The Everyday Jiu Jitsu Podcast Ep 11: Optimizing Learning with Greg Souders
Jun 21, 2023
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Guest Greg Souders, advocate for the ecological approach to learning and developer of the 'Game-based' approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu, discusses using games to teach Jiu Jitsu skills, the benefits of interleaving in learning, teaching and learning heel hooks in Jiu Jitsu, optimizing learning through external focus and body type consideration, landmarks and personalized attention in teaching Jiu Jitsu, IBJJF vs ADCC rules, breath control in Jiu Jitsu, implementing the ecological approach and a game for gyms, and the opportunity for serious competitors over 200 pounds.
Greg Souders advocates for a game-based approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu, focusing on problem-solving and task-focused learning.
Interleaved learning and contextual interference enhance Jiu Jitsu training by promoting better retention and transfer of skills.
Balancing effort and intensity is crucial in Jiu Jitsu training, emphasizing individualized effort while managing energy and avoiding exhaustion.
Teaching foundational actions instead of relying on traditional techniques enables a deeper understanding of Jiu Jitsu and the application of principles to specific techniques.
Deep dives
Teaching Jiu Jitsu through Games and Problem-Solving
The podcast episode discusses a game-based approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu. The guest, Greg Souders, explains how he breaks down Jiu Jitsu into a series of games designed to build specific skills in different situations. He emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and task-focused learning rather than relying on traditional techniques. The approach focuses on developing fundamental actions such as making and maintaining connections, managing distance, and destabilizing opponents. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective way of learning Jiu Jitsu, allowing for faster skill acquisition and retention.
The Benefits of Interleaved Learning and Contextual Interference
The episode explores the benefits of interleaved learning and contextual interference in Jiu Jitsu training. By working on multiple skills and situations at once, rather than focusing on one technique or module at a time, students are able to retain knowledge better over time. The approach involves regularly recalling previous material while learning new concepts, creating a more layered and connected understanding of Jiu Jitsu. The podcast highlights the importance of frequency and variation in training, as well as allowing for the forgetting and relearning process that enhances long-term retention and transfer of skills.
Balancing Effort and Intensity in Training
The conversation delves into the balance between effort and intensity in Jiu Jitsu training. While the ecological approach encourages individualized effort based on goals and objectives, it also recognizes the importance of managing energy and avoiding exhaustion. Students are advised to pace themselves and find a level of effort that allows them to participate fully without burning out. The approach highlights the significance of consistent training and adapting intensity based on the specific needs of each training session, whether it be skill acquisition or simulating competition exhaustion.
Teaching Mechanics in Jiu Jitsu Through Foundational Actions
The podcast discusses the challenge of teaching specific mechanics in Jiu Jitsu without relying on traditional techniques. Souders emphasizes the importance of focusing on foundational actions that underlie all techniques, such as immobilization, isolation, and the application of breaking forces. By teaching these foundational principles and allowing students to develop their own sensory relationships and connections, they can then naturally apply these principles to specific techniques, such as heel hooks. Rather than providing detailed step-by-step instructions, the focus is on developing a deep understanding of the fundamental actions that drive all techniques in Jiu Jitsu.
The importance of consistency and success in training
Consistency and success are key factors in training. It is important to observe consistent performance and failures to identify areas of improvement. By understanding what leads to success and failure, training tasks can be created to address specific problems. It is critical to gather sufficient information before optimizing training methods. Additionally, considering various body types and understanding the external focus of attention can personalize instructions for effective movement solutions.
The value of instructional materials in grappling
While instructional materials can be valuable, their significance may be overestimated. The language and concepts used in instructional videos can provide insights, but the true value lies in how practitioners apply and practice the techniques. Understanding general guidelines and principles is often more beneficial than focusing on specific details. Exploring and experimenting with foundational movements and concepts can lead to a deeper understanding of grappling and the development of individualized strategies.
Challenges in grappling rules and rule sets
The complexity of grappling rules and their interpretation poses challenges in creating effective rule sets. Problems arise when officials fail to understand the concept of progression in grappling. This can lead to inaccurately determining progress and stalling behaviors. Discussions on rule modifications for techniques like lapel guards should focus on defining progress and differentiating between grips that hinder progress and those that facilitate it. The ecological approach provides a framework to assess the efficacy of specific grips, positions, or techniques in progressing the game.
The influence and evolution of Jiu-Jitsu coaching
Jiu-Jitsu coaching has evolved over time, influenced by various coaches and their approaches. These include the influence of coaches like Lloyd Irvin, Ryan Hall, and John Danaher. Each coach has contributed to shaping different aspects of Jiu-Jitsu training and instruction. The ecological approach, combined with personalized attention and a focus on external cues, has been an effective coaching strategy. Coaches must adapt their teaching to individual body types and consider the impact of their instructions on practice and skill development.
This week, I speak with Greg Souders of Standard Jiu Jitsu. Greg is a big advocate for the ecological approach to learning, and has recently made waves with his “Game-based” approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu. We talk about the best ways to learn Jiu Jitsu, his thoughts on the Gi, John Danaher, and much more. Enjoy the show!
Check out Greg's social media: @gdsouders @standardjiujitsu
Further Studies/Resources: -Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning By Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel -How We Learn to Move By Rob Gray -Learning to Optimize Movement By Rob Gray -BJJ Mental Models Podcast- Ep. 203: Evidence-Based Coaching, feat. Greg Souders: https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/11295325 -Greg Souders- Ecological Approach To Teaching Jiu Jitsu (The Sonny Brown Breakdown): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32hjQdDYldk
