Learning to Fight! Conversations in Combat Skill

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the challenges of finding a balance between scientific terms and simplified language, and the danger of sticking to outdated coaching methods.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.

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.

Noah Schaffner, a 17-year-old student mentored by Greg Souders, discusses his unique understanding of jiu-jitsu and its methodologies. They explore topics like ecological skill development, perception-action coupling, differential learning, creating a strong gym culture, and the difference between training for technique versus performance.

Rory Singer, a UFC Vet and lifelong martial artist, talks about managing expectations in developing mixed martial artists. They discuss gym culture, duty of care for fighters, and their philosophies of aliveness and ecological learning. They also emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a team culture, improving skills through consistency and practice, and managing expectations in the world of mixed martial arts.