Chad Skinner shares a special bond with the children in his jiu-jitsu classes, a connection he didn’t want to lose when classes were temporarily suspended due to storm damage at the sports center in Port aux Basques. As the head coach of Trigon Jiu-Jitsu, Skinner brainstormed ways to stay connected with his students and introduced a creative solution.
To maintain visibility and engagement with the kids, Skinner launched a new YouTube series called “Storytime with Coach Chad,” where he enthusiastically reads children’s books such as “Alligator Baby,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” The response from his students has been overwhelmingly positive, with requests pouring in for more book readings.
Skinner, who operates the jiu-jitsu group on a non-profit basis, treats all the children as if they were his own, welcoming everyone regardless of their ability to pay for classes. He emphasized that the group has evolved into a tight-knit community, offering support beyond just jiu-jitsu training.
Following the recent windstorm damage that disrupted classes, parts of the sports center have reopened, allowing for the resumption of activities. While Skinner is eager to return to regular training sessions, he intends to continue the book series as well, citing the children’s enjoyment and the growing popularity of the initiative.
Skinner expressed his commitment to the ongoing success of “Storytime with Coach Chad,” hinting at the possibility of incorporating more jiu-jitsu-themed books in the future. The combination of martial arts training and storytelling has proven to be a winning formula for fostering connections and nurturing young minds.