In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron sits down with Rowan Lovett, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and the driving force behind Monarch BJJ in Loughrea, Galway. Rowan recounts his intriguing start in BJJ following a striking incident and takes us through the momentous experience of his recent Black Belt promotion. Listeners will gain insight into the life lessons jiu-jitsu has imparted on Rowan throughout his journey. We explore his extensive competition experience, examining how his mindset has shifted over time, especially in his role as a gym owner. As a dedicated coach, Rowan breaks down the innovative 'ecological approach' to BJJ, explaining how its constraint-based games differ from traditional coaching and the advantages it offers his students. He shares key lessons learned as a coach, his methods for continuous improvement, and his definition of coaching success. For those considering coaching, Rowan provides essential advice for beginners. Looking ahead, Rowan shares his vision for the future of BJJ and offers words of wisdom for anyone starting their own jiu-jitsu path today. Finally, he lets us know the best ways to reach him online and where you can find Monarch BJJ to train.

Chapters ➡

00:00 - 07:25 Intro & Rowan's BJJ Origin Story

07:26 - 08:29 Rowan's First Competition

08:30 - 12:37 Going up through the belts

12:38 - 14:24 Competitions in Ireland

14:25 - 19:42 Rowan's Journey to Black Belt

19:43 - 23:55 What has jiu jitsu thought you?

23:56 - 25:33 Kong Fu on the ground

25:34 - 27:17 Black Belt Debut

27:18 - 28:57 Does Competition come Naturally to you?

28:58 - 30:37 Ecological Approach

30:38 - 35:05 Evolved Competition Approach

35:06 - 36:09 Strange Warm Ups

36:10 - 40:46 Coaching

40:47 - 49:31 Constraint Based Games

49:32 - 53:12 Class Structure

53:13 - 55:52 Evolved Coaching

55:53 - 58:28 Coaching class for beginners and advanced students

58:29 - 1:03:13 Developing & Improving as a Coach

1:03:14 - 1:04:22 What does Success as a coach look like to Rowan?

1:04:23 - 1:08:20 Advice for New Coaches

1:08:21 - 1:14:10 Is influencer grappling the future of BJJ?

1:14:11 - 1:16:02 Growth of Jiu Jitsu

1:16:03 - 1:20:15 Advice for Beginners starting BJJ

1:20:16 - 1:22:08 Wrapping up the episode

Make sure to follow Rowan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rowan.lovett/

Make sure to check out Monarch BJJ if you're around Loughrea https://www.instagram.com/monarch_bjj/https://www.monarchjiujitsu.com

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