginners who tire quickly
• 8-10 minute rounds: Advanced/competition prep only (simulates competition rounds), requires high conditioning
• King of the mat: Winner stays, loser rotates (competitive element, motivating for some students)
• Specific sparring: Start in position (mount, guard, etc.), work to submission or position improvement (builds specific skills targeted)

Beginners (White Belts):

• Controlled sparring (50-70% intensity, not competition pace)
• Positional sparring (limited goals—escape mount, pass guard—not full rolling)
• Partner with patient upper belts (experienced students who control intensity)
• Instructor supervision critical (watch for panic, excessive strength, dangerous situations)
• Emphasise: Technique over strength (learn positions not muscle through)

Research shows beginners benefit from 60-70% drilling and 30-40% live training to build foundations without survival mode overwhelm. Without adequate drilling first, rolling becomes survival exercise rather than skill development.

Intermediate (Blue/Purple Belts):

• Full resistance allowed (students understand control and safety)
• Balance between learning and winning (not just competing but experimenting)
• Partner variety encouraged (different sizes, styles, skill levels)
• Instructor can focus on teaching (less supervision needed, students train safely)

Advanced (Brown/Black Belts):

• High intensity acceptable (experienced students control themselves)
• Competition simulation (preparing for tournaments requires competition pace)
• Can push pace and intensity (without ego or injury risk)
• Self-regulated (understand their limits and partners' limits)

• Mat space management: Don't overcrowd mats (collisions cause injuries), adequate space between rolling pairs, boundaries clear (stay on mats, not hardwood floors)
• Water breaks available: Students can take water between rounds (dehydration affects judgement and safety)
• Instructor monitoring: Watching for unsafe behaviour (ego rolling, excessive strength, ignoring taps), intervene immediately when necessary, pull aside students needing behaviour correction
• Mismatch management: Don't pair tiny white belt with large aggressive student (obvious injury risk), consider size, experience, and temperament in pairings, protect beginners from themselves (they don't know better yet)
• Tap early culture: No injuries from pride (tap before injury occurs), ego control essential (tapping shows intelligence not weakness), instructor modelling (even black belts tap in training)

Insurance requires duty of care: Supervision and safety rules documented, incident reporting protocols established, demonstrable professional standards maintained, reduces liability claims and insurance costs.

DBS-checked instructors for safeguarding: Especially kids classes require Enhanced DBS checks (£24 for volunteers), parent trust depends on safeguarding compliance, Gov.uk guidance adherence essential.

Less aggressive culture than US/Brazil: UK BJJ typically emphasises learning over competition intensity, manage intensity expectations accordingly (recreational atmosphere suits most UK students), avoid excessive competition pressure for hobbyists.

Injury prevention focus: Long-term training over ego (sustainability matters for lifestyle practitioners), mature approach to training intensity (particularly in masters programmes), UK insurance environment rewards injury prevention (lower premiums, fewer claims).

• Light stretching (hamstrings, hips, shoulders—areas heavily used in BJJ)
• Breathing exercises (return heart rate to normal gradually)
• Fist bumps and gratitude (thank training partners, acknowledge effort)
• Announcements (upcoming events, important information)

• Upcoming events (competitions, seminars, schedule changes)
• Belt promotions or stripes (celebrate achievements publicly)
• New student introductions (welcome new members, build community)
• Reminders (membership payments, bring gi, class schedule changes)
• Motivation and encouragement (positive sendoff until next session)

Bows or rituals if your gym uses them (traditional beginning/ending protocols). 'Oss' or team chant optional (some gyms embrace, others avoid—personal preference). Acknowledging hard work (recognise students who trained well, tried hard, helped others). Setting tone for next class (what's coming next, maintaining anticipation and engagement).

Monday: Guard Passing

• Technique 1: Knee slice pass
• Technique 2: Over-under pass
• Technique 3: Finishing guard pass from both (maintaining control after pass)

Wednesday: Guard Retention and Sweeps

• Technique 1: Frames and hip escapes (preventing guard pass)
• Technique 2: Scissor sweep
• Technique 3: Flower sweep

Friday: Mount Attacks and Escapes

• Technique 1: Americana from mount
• Technique 2: Mount escape (elbow-knee escape)
• Technique 3: Transitioning to back control from mount

This weekly structure provides logical progression whilst covering multiple perspectives (attacking and defending same position throughout week).

