For those training & coaching, how do/did you go about learning/teaching people from day one? What did you learn/ teach first?

How long before you/they were/are allowed to roll?

First things I learned were the basic positions, mount escapes, and side-mount defense. That didn't take more than a day or two I think, and then I was allowed to roll with everyone else. Seemed ok to me, although it might have been more stressful if I didn't already have a general idea of how to twist limbs in painful ways. The people I rolled with were real good about pointing out my mistakes and giving me advice and everything also, which is very important to anyone's progress I think.

The absolute first thing I teach is standing up into base. Understanding how to keep someone away long enough to standup from the ground befire they can jump on you.

After that, I get into escapes using the two core fundamental movements of bridging and shrimping.

I usually roll with new students on the first class, just so I can dictate the pace and coach without them going crazy with one of my other students. After I have rolled with them a few times, I'll pair them up with a more experienced student and gradually work them into rolling with people of their skill level. I like them to experience some technique first.