The Everyday Jiu Jitsu Podcast Ep 25: Situational Sparring With Constraints Feat. Greg Souders
Sep 27, 2023
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Greg Souders, Jiu Jitsu savant and ecological approach advocate, discusses the benefits of the ecological approach in Jiu Jitsu, the impact of contextual interference on learning, teaching effective extension, interconnectedness in Jiu Jitsu, teaching techniques vs. ecological approach, repeating moves, effectiveness of solo movements, false positives and self-organization, cornering in competitions, meta stability in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, understanding self-organization and attention, technical advice for gi and no-gi Jiu Jitsu, the discovery of new Jiu-Jitsu systems, differential learning, clarifications and analysis of actions, relying on measurable results and rigorous processes, situational sparring with constraints, disdain for politics, discussion on potential conflicts and conspiracy theories, post-tragedy reflections and personal activities, kids program and moon landing, and the cultural shift and disconnect.
The ecological approach emphasizes self-organization of behavior through attuning to information in the environment and problem-solving.
Explicit instruction does not align with the ecological approach, which prioritizes direct perception and adaptation to unique situations.
The pure ecological approach prepares students to adapt to novel situations and prioritize adaptability over pre-planned techniques.
To improve gi game, train more often in the gi and focus on gi-specific techniques and strategies.
For proficiency in both gi and no-gi, find a balance between the two and seek quality coaching in each discipline.
Training in the respective environment (gi or no-gi) is essential to improve performance and develop the necessary skills and adaptations.
Deep dives
Ecological approach focuses on self-organization
The ecological approach emphasizes that the interaction between the individual and the environment leads to the self-organization of behavior. It highlights the importance of attuning to information present in the environment and allowing skills to adapt to the variation and complexity of the task at hand. Through constraint-led training and game-based scenarios, students are encouraged to problem-solve and find solutions on their own.
Explicit instruction does not align with ecological approach
Explicit instruction, such as showing techniques or specific moves, does not align with the ecological approach. This approach favors the direct perception of information and the self-organization of behavior, rather than relying on explicit instructions. The ecological approach recognizes that each situation is unique and cannot be frozen or decomposed into separate techniques. Instead, it focuses on teaching students to attune their intention and attention to the invariant features of a situation and adapt their skills accordingly.
Proof of effectiveness lies in ecological approach's emphasis on adaptability
The effectiveness of the pure ecological approach lies in its emphasis on adaptability. By training students to attune to the information in their environment and self-organize their behavior, this approach prepares them to adapt to novel situations and varying conditions. While showing techniques or specific moves may provide short-term solutions, the ecological approach equips students with the skills to problem-solve and find their own solutions in a wide range of scenarios. The continuous and complex nature of jiu-jitsu calls for an approach that prioritizes adaptability over pre-planned techniques.
Transitioning between gi and no-gi training
For someone who primarily trains no-gi and wants to improve their gi game, it is recommended to start training in the gi more often. By putting on the gi and focusing on gi-specific techniques and strategies, you can become more attuned to the gi environment and develop the necessary skills and awareness. Spending more time training in the gi will help you adapt to the grip and movement dynamics unique to gi jiu-jitsu.
Combining gi and no-gi training
If you want to be proficient in both gi and no-gi, it is important to find a balance between the two. Split your training time between gi and no-gi, making sure to get quality coaching in each discipline. Having a coach who is well-versed in both gi and no-gi can help guide your development in both areas. Stay open to learning and understanding the nuances of each style, adapting your techniques and strategies accordingly.
Advice for transitioning from no-gi to gi or vice versa
To improve your performance in either gi or no-gi, it is essential to train in the respective environment. Put on the gi and train gi-specific techniques for gi improvement, and take off the gi and focus on no-gi techniques for no-gi improvement. Each style has its unique grips, movement, and strategy, so immersing yourself in each environment will help you become more attuned to the necessary skills and adaptations. Incorporate specific training objectives and intentions to further enhance your performance in either gi or no-gi.
The importance of new and sound information in achieving success in grappling
The podcast discusses how the novelty effect of new and sound information can give students a significant advantage in grappling. The speaker explains that when students are exposed to unique and effective techniques that their opponents haven't seen before, it increases their chances of success.
The concept of intention-driven knowledge in grappling
The podcast explores the idea that knowledge in grappling is often developed through action and intention, rather than being taught explicitly. The speaker argues that the first person to have an intention and take action to achieve it is the one who creates the first bit of knowledge in a certain technique or movement.
The role of affordances in skill acquisition and improvement
The podcast highlights the importance of affordances, which are opportunities for action that individuals perceive in their environment. The speaker explains that by observing high-level Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and perceiving their affordances, young athletes are able to learn and improve their own skills, demonstrating the ecological relationship between perception and action in skill acquisition.
The Importance of Human Connection and Disconnection
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the increasing disconnection between individuals in society. He emphasizes the need for face-to-face interactions and the consequences of our over-reliance on technology. The speaker mentions that we are losing our human connection and highlights the importance of engaging in genuine conversations and challenging each other's beliefs. He also mentions the potential consequences of this disconnection, such as the lack of unified action and the rise of extremist views.
Opinions on Steroids in Jiu-Jitsu
Another topic discussed in the podcast episode is the use of steroids in the context of jiu-jitsu. The speaker expresses his uncertainty about their use, mentioning that it would require fair access and knowledge on how to use them appropriately. He suggests that if steroids were openly used in jiu-jitsu, honesty and transparency about usage should be encouraged. Additionally, the speaker highlights the importance of not allowing opinions on performance enhancers to divide the jiu-jitsu community and urges people to focus on genuine skill development and training methods instead.
This week I catch up with Jiu Jitsu savant and ecological approach advocate Greg Souders of Standard Jiu Jitsu. We discuss corrections from a previous episode, eco vs techniques (of course), conspiracy theories, and so much more. Personally, I learned a ton from this conversation with one of the most followed coaches in the game today. I hope you like 3-hours episodes; enjoy the show!
Contact/Support The Show: Website: ejjp.show Instagram: @theessentialjiujitsupodcast TikTok: @ejjpod Email: ejjpod@gmail.com On Guard Online Academy: https://onguardbjj.com/p/online-academy Zara Can Do Jiu Jitsu! https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000253392052/Matt-Kwan-Zara-Can-Do-Jiu-Jitsu%21
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