#72: Why the Wrestling in Jiu Jitsu is so Low Level

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning wrestling techniques from experienced practitioners rather than just watching and studying. They critique the ineffectiveness of common Jiu-Jitsu takedown methods, such as collar ties, due to poor stances and lack of understanding of wrestling fundamentals like push-pull strategy. The video script calls for a better integration of wrestling skills into Jiu-Jitsu, recommending learning from skilled wrestlers who can teach effective systems, not just moves, for improved grappling and takedown techniques.

Takeaways

• 🤼‍♂️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning wrestling techniques from those who have actually practiced and competed in wrestling, rather than just watching instructionals or studying the sport.
• 🎥 The speaker criticizes the common practice in Jiu-Jitsu of watching wrestling films without the practical experience to back it up, comparing it to watching Kung Fu films and thinking it makes one an expert.
• 🏆 The speaker highlights his own credentials, having started wrestling in 1991 and coached at various levels, including working under accomplished coaches and learning from their expertise.
• 🤔 The speaker discusses the misconception that one cannot learn wrestling effectively if they start later in life, using his own experience starting Judo in adulthood as a counterargument.
• 🔄 The speaker points out fundamental flaws in Jiu-Jitsu practitioners' wrestling techniques, particularly the lack of understanding of proper stances and hand fighting strategies that align with those stances.
• 📚 He stresses the need for a good wrestling foundation to improve Jiu-Jitsu, especially in controlling an opponent's position and executing effective takedowns.
• 🚫 The speaker argues against the prevalent but ineffective practice of reaching with the same arm and leg in wrestling, showing how it can be easily exploited.
• 🤝 He criticizes the teaching of 50-50 hand grips in Jiu-Jitsu, advocating for more traditional and effective wrestling grips that lead to better control and positioning.
• 👊 The speaker calls for a revision in the way wrestling is taught within Jiu-Jitsu, advocating for input from experienced wrestlers to improve the integration of wrestling techniques.
• 🏌️‍♂️ The speaker suggests that even the best Jiu-Jitsu practitioners can benefit from a strong wrestling game, citing examples of high-level competitors who successfully incorporate wrestling into their Jiu-Jitsu.
• 📈 Finally, the speaker recommends learning from wrestlers who are also proficient in Jiu-Jitsu to gain a comprehensive understanding of both sports and to elevate one's grappling skills.

Q & A

What is the main point the speaker is trying to make about wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu?

The speaker emphasizes that to improve in wrestling, especially within the context of Jiu-Jitsu, one must learn from those who have actual wrestling experience and understand the fundamentals, rather than just watching and trying to mimic without the proper knowledge.

Why does the speaker believe that watching wrestling matches does not make someone an expert?

The speaker compares it to watching Kung Fu films and not becoming a Kung Fu expert. Observing the sport is not the same as having the physical and technical skills required to perform and excel in it.

What does the speaker suggest is a fundamental problem in Jiu-Jitsu regarding wrestling techniques?

The speaker identifies that many Jiu-Jitsu practitioners use upright stances which are ineffective for wrestling techniques that require a more forward-leaning or specific stance to be successful.

What is the speaker's view on the effectiveness of collar ties in Jiu-Jitsu?

The speaker criticizes the common practice of collar ties in Jiu-Jitsu, stating that they are often ineffective due to the upright stance of practitioners and lack of proper hand fighting strategy.

Why does the speaker argue that Jiu-Jitsu practitioners should learn proper wrestling techniques?

The speaker argues that learning proper wrestling techniques from experienced wrestlers can significantly improve a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner's ability to take control of a match, especially in terms of takedowns and ground positioning.

What issue does the speaker see with the way Jiu-Jitsu is often taught regarding wrestling moves?

The speaker criticizes that Jiu-Jitsu is often taught by instructors who have no wrestling experience, leading to ineffective and inefficient wrestling techniques being taught and practiced.

What does the speaker suggest is a common mistake made by Jiu-Jitsu practitioners when attempting takedowns?

The speaker suggests that reaching with the same arm and leg simultaneously is a common and ineffective mistake, as it leads to poor positioning and an easy opportunity for the opponent to defend or counter.

What advice does the speaker give to Jiu-Jitsu practitioners looking to improve their wrestling skills?

The speaker advises Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to learn from experienced wrestlers, to focus on fundamental wrestling skills, and to understand how to chain wrestle to different moves effectively.

Why does the speaker believe that the argument 'you can't use wrestling in Jiu-Jitsu' is invalid?

The speaker points out that the argument is invalid because successful wrestlers and coaches, like John Danaher, have incorporated wrestling techniques into their Jiu-Jitsu game, proving that wrestling can be effectively used in Jiu-Jitsu.

What does the speaker think about the teaching of 50-50 hand grips in Jiu-Jitsu?

The speaker criticizes the teaching of 50-50 hand grips in Jiu-Jitsu as being ineffective and leading to a lack of progress in hand fighting, suggesting that it does not lead to successful takedowns or control.

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of stance in Jiu-Jitsu wrestling techniques?

The speaker believes that stance is crucial in Jiu-Jitsu wrestling techniques, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of hand fighting and takedown attempts, advocating for a stance that allows for better control and positioning.