Tonight we started "Boring" Jiujitsu. The first few weeks I taught I would show 2-3 techniques, everyone would practice each technique ~10 times, then we would roll either starting from a specific position or just free rolling. This way everyone got introduced to the kinds of techniques they will eventually be able to use as well as getting to see how hard it is to apply those techniques against other people. This period also lets them get some of the SPAZZ out on each other and usually manages to convince them that if they want techniques to work that they will have to practice them.
Once I've got them hooked on the BJJ though, it's time to get serious. So tonight we went over the very first side control escape I showed them 6 weeks ago and I broke it down step by step, then we repped it 100 times each. We started with minimal resistance, just enough not to be a dead fish. Then every 10 reps we increased the resistance until the last 10 reps you were doing everything to prevent your opponent from escaping, including transitioning to other positions. Some folks were skeptical initially, but by the end of it everyone was very happy with how much they learned. I don't think most of them realized there could be that many details to something as simple as a side control escape. Honestly I could do like 30 hours worth of class time on nothing but side control escapes and still have only gotten started on what I know about them, much less what a black belt knows. I would love to have a month of side control escapes at Megalodon...
No rolling at all tonight. All drilling that escape. Boring JiuJitsu makes you good.
I love boring BJJ!!! LOL. I totally agree with you on the value of drill repetition. I've trained with a lot of people in all different types of Martial Arts and some people only want to drill a technique a few times. By few, I mean three. Me, I want to get in as many repititions as possible. It's called "MUSCLE MEMORY" people. I love muscle memory, because it doesn't clutter up your mind. That way, when your sparring or rolling you can focus on strategy and not technique, BECAUSE the muscles know the technique. You don't have to think about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post,
Jodi