Ep. 264: Teaching Submissions First, feat. Priit Mihkelson
Dec 25, 2023
auto_awesome
"Teaching Submissions First" features guest Priit Mihkelson, who surprisingly teaches submissions first at his gym. They discuss the benefits of starting with submissions, teaching survival first, challenging old teachings in jiu-jitsu, and the possibility of coaching. They also explore the defensive BJJ platform and the importance of prioritizing defense in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Teaching submissions first to beginners helps them understand the context and dangers associated with them, reducing injuries and making them more prepared for sparring.
Shifting to an ecological approach in teaching jiu-jitsu emphasizes realistic training environments and practical techniques based on safety and real-life situations.
Questioning traditional notions of fundamentals in jiu-jitsu and exploring different approaches leads to continuous learning, adaptation, and open-mindedness as practitioners and instructors.
Deep dives
Teaching Submissions First to Beginners
The podcast episode discusses the unconventional approach of teaching submissions to white belt beginners from the very start. The idea behind this approach is to introduce students to the concept of submissions early on, allowing them to understand the context and dangers associated with them. By teaching them various submissions in the first 20 classes, students learn the specific threats and also become aware of what to tap to for their own safety. This approach aims to reduce injuries and make beginners more prepared for sparring. The podcast highlights the positive feedback received from students who find it engaging and enjoyable.
The Shift from Traditional to Ecological Approach
The podcast episode emphasizes the need for a shift from a traditional approach to a more ecological approach in teaching jiu-jitsu. The traditional approach often focuses on step-by-step techniques, which may not effectively prepare students for live sparring or real-world situations. In contrast, the ecological approach emphasizes creating realistic training environments and games that mimic real-life scenarios. This includes starting beginners with submissions to help them understand the finality and dangers associated with them. The episode highlights the importance of teaching techniques based on practicality and safety, rather than solely adhering to traditional conventions.
Questioning the Fundamentals and Absolute Statements
The podcast episode encourages questioning the traditional notion of fundamentals in jiu-jitsu. It challenges the idea that certain techniques or positions, such as the closed guard, are essential for beginners. Instead, it advocates for teaching fundamentals that are practical and relevant to real-life situations. The episode also discusses how absolute statements in jiu-jitsu can be misleading. It emphasizes the need to question and explore different approaches to teaching and training, rather than accepting absolute statements as the ultimate truth. Additionally, the episode suggests that continuous learning, adaptation, and open-mindedness are key to evolving as practitioners and instructors.
Starting with Submissions First
The podcast discusses the approach of starting with submissions first when teaching beginners jiu-jitsu. The host shares their experience of how they used to teach beginners from certain positions, such as closed guard, but now they start with submissions. By exposing beginners to dangerous positions early on and teaching them how to control their body and breathe, they become less scared and more knowledgeable about what to do in those situations. This approach helps them develop a toolkit for self-defense and improves their understanding of how to take care of their training partners.
Questioning Traditional Fundamentals
The podcast challenges the notion of closed guard as the fundamental position to teach beginners. The host emphasizes the importance of also teaching open guard from the beginning, as it allows for more dynamic and practical training. They argue that closed guard often leads to holding positions without engaging in active jiu-jitsu. By introducing the messiness of open guard and teaching movements, control, and specific tasks within the guard, beginners can gain a better foundation and understanding of the art. The host encourages questioning traditional wisdom in jiu-jitsu and adapting teaching methods to better serve the students.
This week we're joined again by Priit Mihkelson! In this episode, Priit reveals something surprising about the way he runs his gym: he teaches submissions first! This is pretty funny and surprising coming from "the Defensive BJJ guy," but there's a good reason why he does things this way. Listen to learn why.
Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!
If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.
