
#87 - Adam Singer - Coaching is About Creating Environments, Not Teaching Techniques
From The Grapplers Perspective by Paul Johnson & Danny Allen
September 2, 2025 · 1h 40m
About this episode
Adam Singer discusses his coaching philosophy focused on creating effective learning environments in BJJ and MMA.
Adam Singer shares his 25-year journey in coaching BJJ and MMA, explaining how ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach creates more effective grapplers despite less technical instruction. • SBG's "aliveness" approach filters effective techniques through realistic testing • Traditional drilling methods often fail to transfer to live situations • Ecological coaching creates environments where students learn through problem-solving • Students become effective before becoming efficient in their movements • Culture, environment, method and athletes function as one interconnected system • Belt promotions based on effectiveness against peers rather than technical knowledge • Students know fewer named techniques but perform better in live rolling • Scaling drills through modified constraints allows mixed-level training • Creating representative designs helps techniques emerge naturally • The coach's role is primarily to create optimal environments, not to provide information If you're interested in learning more about ecological coaching, follow Adam on Instagram @AdamSingerSBG where he shares insights and training methods from his ongoing…
People in this episode
Hosts: Paul Johnson, Danny Allen
Guest: Adam Singer
Topics covered
- coaching
- BJJ
- MMA
- ecological dynamics
- constraints-led approach
- grappling
- training methods
Keywords
- coaching
- BJJ
- MMA
- ecological coaching
- effective grapplers
- training environments
- problem-solving
- live rolling
- belt promotions
- technique
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: SBG
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