The Everyday Jiu Jitsu Podcast Ep 2: Contrasting Teaching and Learning Styles for Jiu Jitsu

The goal is to analyze the different teaching/learning methods and understand their potential strengths and weaknesses in JJ

- This episode is aimed at coaches and all practitioners

- These methods are not necessarily good or bad, best or worst; they all have a place at the right time

- I believe the best teaching and learning methods are done in combination and collectively instead of individually

- Contrast these methods with Kids vs. adults, as well as beginners vs. advanced practitioners

Questions for each method of teaching/learning:

1. What category does the particular teaching method fall under?
2. What are the benefits?
3. What are the potential drawbacks (Is this myopic)?
4. What student does this teaching method best apply to?
5. What is the goal of the training (When to use a particular method)?
6. How can the learning involve multiple methods?

My 3 Pillars of JJ

1. Tactics
2. Mechanics
3. Timing

Technique-Based Examples: Arm-bar from guard, tight waist sweep from half guard

• Primarily involves learning in “Moves”
• Not a heavy focus on context of a given technique, or when to use it
• Decent focus on mechanics
• Not particularly flexible in terms of variations or opponent’s reactions (context)
• Good when introducing a new move

Sequence-Based Examples: Speed drills, Arm bar sequence, Guard passing sequence

• Potential predictable reactions are considered, but uncontrolled variability is limited
• Usually prioritizes speed and repetitions
• Can build mind/body connection (muscle memory)
• Can increase cardio while training JJ movements
• Not a heavy emphasis on mechanics or tactical context
• Good for kids and beginners
• Effective warm up

Game-Based Examples: Target sparring, game sparring, mini games, FYJJ

• Gives the athlete specific goals that translate well to live training
• Very specific training for specific scenarios
• Does not provide an overall game plan to win a match
• Increases quality repetitions in a short amount of time vs. live resistance
• Can quickly improve particular areas of a student’s game

Concept-Based Examples: Hip pin vs. shoulder pins, inside position

• These are not necessarily specific techniques; they provide context and tactics to techniques
• General ideas that can be very useful in a wide variety of situations
• These ideas give you a good sense of direction/goals to work toward in live scenarios
• Learning concepts allows you to be effective without knowing every technique
• Good for all practitioners

Principle-Based Examples: Theory of alignment, lever and fulcrum mechanics, wedges

• These are not usually specific techniques; they often explain why techniques work, or how to make a technique even more effective in a physical context
• Proven theories that can be replicated reliably
• Principles are mechanically sound
• Can sometimes become a myopic/rigid way of thinking
• Principles do not always apply the same way to every JJ scenario (relative to your goals)
• Good for all practitioners, but can be boring for younger kids

Contact/Support The Show:

Website: ejjp.show
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Email: ejjpod@gmail.com
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