Ep. 272: Common Jiu-Jitsu Mistakes, feat. Matt Kwan
Feb 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Jiu-Jitsu expert Matt Kwan discusses common mistakes in the sport, like regulating tension and setting goals. They cover topics such as managing distance, inside channel control, and the importance of clear grips. The podcast explores the challenges of knowledge transmission and goal setting, with a humorous anecdote thrown in. They also touch on teaching leg locks to children and rebranding in the Jiu-Jitsu community.
Regulating tension improves jiu-jitsu efficiency and conserves energy.
Winning inside position enhances distance management and offensive opportunities.
Understanding distance ranges is vital for effective technique execution in jiu-jitsu.
Deep dives
Regulating tension in jiu-jitsu
One of the biggest differences between skilled and inexperienced jiu-jitsu fighters is their ability to regulate tension in their bodies. Beginners often exert too much energy in the wrong situations, while advanced practitioners understand the importance of flowing with their partner's movements. By learning to relax during neutral moments and applying tension strategically during offensive or defensive cycles, skilled fighters can make their techniques more efficient and conserve energy.
The significance of inside position in jiu-jitsu
Winning the battle for inside position is vital in jiu-jitsu, whether playing from top or bottom. Maintaining inside position allows for better distance management and control. From the top, controlling the opponent's hands is crucial, while from the bottom, bringing everything inside and recomposing frames helps manage distance and create offensive opportunities. Though outside positions exist, they are often attribute-dependent and more common in gi grappling. Understanding inside position and effectively using it can lead to successful guard passes and dominant positions.
Recognizing the importance of the distance battle in jiu-jitsu
Understanding the range in jiu-jitsu is essential for effective technique execution. Different moves are suitable for different distances, and realizing the right timing and range for attacks is key. In stand-up scenarios, initial attacks often involve targeting the opponent's feet, while seated guards typically require controlling their hands. Approaching distance management intelligently is crucial, as coming forward does not always guarantee guard passes. By playing with distance and recognizing when to come forward or create space, practitioners can avoid predictable patterns and increase their chances of success.
The importance of setting goals in jiu-jitsu
Setting goals in jiu-jitsu is highly beneficial for personal improvement. Whether it is focusing on specific techniques, addressing weaknesses, or planning for upcoming competitions, having goals provides direction and motivation in training. These goals can be as simple as improving a specific position or targeting a particular area of weakness. By consciously working towards these goals and tracking progress, practitioners can enhance their skills and make consistent advancements in their jiu-jitsu journey.
Setting and reflecting on goals
A common mistake in goal setting is the lack of reflection and assessment after achieving the goals. It is important to not only set goals but also to reflect on one's performance and measure how well they have achieved those goals. The speaker suggests a three-part approach for each training session, where they start with a plan to work on something within their control, such as a specific technique or position, actively practice it during class, and then reflect on what worked and what needs improvement. This feedback loop is crucial for deliberate improvement and growth, especially in jiu-jitsu where the temptation to prioritize fun over progress can be a danger.
The importance of having long-term plans
Having long-term plans and goals is essential for personal and career growth. Setting goals for the short, medium, and long-term helps to visualize where one wants to be and provides guidance for making decisions and taking actions. The speaker shares their experience of setting plans for their career as a chef and then transitioning to becoming a jiu-jitsu academy owner and instructor. They emphasize that even for recreational practitioners, having long-term plans and considering where they want to be decades from now is important to avoid getting stuck in a routine or regretting missed opportunities. They also caution against blindly following one instructor's advice and highlight the need to acknowledge that no one has all the knowledge or the perfect way of doing things, including the instructors themselves.
This week, Brother Matt joins us again to break down common Jiu-Jitsu mistakes such as failing to regulate tension, failing to fight for the inside channel, failing to manage the distance, failing to set goals, believing your coach knows everything, and failing to clear your trademark with JT Torres.
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.
