#10 Rowan Lovett: Constraint-Based Games, Coaching & Competition

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 Story07:26 - 08:29 Rowan's First Competition08:30 - 12:37 Going up through the belts12:38 - 14:24 Competitions in Ireland14:25 - 19:42 Rowan's Journey to Black Belt19:43 - 23:55 What has jiu jitsu thought you?23:56 - 25:33 Kong Fu on the ground25:34 - 27:17 Black Belt Debut27:18 - 28:57 Does Competition come Naturally to you?28:58 - 30:37 Ecological Approach30:38 - 35:05 Evolved Competition Approach35:06 - 36:09 Strange Warm Ups36:10 - 40:46 Coaching40:47 - 49:31 Constraint Based Games49:32 - 53:12 Class Structure53:13 - 55:52 Evolved Coaching55:53 - 58:28 Coaching class for beginners and advanced students58:29 - 1:03:13 Developing & Improving as a Coach1:03:14 - 1:04:22 What does Success as a coach look like to Rowan?1:04:23 - 1:08:20 Advice for New Coaches1:08:21 - 1:14:10 Is influencer grappling the future of BJJ?1:14:11 - 1:16:02 Growth of Jiu Jitsu1:16:03 - 1:20:15 Advice for Beginners starting BJJ1:20:16 - 1:22:08 Wrapping up the episodeMake 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.comIf you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please Like, Share and Subscribe! ✅ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Emerald Grappling on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldgrappling/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emeraldgrapplingRemember to subscribe and follow the podcast to avoid missing any episodes! ✅