Joe Gerrard
Kids Coach & Personal trainer
Background and Experience:
I have trained for nearly 10 years. For the first half of my training, I focused mainly on MMA as a whole, but in the last few years, I have focused primarily on Jiu-Jitsu. I am currently a purple belt.
I have been coaching since I was 16 years old, and I believe I have achieved a lot in my six years of coaching. Back in Liverpool, I grew my adults’ Jiu-Jitsu class from zero to 60 people per session, resulting in the creation of over 25 blue belts and even 3 purple belts.
I also specialize in training young kids, mainly aged 2–8. Over the years, I have taught thousands of children—many of whom have gone on to climb the belt rankings and succeed in other sports thanks to the fundamental movement training we implemented early on.
In 2024, I achieved a first-class honours degree in Sport Coaching, which has greatly enhanced my coaching skills and made me confident in every scenario.
Training Philosophy
My coaching philosophy is simple, I believe you can teach any age if you coach correctly. I have taught 50+ years old and I have also had my own 2-year-old group with 8+ kids in it teaching it solo. I believe when coaching kids, the priority should always be FUN… whether that be learning through game-based learning or learning techniques they should always be having fun. The more fun a child is having the more they want to come back and the more they improve.
For adults my coaching philosophy is different, I want to improve them as much as I possibly can, and as quick as I possibly can, because adults it’s different you can be short on time, busy with work, have kids but all these should never stop you from being able to get good at a combat sport.
Coaching Style
My coaching style for kids is all about enthusiasm, I don’t want any kid to ever be scared to join in or feel to shy to take part.
Combat sports is so good for kids physical, mental and social needs that’s why I promote it as much as possible and believe all kids should be doing some form of combat sports. I have had plenty of kids who parents can’t believe they are joining in and advancing so much not only at the specific combat sport but also with the confidence and energy, it doesn’t matter if these kids are autistic, ADHD or even blind I always make sure to treat them the same.
My coaching style for adults especially beginner or novice adults is to teach as detailed as possible but as simple as possible. That’s how I turned a student of mine into a purple belt within 3 years since starting.
Motivation
I absolutely love coaching, I have a real and honest passion for it, that’s why I and all my students succeed so much. I do not see it as a job, and I am grateful every day that it is.
EXTRA
In 971 the facilities are the best in the world and I am so pleased I get to show off my coaching here.
