The Adaptable Athlete Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Greg Souders, founder of Standard Jiu-Jitsu and leader in modern grappling pedagogy, teams up with DeAndre Corbe, a high-level grappler and 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials champion. They dive into the transformative impact of ecological dynamics in Jiu-Jitsu training, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative coach-athlete relationship. The duo explores innovative coaching methods, competition prep strategies, and the significance of autonomy in athlete development, revealing how fun and problem-solving can redefine skill mastery.

What if skills aren't something athletes acquire but instead adapt continuously? This intriguing concept flips traditional views, emphasizing the athlete-environment relationship. It delves into how injuries and aging force athletes to recalibrate their movements. Youth athletes also face challenges as they grow, requiring them to readjust their skills. Coaches are encouraged to create environments that mimic real game situations, paving the way for innovative training and improved performance.

Duarte Araújo, a leading expert in ecological dynamics and skill learning from the University of Lisbon, discusses the evolution of athletic skill. He argues that skill is not something to be acquired but an ongoing adaptation shaped by the environment. Duarte emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful practices that allow athletes to discover their own solutions, advocating for a shift in coaching methods. He introduces the concept of cognizant action, highlighting the intelligence inherent in movement and the dynamic interplay between athletes and their surroundings.

In this conversation with Alan Dunton, a lecturer in Coaching Science with a Taekwondo background, the focus is on the fascinating concept of metastability. Alan explains how adaptability is key for expert performance while examining the balance between exploration and stability in training environments. He emphasizes designing practices that encourage athletes to stretch their capabilities and creatively respond to challenges. The discussion also touches on spatial occlusion research, revealing how elite athletes utilize different visual strategies for enhanced performance.

Send us a textAdam Singer is the head coach of SBG Athens, where he and his brother Rory have been developing fighters for over 25 years. A longtime practitioner of ecological dynamics in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, Adam has coached multiple athletes to the highest levels of competition, including two world champions. He’s also a co-author of a landmark paper on ecological dynamics in combat sports with Shawn Myszka, Tyler Yearby, Scott Sievewright, and Andy Grahn. Known for blending sharp insight with humor (and reminding everyone he’s both handsome and funny), Adam brings a unique perspective to coaching and skill development.In this episode, we discuss:Why coaching is about relationships and culture first — and how SBG Athens has built that over decadesStories from the gym: balancing intensity with care, developing fighters responsibly, and lessons learned across 25+ years in MMAThe role of exploration and aliveness in training, and why “sloppy” doesn’t always mean wrongWhy there are no shortcuts in adopting an ecological approach, and the pitfalls of surface-level buzzwordsHow Adam’s philosophy challenges traditional pad-work, drill-heavy coaching, and emphasizes problem solving in context If you’re a coach or practitioner interested in skill acquisition, practice design, and building adaptable athletes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.Referenced in this episode:SBG AthensEcological Dynamics in Sport Combat — Paper (ResearchGate link)EmergenceWatch full podcast episodes on YouTube → youtube.com/@thecoachjavEpisode Resources:CSAS CertificationAdam Singer on IG  If you’re a coach or practitioner interested in skill acquisition, practice design, and building adaptable athletes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Shawn Myszka, the "Movement Miyagi" and author of "Enhancing Skill in American Football," dives into revolutionary training philosophies. He discusses Wu Xin, or "no-mindedness," allowing athletes to adapt instinctively. Myszka emphasizes collaboration over ownership in coaching, drawing insights from legends like Barry Sanders. The conversation critiques traditional speed training, advocating for scenarios that reflect game conditions. He also highlights the importance of mindfulness, presence, and data-driven practices to enhance overall player readiness and skill transfer.

Send us a textGarrett Baker, Skill Acquisition Specialist and pitching coach with the New York Mets, returns to the Adaptable Athlete Podcast to dive deep into the realities of skill development in baseball.In this episode we discuss:Why breaking free from “perfect mechanics” often unlocks better performanceWhy pitching velocity isn't everythingHow reframing pitchers as “out-getters” changes the way we think about trainingThe pitcher-batter relationship and its central role in pitching successThe impact of conviction and intention on the moundWhy variability and “serious play” are critical to long-term developmentIf you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.Resources + Mentions:Garrett Baker’s previous episode: Pitching Beyond the MetricsPOST Framework Paper Jesus Luzardo breakdown with Dallas Braden – Slab LabCertified Skill Acquisition Specialist (CSAS) InfoCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Send us a textWelcome back to the Adaptable Athlete Podcast! In this episode, we dive into another edition of the 6 Minutes of Skill series — where Coach Jav breaks down a key skill acquisition concept in under 6 minutes (or close enough).This time, we’re tackling a big one:How does the weight room fit within an ecological approach?The weight room and ecological dynamics can often feel like they're pulling in different directions. But in this quick-hit episode, Coach Jav unpacks: ✅ Why the weight room isn’t the enemy ✅ How to create meaningful links between strength work and skill ✅ How variability can be a secret weapon in the weight room ✅ Why being weight room strong doesn’t necessarily mean being skillfulIf you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.Episode ResourcesEmergence Website Emergence Weight Room CourseCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Justin Ferguson, Director of Player Development at Minnesota United FC, champions modern coaching principles in soccer. He dives into the nonlinear journey of player development, emphasizing that talent isn't a straight path. Ferguson challenges outdated models and highlights the need for flexible learning environments that accommodate setbacks. He underscores the importance of adaptability in players and the shift towards holistic, team-oriented training. With insights from his work in professional soccer, he redefines how we think about athlete growth and development.

Send us a textThis episode is a special repost of my conversation with Stu McMillan on the ALTIS Podcast, originally recorded as a lead-up to the ALTIS Speed Summit where I will be presenting.  If you’re attending the Summit this weekend, this will give you a preview of what I’ll be covering in my talk on Saturday, June 7th. The session will be titled "This is Not a Drill: Developing Speed Through Problem Solving." We cover a wide range of topics—everything from designing adaptable athletes to unlearning rigid drill-based models. Whether you're new to ecological dynamics or deep into it, this conversation bridges theory and real-world coaching.The ALTIS Speed Summit kicks off on Friday, June 6th, and my presentation is on Saturday, June 7th.Key Topics Discussed:✅ Why repeatable outcomes matter more than repeatable movements ✅ How to build learning environments that guide problem solving ✅ What coaches need to unlearn to truly develop adaptable athletes ✅ The role of perception, variability, and context in speed training ✅ Transitioning from traditional  models to ecological dynamicsResources & Mentions:ALTIS Speed Summit Info: altis.worldThe Adaptable Athlete Podcast: theadaptableathlete.comEmergence Website: emergentmvmt.com“How We Learn to Move” – Rob Gray: Buy on AmazonCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav