Ep. 334: Project-Based Gameplanning, feat. Josh Vogel & Dr. Mike Israetel
Apr 21, 2025
57:28
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Quick takeaways
Effective game planning in jiu-jitsu requires a balance between refining personal techniques and strategizing against opponents' weaknesses.
Fostering a positive gym culture encourages collaboration among practitioners, enhancing personal development and skill exchange regardless of belt rank.
Prioritizing offensive skills over defensive strategies is crucial, as it promotes a proactive approach that secures scoring opportunities in matches.
Deep dives
Game Planning Approaches
Game planning in jiu-jitsu encompasses two primary perspectives: developing a personal game that includes favored positions and techniques, and strategizing against known opponents. The first approach centers on refining individual skills, such as specific guard techniques or positions, which allows practitioners to build a personalized game that suits their natural style. The second, more competitive method involves analyzing opponents, assessing strengths and weaknesses, and constructing tailored strategies based on their tendencies for upcoming matches or tournaments. By balancing these two perspectives, practitioners can enhance their jiu-jitsu skills while also preparing effectively for competitions.
Focus on Hobbyists
While the discussion includes competitive strategies, a primary focus lies on assisting hobbyists and casual practitioners develop their skills in an enjoyable manner. Training programs are designed to provide a structured progression through different belt levels, facilitating the discovery of preferred techniques and positions. This approach emphasizes troubleshooting common problems encountered during practice, allowing students to become intelligent problem-solvers in their jiu-jitsu journey. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that even casual participants have a fulfilling experience while improving their skills.
The Importance of Offense
In jiu-jitsu, there is a notable emphasis on the significance of developing offensive skills over purely defensive tactics. It is suggested that spending excessive time on defense can lead to stagnation, as points are awarded for offense rather than defensive maneuvers. A focus on honing offensive techniques allows practitioners to build a more dynamic game, ensuring they remain proactive rather than reactive during matches. By concentrating on specific offensive strategies and consistently practicing them, competitors can develop a sharper edge against their opponents and create opportunities for submission.
Multi-Layered Game Plans
Strategically constructing a multi-layered game plan is invaluable for jiu-jitsu practitioners looking to elevate their performance. This approach includes having a primary A-game that practitioners feel most confident with, supplemented by a reliable B-game and a C-game for added flexibility. This layered strategy allows practitioners to adapt their tactics based on various opponents, effectively countering their game while diversifying their own tools. Ultimately, the ability to shift between these different levels of game ensures that a competitor remains unpredictable and can respond effectively to changing dynamics during sparring or competition.
Culture of Learning
Establishing a positive gym culture is critical to facilitating effective learning and growth in jiu-jitsu. An environment where practitioners feel supported and encouraged to explore different techniques fosters personal development and the exchange of ideas. This culture ensures that athletes, regardless of belt rank, understand that everyone has unique strengths, and learning from one another promotes a sense of community. By prioritizing collaboration and problem-solving over competition among peers, gyms can cultivate a thriving atmosphere conducive to improvement in techniques and overall jiu-jitsu abilities.
This week we're joined by two BJJMM alumni: Josh Vogel and Dr. Mike Israetel! In this episode, Josh and Mike discuss the unique way they build gameplans at The Jiu-Jitsu Company.
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