Documentation platforms: Google Docs or Notion for lesson plans (accessible to all instructors), curriculum calendar mapping themes to weeks (visual overview of annual plan), video library for technique references (instructors review techniques before teaching), instructor notes documenting what worked and what didn't (continuous improvement).

BJJ-specific software: BJJLINK simplifies gym management with curriculum tracking built for jiu-jitsu schools. Zen Planner (from £99/month) tracks attendance and progress feeding belt progression. Martialytics automates eligibility calculations based on customisable criteria. See software comparison guide for detailed UK platform analysis.

• Review lesson plan before class (10 minutes prep time minimum)
• Mental walkthrough of techniques (visualise demonstrations and key points)
• Consider students attending (adjust for belt level distribution, known students)
• Prepare backup techniques (if class runs fast/slow, have options ready)

Even experienced instructors benefit from brief preparation—10 minutes reviewing plan dramatically improves class quality versus winging it entirely.

Record what techniques were taught (creates historical record), student attendance (automatic with gym software), issues or injuries (incident tracking for insurance and safety), feedback for next time (continuous improvement notes).

Documentation proves useful for consistency across instructors, tracking student progress over time, identifying curriculum gaps (positions receiving insufficient coverage), and insurance and liability purposes (demonstrating professional standards).

• Slower pace (more explanation, less assumption of knowledge)
• More time on basic positions (escapes and survival emphasis)
• Emphasis on safety and survival (injury prevention paramount)
• Controlled sparring only or no sparring first weeks (positional training, specific sparring)
• Lots of positional drilling (building comfort before full rolling)

Fundamentals classes for first 3-6 months dramatically improve retention—gyms report 30-40% better white belt retention with structured fundamentals programmes.

• Mixed belt levels (white through brown belts typically)
• Teach basic technique, show advanced variation (serves both audiences)
• Full sparring with intensity management (supervise mismatches)
• Balancing challenge and accessibility (don't bore advanced, don't overwhelm beginners)

All-levels classes form backbone of most UK gym schedules—pragmatic solution when separate tracks impossible due to facility or instructor constraints.

• Assumes foundational knowledge (no time explaining closed guard basics)
• Less time on basics, more on details (refinement and nuance)
• Complex techniques and systems (leg locks, advanced guards, modern passing)
• High intensity sparring (competition simulation, longer rounds)
• Competition preparation focus (sport-specific strategies)

• Similar structure to gi class (same warm-up → technique → sparring format)
• Emphasis on different grips and techniques (underhooks, overhooks, body locks versus sleeve/collar grips)
• Faster pace (no gi friction slowing movement)
• Leg lock integration if appropriate (common in no-gi meta)

Link to no-gi programme guide for curriculum and scheduling strategies.

• Sparring-heavy (70%+ of class devoted to live training)
• Technique focus on competition meta (current tournament techniques and strategies)
• Longer rounds (6-8 minute rounds simulating competition)
• Positional sparring for specific scenarios (starting positions, time limits, point scoring)

Link to competition team guide for comprehensive competition programme development.

• Game-based warm-up (engagement through play)
• Shorter attention spans (5-10 minute technique segments maximum)
• More drilling, less sparring (controlled environments safer for children)
• Positive reinforcement critical (encouragement over criticism)
• Parent communication (updates on progress and behaviour)

UK BJJ academies typically structure kids into age groups: 4-7 years (game-based learning), 7-11 years (structured technique with games), 11-15 years (adult-style classes with appropriate expectations). Link to complete kids programmes guide for age-specific curriculum.

• Same structure as co-ed classes (no technical differences needed)
• May emphasise different positions (guard positions, defensive escapes for self-defence applications)
• Self-defence integration popular (practical scenarios and applications)
• Community and support focus (comfortable environment for women new to martial arts)

Link to women's programmes cluster for marketing, curriculum, and retention strategies.

• Minimal warm-up (5 minutes essential movements only)
• Quick technique instruction (15 minutes, 1-2 techniques maximum)
• Short sparring (10-15 minutes, 3-4 rounds)
• No cool down (students need to return to work immediately)

Lunchtime classes succeed in city centres (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh) where professionals seek midday training. Efficient, focused format suits professional clientele valuing time.

