382 - On Learning Jiu-Jitsu with 100% Live Training and No Formal Technical Instruction, with Greg Souders
Feb 1, 2023
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Greg Souders, a firm believer in drilling and gamification, challenges traditional jiu-jitsu training methods. They discuss the complexity of grappling techniques, understanding the kneecut, and the role of traditions. They emphasize self-organization and variability in training, the importance of understanding underlying principles of Jiu-Jitsu, and advancing the sport to a professional level.
Techniques are described as solutions to grappling problems, and understanding the governing principles of grappling can change our perspective on techniques and moves.
The speaker advocates for giving students the opportunity to face and solve problems within the grappling environment, focusing their attention on invariant information already present rather than teaching specific techniques.
The podcast discusses the concept of invariant techniques, which are consistently used in specific situations, while more complex processes involve higher variability and do not have a set series of shared techniques.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding how behavior emerges from the organism-environment interaction, applying an ecological approach to Jiu Jitsu instruction.
Deep dives
Importance of Understanding the Underlying Process of Grappling
The podcast episode emphasizes the need to shift our focus from technique-first approach to understanding the underlying process of grappling as a whole. The speaker suggests that once we grasp the governing principles of grappling, our perspective on techniques and moves will change.
Technique as Solution to Grappling Problems
Techniques are described as solutions to grappling problems that arise while pursuing the objective of controlling and submitting an opponent. Instead of teaching specific techniques, the speaker advocates for giving students the opportunity to face and solve problems within the grappling environment, focusing their attention on invariant information already present.
The Concept of Invariant Techniques
The podcast discusses the idea of invariant techniques, referring to discreet grappling techniques with low variability that are consistently used in specific situations. For example, the rear naked choke is described as an invariant technique due to its consistent application and predictable outcomes. However, the speaker notes that more complex processes, like guard passing, involve higher variability and do not have a set series of shared techniques.
Applying Ecological Dynamics to Grappling
The speaker mentions the influence of ecological dynamics in understanding grappling. They explain how behavior in grappling is an emergent phenomenon resulting from the interaction of individuals, tasks, and the environment. By focusing on alignment and engagement rather than specific moves, the speaker applies an ecological approach to Jiu Jitsu instruction, emphasizing the importance of understanding how behaviors emerge from the grappling system.
Understanding Behavior as an Emergent Quality
Behavior emerges from an organism's interaction with its environment in a specific way. The organism is equipped with perception, action, and potential, which are formed based on the function previous organisms used them for. For example, our hand's ability to grasp things leads to behavior that perceives graspability in the environment. The emergent quality of behavior highlights the importance of understanding how behavior emerges from the organism-environment interaction.
The Importance of Knowledge of and Knowledge About
Knowledge of refers to the deep experiential understanding gained through repeated interaction with the environment. It cannot be expressed intellectually but is crucial for self-organization. Knowledge about, on the other hand, relates to techniques or concepts taught and named as ways to solve specific problems. While techniques are valuable, they should be seen as representations of the underlying knowledge rather than the solution itself. Understanding the ecological dynamics of grappling and the objective of the game is essential in advancing our understanding of the sport.
Recommended Books for Further Study
For those interested in learning more, books on ecological psychology and ecological dynamics are recommended. 'An Introduction to Ecological Psychology' provides a comprehensive overview of the field, while 'How We Learn to Move' and 'Optimizing Movement' by Rob Gray focus on movement learning and skill acquisition. 'Nonlinear Pedagogy for Skill Acquisition' delves into the application of nonlinear pedagogy in acquiring skills.
Getting in Touch and Training
To connect with the speaker and explore training opportunities, visit Standard Jiu Jitsu in Rockville, Maryland, or reach out through Instagram by messaging @GD.Souders or @standardjiujitsu. The speaker is dedicated to engaging with practitioners and providing assistance in understanding the ecological approach to grappling.
To say that Greg Souders is a huge believer in drilling and gamification is actually an understatement; he believes that BJJ training methods have not kept up with the science of learning, and runs Standard Jiu-Jitsu in Rockville, Maryland without teaching any techniques. And black belt medalist students at the Pan Ams and the World Championships suggest that he's onto something!
I really enjoyed this conversation and did my best to ask the questions you'll be hearing in your own head as you listen to this!
As always, if you enjoyed this episode I would REALLY appreciated a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listened to it!
Cheers, Stephan Kesting
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