“Just keep showing up, bro”
This is what I keep hearing from everyone better than me or that thinks they are? What gives? "Just keep showing up" or "Just keep training, you will get better"?
Look… The idea that if you keep showing up eventually you will get better makes sense. Are how classes formatted the most optimal for learning and growing as a bjj practitioner? Even better a competitor or mma fighter? Some schools I imagine have the formula for success but I feel like most schools do the same thing… Right? Wrong? Anyone???
Let's take a look at how things are normally done at your garden variety BJJ school… In an hour of class, we start with 5-10 minutes of warm-ups (frog jumps, shrimps, rolls, etc.), 15 minutes learning the technique of the day, 15 minutes practicing the technique, and finally 15 minutes of rolling at the end of the class. Ok, now I am basically warmed up now and we have to line up, bow out and go home? (VOMIT)
So the real question is can you become better at Jiu Jitsu with 10 to 15 minutes of free training and the bigger question is WHO USES OR APPLIES THE TECHNIQUE OF THE DAY IN FREE TRAINING THAT DAY? I know damn well, that I can barely shrimp during free training against upper belts, let alone repeat the 37 step "darce choke" setup that everyone just learned 15 minutes ago? Should classes be longer? Does the person who free trains become better? Am I really learning. I am definitely showing up.
Social experiment time !!! 2 guys start BJJ the same day. “JOHN AND JIM”
John free trains 6 days a week for 45 minutes a day and does maybe 3 regular classes a week.
Jim takes 6 classes a week and free trains for a total of 90 minutes a week!
1 year later John and Jim compete with one another at a tournament. Who wins?
Keep showing up bro? I damn well show up every day and so does everyone else who trains BJJ. We all just want to get better and learn faster.
Maybe Ill take privates for between $100.00 to as high as $500.00 an hour. Will that help? Add this to my $200.00 - $300.00 a month academy dues. If I take 1 private a week I've invested anywhere from $700.00 to $1500.00 a month. (privates + academy dues) Will this help? Will I get live training? Will my professor even care? I'm so confused... Ok, honestly I'm not...
Here are a few examples of good training systems that may help you get better faster.
GOOD SCENARIO #1: I have experienced some pretty amazing systems and schools that have helped me get better.
You show up, you warm up.
You are shown a sequence and a few follow ups to that sequence. For example a knee cut pass with a head arm choke finish, than a variation of the knee cut if he responds and defends the knee cut with an alternative finish etc...
You practice that sequence while the professors walk around and make sure you are applying it correct. If you need feedback from the professor or have questions he will walk you through it. After about 20 minutes of repetitive drilling you should have some familiarity of the sequence and the techniques that connect each one. You should be able to work with these sequences while free training.
After learning you do what we call "situational drilling". You start in a position that is relative to what you learned so that you have "live training" experience. For example you start in the knee cut position, the person on top tries to pass, the person on bottom defends and retains or tries to get ack to guard.
After this is done for about 10-15 minutes, you free train for 20-30 minutes (spar).
GOOD SCENARIO #2: The ecological approach.
The ecological approach in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a dynamic training methodology that centers on adapting, efficiency, and problem-solving through task based games and drills. This approach leverages the natural learning processes of the human body to enhance skill acquisition and performance on the mat.
Imagine you're refining your guard passing skills. A task-based game requires you to pass using only specific techniques. Over time, this refines your muscle memory and decision-making abilities. While sparring, you notice your opponent's guard is wearing you down. By conserving energy with efficient movements, you maintain your stamina and eventually find the perfect moment to pass using the mechanics of your hips.
Each session becomes a problem-solving exercise, adapting your techniques and strategically improvising as you go. This leads to a deeper understanding of BJJ, where intuition guides you as much as learned technique.
In summary, the ecological approach is about blending the art and science of BJJ, encouraging practitioners to become more adaptable, efficient, and intelligent fighters. It's an approach that respects individuality while promoting mastery through natural learning processes.
Key Principles:
Task-Based Games:
-Learning techniques through specific drills designed to mimic live training scenarios.
-For example, a game focused on guard passing challenges practitioners to use a particular pass repeatedly, embedding muscle memory and instinctive decision-making.
Energy Efficiency:
-Practitioners focus on conserving energy by being mindful of their movement economy.
-Imagine two practitioners—one who moves fluidly and efficiently and another who is tense and forceful. The more efficient practitioner maintains stamina longer and executes techniques more effectively.
Individual Adaptation:
-Techniques are tailored to fit the unique needs and capabilities of each practitioner, rather than enforcing a rigid technique structure.
-For instance, a choke might be adjusted to accommodate different arm lengths, ensuring effectiveness regardless of physical differences.
Understanding Body Mechanics:
-Mastery of leverage, timing, and positioning to maximize effectiveness with minimal effort.
-Using hip movement to assist in guard passing or sweeps illustrates how understanding body mechanics can be a game-changer on the mat.
Problem-Solving Mindset:
-Encourages critical thinking and adaptability to address challenges during sparring.
-Picture a practitioner shifting strategies multiple times during a match to dismantle an opponent's defense, highlighting the need for quick thinking and creativity.
In my opinion, the old way of learning may be hindering your growth as a BJJ practitioner or person who is trying to get better at any combat sport...
There has to be a better format or a better place for us to train…
Yours Truly,
Anonymous White Belt
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