#109: Dante Leon - Jiu Jitsu Strength vs. Skill vs. Athleticism, ADCC, and Legacy
Nov 7, 2023
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In this podcast, Dante Leon, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and NoGi competitor from Canada, discusses topics such as the balance between strength and skill in Jiu Jitsu, the importance of motivation in maintaining longevity in sports, the unique aspects of hockey and its transferable qualities, the growing popularity of Jujitsu and ambitions for future competitions, the role of strength training in Jiu-Jitsu, building muscle durability and stamina through conditioning, and observing physical labor and appreciating a different way of life.
Balancing technique and athleticism is crucial in jiu jitsu, with technique being the foundation but athleticism enhancing its effectiveness.
Getting athletes to prioritize technique over athleticism can be challenging, but putting them in challenging positions during training helps them realize the limitations of relying solely on athleticism.
Having fun and enjoying jiu jitsu is important for long-term success, as competition success alone may not sustain motivation throughout the journey.
Viewing setbacks and failure as temporary setbacks and focusing on continuous growth and resilience is crucial in jiu jitsu.
Deep dives
Importance of Technique and Athleticism in Jiu Jitsu
In this podcast episode, Dante Leon discusses the importance of balancing technique and athleticism in jiu jitsu. He emphasizes that while technique should always come first, being strong and athletic can enhance the effectiveness of the techniques. However, he cautions against relying solely on athleticism and neglecting proper technique.
The Challenges of Coaching and Instructing
Dante Leon shares his experiences as an instructor and coach in jiu jitsu. He explains that it can be challenging to get athletes to listen and change their habits, especially for those who believe they have it all figured out due to their preexisting athletic background. Dante highlights the importance of putting students in challenging positions during training to help them realize the limitations of relying solely on athleticism.
The Role of Enjoyment in Long-Term Success
Dante emphasizes the necessity of enjoying jiu jitsu to ensure long-term success in the sport. He suggests that if one's motivation relies solely on competition success, it may not be enough to sustain them throughout their jiu jitsu journey. Dante believes that having fun with the sport, even during challenging times, allows individuals to stay committed and continue to improve.
The Process of Dealing with Setbacks and Failure
Dante discusses his perspective on setbacks and failure in jiu jitsu. He views failure as a temporary setback that can be overcome with the right mindset and dedication to improvement. Dante encourages athletes not to label their experiences as failures and not to put excessive pressure on themselves. Instead, he suggests focusing on continuous growth and being resilient in the face of challenges.
Importance of Sticking to the Basics in Strength Training
Dante Leon emphasizes the value of sticking to the basics in strength training. He believes that focusing on proven exercises and methods that have stood the test of time is crucial. By prioritizing fundamental movements such as barbell rows, deadlifts, squats, and presses, individuals can build overall strength and avoid getting caught up in overly specific or flashy workouts. Dante emphasizes the importance of technical proficiency in jiu-jitsu, as well as building strength from head to toe through targeted exercises.
The Role of Conditioning in Strength Training
Dante Leon incorporates conditioning into his strength training regimen to enhance his performance on the mats. He explains that muscle endurance and lactic acid threshold are key components of conditioning for jiu-jitsu. Dante uses weighted carries, sled work, high-rep sets, and jumps to improve muscle durability and lactic acid threshold. He also includes cardio exercises like riding the assault bike or rowing to work on endurance. Dante believes that conditioning should be balanced with strength training and adjusts his conditioning routine based on specific training phases like in-camp or out-of-camp training.
Applying Strength Training to Jiu-Jitsu
Dante Leon stresses the importance of building strength that can be effectively applied in jiu-jitsu. He believes that technical proficiency is key in directing and utilizing strength properly on the mats. Moreover, Dante emphasizes the importance of strengthening the entire body rather than focusing on specific movements or body parts. He suggests that by building strength from head to toe, individuals can enhance their performance and overcome opponents with greater ease. Dante also highlights the role of strength training in developing pacing and endurance during matches.
