#45 - Game on! - Kit Dale and Greg Souders on ditching the drills to become better quicker!
Nov 1, 2023
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Kit Dale, jiu-jitsu world rapid development advocate, and Greg Souders, ecological approach leading advocate, discuss strategies for becoming better at grappling. They challenge traditional training methods, bridge historical jitsu drilling and free sparring, focus on invariants in techniques, examine the mindset of jiu-jitsu athletes, apply the ecological approach, explore problem-solving under stress, and discuss the role of self-organization in coaching and learning.
Task-based games offer an effective and engaging alternative to traditional drilling for grappling training.
The instructional industry in grappling needs to shift towards more dynamic and engaging methods like task-based games.
Learning should prioritize invariances, allowing students to discover details and variations through live resistance and practice.
A trial-and-error approach to learning values experimentation and problem-solving, leading to continuous improvement.
Creating an environment that involves challenge and engagement enhances memory retention and learning.
Deep dives
The value of task-based games in grappling training
Task-based games, as advocated by Kit Dale and Greg Souders, offer an effective and engaging alternative to traditional static drilling in grappling training. By focusing on problem-solving and live resistance, students are able to develop their own understanding and skills through trial and error, rather than relying solely on prescribed techniques. These games allow for a more holistic approach to learning, where students can absorb information from their training partners and adapt to various situations. The results from task-based games demonstrate accelerated learning and improved performance, making them a valuable tool in coaching for grappling.
Challenging traditional static drilling in grappling training
The prevalent use of static drilling in grappling instruction is being called into question by Kit Dale and Greg Souders. They argue that static drilling, while familiar, may not be the most effective method for skill development. They emphasize the importance of moving beyond rote memorization of techniques and instead encourage a focus on skill acquisition and knowledge through live resistance training and problem-solving. By shifting the focus to more dynamic and engaging training methods, such as task-based games, practitioners can experience more efficient learning, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of grappling.
The need for a shift in the instructional industry's approach
The instructional industry in grappling, characterized by DVDs and online courses, needs to evolve to better serve students. Kit Dale and Greg Souders urge a shift away from the accumulation of techniques and towards the development of skill and knowledge. There is a recognition that static drilling alone may not be sufficient for skill development. Instead, there is a need for more engaging and experiential methods like task-based games that involve live resistance and problem-solving. As the industry evolves, there is a call for instructionals to provide more practical environments and adaptive training strategies, ultimately benefiting students' learning and progress in grappling.
Using invariance to optimize learning
The podcast episode explores the concept of invariance and its role in optimizing learning. Invariance refers to the underlying features or principles that do not change across different situations or individuals. By starting with these invariances, such as the foundational mechanics of a specific technique, students can learn at a faster rate. Through live resistance and practice, students can discover the details and variations that work in different contexts, expanding their knowledge and skill set.
The importance of trial and error in learning
The podcast highlights the value of a trial-and-error approach to learning. Rather than seeking perfection or exact instructions, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action, making mistakes, and learning from them. By embracing a mindset that values experimentation and problem-solving, individuals can continuously improve and develop their skills in various domains, such as writing or jiu-jitsu.
Emotional arousal and skill acquisition
The podcast discusses the role of emotional arousal in learning and skill acquisition. It explains how emotional arousal, such as nervousness, excitement, or fear, can enhance memory retention and the brain's ability to learn. By creating an environment that involves challenge, pressure, and engagement, individuals can stimulate their brain to process information more effectively and develop adaptive skills.
Importance of Allowing Athletes to Express Themselves
In the podcast, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting athletes be themselves and express themselves athletically. By allowing athletes to embrace their natural athleticism and develop their skills without unnecessary restrictions, it can lead to a more robust skill set.
The Limitations of Competition in Jiu-Jitsu
The podcast discusses the limitations of competition in Jiu-Jitsu and questions the notion of judging a coach's effectiveness solely based on their students' competition results. The speaker highlights the unpredictable nature of Jiu-Jitsu matches and argues for a broader perspective on coaching that focuses on developing highly skilled variable players, regardless of their competition outcomes.
Importance of bringing external information into the classroom
Bringing external information into the classroom is a valuable way to enhance learning. By watching DVDs or exploring other sources of information, students can observe different approaches and techniques. This external information can then be applied and practiced in the classroom, allowing students to engage with the subject matter and expand their understanding. It is important for students to have fun with practice and be inspired to learn, and incorporating external information can help achieve that.
The power of live work and experiential learning
Engaging in live work and experiential learning is crucial for growth and development. The podcast highlights the importance of moving beyond static drilling and embracing interactive and dynamic learning experiences. It emphasizes that true learning comes from practical application and adaptability, rather than relying solely on explicit instruction and descriptions. The example of Gordon Ryan is used to illustrate how experiential learning, coupled with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the subject matter, leads to exceptional skill development. The focus is on creating an environment that fosters learning and allows students to develop their own unique approaches.
Kit is well know in the jiu-jitsu world for his rapid development in the sport and his achievements at high level no-gi grappling in a short few years. An advocate of 'learning through trial and error and one that has been preaching the anti-drilling message for years' it seemed fitting that I get him on to talk with Greg Souders.
Greg himself has emerged as a leading advocate of the ecological approach and in doing so, brought a lot of the science and research from the academic side onto the mats and into a broader conversation.
Kit has recently launched his 'Task Based Games' series which is really the first of it's kind in bringing this gamification approach to the wider grappling community.
A long but interesting convo between the two coaches.
Thank to all that download, listen and take the time to reach out!
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