• Full warm-up (15 minutes thorough preparation)
• Multiple technique sequences (40-50 minutes, 4-6 techniques or complete systems)
• Long sparring sessions (40-60 minutes, 6-10 rounds)
• Q&A and open mat time (questions, extra practice, relaxed atmosphere)

Extended weekend classes suit dedicated students wanting maximum training. Saturday mornings (10am-12pm) and Sunday sessions work well for students unavailable weeknights.

• Students arriving late: Let them warm up independently, join drilling once ready (don't stop class for latecomers)
• Students leaving early: Allow respectful exit, not during instruction (between drilling and sparring works)
• Communication: Post class structure clearly (website, facility signage) so students know timing and can plan accordingly

Problem: Eats into technique and sparring time (students came to learn and spar, not warm up for 20 minutes), students frustrated by wasted time, becomes workout instead of preparation. Solution: 10-15 minute maximum strictly enforced, focused movements (no filler exercises), timer keeping you honest (alarm when warm-up should end).

Problem: Students overwhelmed (can't remember anything from class), retention suffers (exposure without mastery), confusion increases (how do these techniques connect?). Solution: 2-4 techniques maximum depending on belt level, connected logically (techniques flow together naturally), quality over quantity (solid understanding beats confused exposure).

Problem: Chaos and mismatches (tiny white belt versus large aggressive blue belt), injuries from uncontrolled intensity, beginners intimidated and quit. Solution: Timed rounds with clear structure (5-minute rounds, 1-minute rest, timer visible), partner management (instructor assigns mismatched pairs carefully), supervision (watching for unsafe behaviour and intervening).

Problem: Students frustrated (have other commitments, need to leave on time), next class delayed (back-to-back classes common in UK gyms), unprofessional appearance (shows poor planning). Solution: Time management discipline (watch the clock constantly), practice pacing (know how long your explanations take), buffer built in (finish 2-3 minutes early allowing questions without overtime).

Problem: Beginners lost and confused (don't understand terminology or context), intimidated by pace (can't keep up), quit within weeks (frustrated they're not learning). Solution: Pair with patient partners (upper belts who help rather than dominate), check in regularly (walk by during drilling, offer individual help), offer basic variations (show simple version for beginners alongside advanced for experienced).

Problem: Same warm-up every class gets stale (students bored by repetition), same structure feels monotonous (predictability becomes tedium), students lose interest (want fresh content and approaches). Solution: Vary warm-ups (different exercises, games, partner drills rotate), vary formats occasionally (sometimes more drilling, sometimes more sparring based on needs), vary techniques within curriculum structure (follow themes but choose different techniques).

Problem: Injuries from uncontrolled intensity or mismatches, student dropouts (quit after injury or scare), insurance issues (claims increase premiums, potential liability). Solution: Clear rules communicated and enforced (tap early, control intensity, respect partners), supervision (instructor actively watching, not chatting or phone), tap early culture emphasised constantly (ego control reinforced), mismatch management (don't pair dangerous combinations, protect beginners).

• Simple, consistent structure (students need predictability)
• Fundamentals focus (most students are beginners)
• Shorter sparring (newer students tire quickly, need more drilling)
• Build culture and habits (establish safety norms, training etiquette, community values)

• Add advanced class (separate skill levels appropriately)
• Add no-gi option (broaden appeal to different demographics)
• Refine class formats based on feedback (what works, what doesn't, student preferences)
• Maintain consistency (don't change too much too fast)

• Multiple class tracks (fundamentals, all-levels, advanced, no-gi, competition prep)
• Specialised programmes (kids by age group, women's only, masters programmes)
• Polished systems and structure (documented procedures, trained instructors, quality control)
• Documented instructor guidelines (ensure consistency across growing instructor team)

Gym management software with class scheduling: Glofox combines booking management, payments, and branded mobile app for gyms and martial arts studios. TeamUp handles scheduling, billing, and member communication effectively for small chains with structured programming. Zen Planner (from £99/month) offers smart automations handling class reminders to waitlist alerts, popular among martial arts studios.

Attendance tracking automatic (no manual rolls), waitlist management (students join when spots open), capacity limits enforced (prevent overcrowding). Link to complete software comparison for UK platform analysis.

