An engaging discussion unfolds with a physicist and coach from the School of Grappling, diving into the science of skill development and biomechanics. The conversation emphasizes flexible, ecological coaching approaches while challenging traditional methods. Key topics include the art of efficient movement, gamification in training, and overcoming bad habits through experiential learning. The duo critiques elitism in grappling and champions a playful, community-centric approach, urging practitioners to embrace creativity in their journey.

Send us a text In this episode of the Primal MMA Coaching Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Laura Cuijpers, an assistant professor at the University of Groningen, to explore the emotional and psychological aspects of martial arts training. We dive into Dr. Laura's work on agency, resilience, and the application of the ecological approach in self-defense, with a particular focus on women's self-defense. We discuss the challenges of moving away from choreographed methods and the importance of improvisation under pressure. This conversation is packed with insights relevant to anyone interested in martial arts, self-defense, or ecological dynamics. 

Sonny Sahota, a judo black belt and manager at Kensington Judo Club in Vancouver, dives deep into integrating Ecological Dynamics and the Active Inference Framework into martial arts coaching. He discusses how these theories enhance skill acquisition and practice design while balancing fatigue and motor learning. Sonny emphasizes the importance of understanding athletes’ individual narratives and emotional engagement, and he shares insights about tailored training approaches that break away from traditional methods, ultimately revolutionizing how coaches can foster athlete development.

Coach Rob Cole discusses the shift towards an ecological approach in MMA training, simplifying complex concepts, comparison of ecological vs. CLA methods, strategic coaching in grappling, ambivalence towards ranking in martial arts, and community building through advocacy.

Gray Thomas, a PhD student at the University of Connecticut, discusses Ecological Psychology and its implications for sport and movement. Topics include direct perception, coaching challenges, haptic information in grappling, aha moments in skill acquisition, and gaze behavior in learning striking techniques.

Former MLB player and Pittsburgh Pirates coach John Baker discusses the ecological approach to coaching in baseball, MMA, and jiu-jitsu. Topics include skill acquisition, mindfulness in training, individual adaptation in fighting, and the evolution of techniques. The conversation explores the importance of creating a conducive learning environment for skill development and the differences between ecological and information processing approaches in sports.

SBG's Adam Singer and The Academy's Andy Grahn discuss their recently published Ecological Approach to MMA Journal Article, co-authored by Professor Keith Davids. They delve into applying an ecological dynamics framework in MMA training, emphasizing individual fighter styles, movement problem-solving, decision-making in combat sports, and enhancing perceptual skills. The podcast provides insights into the practical application of ecological approaches in coaching practices.

Coach James de Lacey discusses science-based exercise programming for combat sports, offers insights on strength and conditioning for fighters, and provides practical tips to integrate S&C into training schedules. The podcast explores interconnected energy systems, optimizing conditioning for combat sports, Tabata training, agility, expertise in environmental perception in coaching.

Dr Andy Bass, performance coach with the Pittsburgh Pirates, discusses the mental aspect of sports performance and its relationship with motor learning. Topics explored include the influence of self-talk, prescriptive vs instructional coaching in MMA and boxing, variability in movement patterns, and the difference between capabilities and action capacities. They also discuss the challenges of finding a balance between scientific terms and simplified language, and the danger of sticking to outdated coaching methods.

Send us a textToday I chat with Irish National Kickboxing Coach Jon Mackey about the role of training tools in striking sports. We'll explore whether these tools actually support skill acquisition and debunk some of the popular training gimmicks that are flooding social media.Coach Mackey brings not only an extensive coaching experience, but his academic perspective as a PhD is skill acq candidate.  Jon gives his thoughts on the effectiveness of tools like noodles, ladders, flashing lights, and frisbees for improving athletic performance. He'll explain why these tools may not be as beneficial as they're often portrayed and offer alternative strategies for developing the skills and conditioning necessary to excel in striking sports.Whether you utilize these tools or have wondered how effective they might be, hopefully this convo will help challenge the conventional wisdom and leave you with a better understanding of what most likely works and what most likely doesn't when it comes to training tools and equipment.