Garry Tonon, expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, discusses the dangers of limiting techniques and the importance of understanding concepts and principles. He emphasizes taking responsibility for learning, shares his personal development strategies, and reflects on the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu. Tonon also recounts job experiences, a physical altercation in South Korea, and his goals in MMA.
Concepts and principles in jiu-jitsu provide a clear direction and understanding of the overall goal.
Grasping universal concepts allows practitioners to bridge the gap between different techniques and systems.
Mental training and visualization enhance problem-solving skills and creativity in jiu-jitsu.
Garry Tonon maintains a positive mindset and finds value in every situation, regardless of how challenging it may be.
Accepting what is beyond our control and surrendering to a higher power brings acceptance and peace in various aspects of life.
Blending wrestling and Jiu Jitsu involves focusing on integrated skills, vulnerability, and setting up attacking opportunities.
Deep dives
The Importance of Grasping Concepts and Principles
Understanding concepts and principles in jiu-jitsu is crucial for accelerating progress in the sport. By grasping these fundamental ideas, practitioners can connect different techniques and systems together in a cohesive way. One important concept is the four-step system of taking someone down, passing their guard, pinning them, and then looking for a submission. This system provides a clear direction for beginners and helps them understand the overall goal of jiu-jitsu. Another example is the concept of firepower advantage, which involves attacking your opponent with high volume and not allowing them to regain momentum. By identifying and implementing these concepts, practitioners can bridge the gap between different techniques and develop a more well-rounded game.
Applying Concepts and Principles in Your Game
To integrate different techniques and systems in your jiu-jitsu game, it is important to explore how concepts and principles can be universally applied. For instance, understanding the concept of trapping a limb and off-balancing your opponent can be extended beyond the specific technique of a Kimura. This allows you to recognize similar situations where you can use this concept to sweep or attack your opponent from various positions. By actively connecting the dots and seeking out common principles, you can create a cohesive and adaptable game that maximizes your understanding and effectiveness in jiu-jitsu.
Utilizing Visualization and Mental Training
A powerful tool for developing your jiu-jitsu game is mental training and visualization. Imagining yourself in different scenarios and positions allows you to explore and solidify the concepts and techniques you have learned. With a mental dojo, you can simulate fights against different opponents and envision your response to their attacks and movements. By intentionally practicing mental training, you can enhance your problem-solving skills, creativity, and overall ability to implement concepts and principles in live sparring and competition.
Worst job
Gary couldn't think of a worst job because he always sees value in every situation. However, working at a candy store in Seaside was a bit challenging because there wasn't much to do after completing the cleaning tasks.
Difficulties in finding something to do
While working at the candy store, Gary recalls a moment when one of the bosses, a high-testosterone individual, got angry at him for sitting down and asked him to find something to do, even though Gary had already completed the tasks assigned to him.
Overcoming challenges and finding value
Gary maintains a positive mindset and always tries to find value in every situation, regardless of how challenging or difficult it may be.
Importance of Guard Passing in Jiu Jitsu
Guard passing is a crucial skill in Jiu Jitsu, and it is something that I am confident in doing. While maintaining my guard is important, I believe that being able to pass an opponent's guard opens up more opportunities for attacks and allows for better control in a fight. Additionally, in self-defense situations, being able to pass an opponent's guard can be a significant advantage.
The Value of Surrendering to Higher Powers in Life
Recognizing that there are certain things beyond our control is an important lesson in life. While we strive to do our best and make the right choices, there are circumstances and events that are out of our hands. Surrendering to a higher power, whether it be God or a universal force, can help us find acceptance and peace in situations where we have done all we can within our control. This can apply to various aspects of life, including recovery, fighting, and dealing with challenging circumstances.
The Limitations of Controlling Variables in Athletics
While it is important to control what we can in our athletic endeavors, there comes a point where we must accept that there are things beyond our control. For example, in a fight, there are factors such as the skill and reactions of our opponents that we cannot control. It is essential to focus on what we can control, such as our training, technique, and mindset, rather than obsessing over variables that are beyond our influence. By understanding and accepting this, we can maintain a balanced and realistic approach to competition and maximize our performance.
Harnessing Aggression in Jiu Jitsu
To be less passive and more assertive in Jiu Jitsu, focus on counterattacking and integrating your wrestling skills. Embrace counteroffensive moves when your opponent attacks, allowing them to extend themselves and create opportunities for you to counterattack. Work on specific situations where you anticipate attacks, such as a front headlock or guillotine, and develop strategies to capitalize on these positions. Bait and corral your training partners into predictable scenarios, giving them openings that you can exploit to initiate offense. Remember to focus on both prevention, defense during the attack, and counterattacks when the attack is deep. By honing these skills, you can maintain a wrestling style while effectively transitioning to Jiu Jitsu.
Blending Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu
To blend wrestling and Jiu Jitsu effectively, focus on the integrated skills that aren't a part of wrestling. Practice situations where you may be vulnerable, such as front headlocks or submissions, allowing yourself to work from those positions and develop counterattacks. Emphasize setting up attacking opportunities by presenting your opponents with openings that play to your strengths. Counter your opponents' attacks while preserving the opportunity for offense. By learning to navigate these transitions, you can seamlessly combine wrestling and Jiu Jitsu in your game.
Goals for 2024
Gary's main goal for 2024 is to win the 155-pound title in one championship. To achieve this, he will continue his MMA career, with an upcoming fight scheduled against Martin Nguyen. Gary aims to prove himself in the organization and demonstrate his skills, with the ultimate goal of becoming a titleholder. Additionally, if the opportunity arises, he would consider competing in ADCC. However, his primary focus is on MMA and becoming a champion in one championship.
Garry Tonon discusses why he's not a fan of the transactional mindset many students have towards their training, the danger of limiting techniques, bridging the gaps between different concepts and how mentorship changed the trajectory of his life.
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