• Notion or Google Docs for curriculum and lesson plans (accessible to all instructors)
• Trello for weekly planning (kanban boards showing upcoming weeks)
• YouTube for technique reference videos (instructors review before teaching)
• Instructor shared drive for collaboration (Google Drive, Dropbox with lesson plans and resources)

Gym timer apps maintain class pacing: BJJ Round Timer Pro (iOS, zero ads, BJJ theme) offers customisable prep time, round time, and rest time. The Spar – BJJ Timer (Android) provides flexible sparring and drilling timer with presets and custom options. Round Timer works for boxing, MMA, grappling, and interval training with customisable rounds and rest periods.

Visible timer for students (projected on wall or large display so students know when rounds end). Loud buzzer or bell for round transitions (audible over rolling noise). Timer prevents instructor getting lost in time (automatic reminders keeping class on schedule).

• Background music during drilling optional (some gyms love it, others prefer silence)
• Silence during instruction mandatory (students must hear explanations)
• Pump-up music during sparring optional (some gyms use energetic music creating intensity)
• Consider student preferences and gym culture (survey members, test different approaches)

• Informal conversations after class (casual check-ins, ask how class felt)
• Anonymous surveys quarterly (Google Forms, honest feedback without identification fears)
• Retention analysis (are students staying or leaving, which segments show issues)
• New student experience interviews (first month check-in understanding beginner perspective)

• 'Too many techniques, can't remember' (reduce technique quantity, increase drilling time)
• 'Not enough sparring time' (adjust ratio, consider adding open mat sessions)
• 'Warm-up too hard/too easy' (calibrate intensity to student fitness levels)
• 'Paired with someone too intense' (better partner management, intervention when needed)
• 'Want more competition prep' (add competition-specific class or dedicate existing advanced class)

• Try changes for 4-6 weeks before evaluating (give adequate time to assess impact)
• Communicate changes to students (explain why you're trying something different)
• Not every suggestion will work (trust your experience, some feedback conflicts)
• Balance different student needs (competitors want more sparring, beginners want more drilling—both are valid)

• Weeknight classes: 7-9pm most common (accommodates work and family), some gyms offer 6-7pm early session, 8-9pm or 9-10pm late session less common
• Lunchtime classes: 12-1pm in city gyms (professionals with flexible lunch breaks)
• Weekend classes: Saturday 10am-12pm, Sunday 11am-1pm (suit students unavailable weeknights)
• Kids classes: After school 4-6pm weekdays, Saturday/Sunday mornings (9-11am popular)

• London: More lunchtime and early morning classes (6-7am), commuter schedules influence timing, higher demand for varied schedule
• Regional: More family-friendly weekend classes, emphasis on community-building sessions, fewer lunchtime options (less dense professional population)
• University towns: Student schedule considerations (avoid lecture times, accommodate academic calendar)

DBS-checked instructors supervising classes essential—Enhanced DBS checks for all teaching roles with under-18s (£24 for volunteers). Documented class structure shows professionalism to parents and authorities. Safety protocols especially critical for kids classes (supervision ratios typically 1 instructor per 12-15 kids). Gov.uk guidance compliance mandatory—DBS checks in sport guidance explains requirements.

Structured warm-up demonstrates duty of care to insurers (reduces liability claims). Supervised sparring reduces liability exposure (documented safety protocols). Documented safety rules protect from negligence claims (written policies showing professional approach). Incident reporting protocols essential (track injuries, near-misses, maintain records for insurance).

• Choose standard class format (60min, 90min, or both depending on schedule)
• Design warm-up routine (10-15 minutes, BJJ-specific movements)
• Plan technique instruction approach (2-4 techniques per class depending on level)
• Structure sparring rounds (5-minute rounds, determine how many rounds per class)
• Create cool down routine (5 minutes, stretching and announcements)

• Document class structure for all instructors (written guidelines accessible)
• Train instructors on timing and pacing (how to manage 60 minutes effectively)
• Create lesson plan templates (standardised format all instructors follow)
• Establish safety protocols (sparring supervision, injury response, incident reporting)

• Communicate class structure to students (website, facility signage, new member orientation)
• Post timing on wall or screen (visible to all, students understand class flow)
• Start first class with new structure (explain what's different if changing from previous approach)
• Monitor timing and adjust (use timer, track how long each phase actually takes)

• Gather student feedback after 4 weeks (surveys, conversations, retention analysis)
• Instructor debrief on what's working (successes, challenges, suggestions)
• Make adjustments as needed (refine timing, technique quantity, sparring structure)
• Document best practices (capture what works for future reference and new instructors)