Learning to Fight! Conversations in Combat Skill

Send us a textLearning to Fight Podcast — Conversations in Combat SkillAfter a year-long hiatus, the Primal MMA Coaching Podcast is back—Rebranded, and refocused as the Learning to Fight Podcast: Conversations in Combat Skill.Your hosts are:Adam Singer — Co-owner and head coach at SBG Athens, BJJ black belt, long-time MMA coach, with years of developing novice to elite level fighters. Student of Matt Thornton and SBG's philosophy of 'aliveness'.Scott Sievewright — Co-Owner at Primal MKE, MMA skills coach and obsessive student of how humans learn to move and fight. Together, we dive deep into the art and science of coaching, training, and skill development in combat sports. Expect honest conversations about MMA, striking, grappling, practice design, contemporary research, traditional approaches, ecological dynamics, and the messy realities of learning under pressure.No gurus. No dogma. Just two coaches trying to understand fighting a little better each week.Same curiosity. New lens.Learn how to learn.Find your own style.Thrive on the mats—and in the cage.

The hosts dive into the intricacies of MMA coaching and the importance of different training approaches. They challenge traditional methods in favor of ecological dynamics and discuss how sparring is critical for real transfer to fights. There's a provocative debate on the limitations of pad work, emphasizing live interaction for skill adaptability. The conversation explores the balance between coaching novices and pros, alongside the need for authenticity over rigid game plans. Expect insights on effective training, adaptability, and redefining what true skill means in combat sports.

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.