How Jozef Chen is Changing BJJ

Summary

In this engaging discussion, Joseph Chan, a young and talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, shares his journey from a 17-year-old bleach-blond tourist to a prodigy in the grappling world. Chan, now 19, discusses his rapid ascent, influenced by books like 'The Art of Learning' and podcasts, emphasizing the importance of self-directed learning and the balance between growth and performance in his training. He also touches on his competitive mindset, the concept of making smaller circles in technique refinement, and the idea of viewing losses as investments in growth. Chan's story is one of dedication, strategic learning, and the pursuit of excellence in Jiu-Jitsu.

Takeaways

• 🤼 Joseph Chan is a young and talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who has quickly gained recognition in the BJJ community.
• 🏆 Chan's early exposure to BJJ was through striking and MMA, which he found less challenging compared to the intricacies of Jiu-Jitsu.
• 📚 He has been influenced by books like 'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin, which has shaped his approach to skill development and learning.
• 🌐 Chan's training was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing him with an opportunity to train full-time and study BJJ deeply.
• 🏅 His success has been noted by prominent figures in BJJ, with some predicting he could become a future world champion.
• 🧠 Chan emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, going beyond coach instruction to explore techniques and strategies on his own.
• 🔄 He discusses the concept of 'growth versus performance' in training, highlighting the need to balance learning new techniques with honing them under pressure.
• 🔁 Chan applies the idea of making smaller circles to refine techniques, making them more conscious to facilitate adjustments and deeper understanding.
• 🤔 He values the process of 'tinkering' during drilling sessions, which involves experimenting with techniques and engaging in dialogue with training partners.
• 🏆 Chan's approach to competition includes viewing losses as investments in growth, which encourages trying new techniques and strategies.
• 🎓 Despite his success in BJJ, Chan has not completed high school, choosing to focus on his martial arts career with the support of his family.

Q & A

Who is Joseph Chan in the context of the transcript?

Joseph Chan is a young and talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who has quickly gained recognition in the Jiu-Jitsu community. He is known for his impressive skills and is considered a rising star.

What was Joseph Chan's initial impression on the speaker when they first met?

The speaker initially thought Joseph Chan was a regular tourist due to his bleach-blond hair and young age, but was very impressed with his skills after rolling with him.

How old was Joseph Chan when he started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Joseph Chan started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he was around 14 years old.

What influenced Joseph Chan to start training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Joseph Chan was influenced to start training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after watching MMA online and playing UFC 3, which sparked his interest in the sport.

What is Joseph Chan's approach to learning and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Joseph Chan's approach to learning and training involves being self-directed, focusing on growth versus performance, and incorporating various instructionals and mental models into his training regimen.

What books has Joseph Chan found influential in his Jiu-Jitsu journey?

Joseph Chan has found 'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin and 'The Will to Keep Winning' by Chu Da Wei to be influential in his Jiu-Jitsu journey.

How does Joseph Chan apply the concept of 'making smaller circles' in his training?

Joseph Chan applies the concept of 'making smaller circles' by refining his techniques, making them less intuitive and more conscious, allowing him to make adjustments and think deeply about the techniques.

What is the significance of the term 'tinkering' in Joseph Chan's training philosophy?

In Joseph Chan's training philosophy, 'tinkering' refers to experimenting and sandboxing techniques to understand them better, engage both parties in a learning exchange, and stimulate the mind for better understanding and growth.

How does Joseph Chan view the concept of losing in the context of competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Joseph Chan views losing as an investment in growth, suggesting that focusing on areas of weakness during training can lead to improvement, even if it means losing in the short term.

What is Joseph Chan's current educational status according to the transcript?

Joseph Chan has mostly completed his A levels but has not finished them due to prioritizing his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trials and training.

What are Joseph Chan's parents' opinions on his pursuit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over traditional education?

Joseph Chan's mother is supportive of his pursuit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, while his father, coming from a poor background and valuing education, initially wanted him to complete university.

What is Joseph Chan's long-term goal in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Joseph Chan does not have a specific 10-year plan mapped out but intends to play it by year, focusing on his enjoyment of the sport and his performance in it.