This Is How You Structure Your BJJ Training For Maximum Growth

Summary

The speaker criticizes the lack of structured teaching in Jiu-Jitsu, comparing it to rote learning in schools that leads to poor retention. They advocate for a systematic approach to learning, starting with escapes and progressing to offense, emphasizing the importance of understanding positions and transitions over random techniques. The speaker also suggests that beginners focus on mastering escapes to build confidence and avoid getting pinned, while more advanced students should work on specific positions and control. They conclude by encouraging self-study and finding gyms that support structured training.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The speaker emphasizes the importance of structure in Jiu-Jitsu training, noting that the lack of it is a common issue in many gyms.
• 🧠 It is mentioned that our brains don't work well with rote learning, which is how Jiu-Jitsu has traditionally been taught, causing confusion and frustration among practitioners.
• 📚 The script suggests that learning Jiu-Jitsu through a structured approach, focusing on specific positions and responses, is more effective than learning random moves.
• 💡 The idea of 'positional training' is introduced as a method to improve understanding and retention of techniques in Jiu-Jitsu.
• 🤷‍♂️ The speaker discusses the challenges faced by white and blue belts in understanding and applying techniques without a clear structure or progression.
• 🤝 The importance of mutual benefit in training is highlighted, suggesting that explaining the advantages of positional training to partners can lead to more effective practice.
• 🏆 The script references high-level competitors who utilize positional training, implying that this method is a key to success at the highest levels of the sport.
• 🚀 The speaker suggests that focusing on escapes is a crucial starting point for beginners, as it builds a foundation for defense and offense.
• 📉 The script criticizes the traditional teaching model of throwing random techniques together without context, which can lead to a lack of progress and disheartenment.
• 🔄 The concept of 'reverse engineering' training is introduced, where practitioners should think about how to get into and out of positions effectively.
• 📈 The speaker concludes by advocating for a daily focus on specific training goals, suggesting a progression from escapes to offense and finally to submissions.

Q & A

Why is structure important in Jiu-Jitsu training according to the transcript?

Structure is important in Jiu-Jitsu training because it helps learners remember techniques and understand how to apply them in various situations, unlike the random moves taught in many gyms which can lead to confusion and frustration.

What is the main problem with the way Jiu-Jitsu is traditionally taught in gyms as described in the transcript?

The main problem is that gyms often teach Jiu-Jitsu by throwing random moves together without a clear structure, making it difficult for students to remember and apply the techniques effectively.

How does the lack of structure in Jiu-Jitsu training affect the learning process?

The lack of structure makes it hard for students to understand the context and application of techniques, leading to a lack of retention and difficulty in transitioning from one move to another.

What is an example of a structured approach to Jiu-Jitsu training mentioned in the transcript?

An example of a structured approach is teaching from the closed guard position, outlining clear options and responses to different scenarios, such as what to do if the opponent postures up, maintains posture, or if legs are available.

Why do some people get frustrated and quit Jiu-Jitsu at the blue belt level according to the transcript?

People get frustrated and quit at the blue belt level because the unstructured teaching method makes it difficult to learn and apply techniques effectively, leading to a lack of progress and enjoyment.

What is the 'drinking from the fire hose' analogy referring to in the context of Jiu-Jitsu training?

The 'drinking from the fire hose' analogy refers to the overwhelming experience of trying to learn Jiu-Jitsu without structure, where too much information is presented too quickly without proper understanding or retention.

How does the transcript suggest improving the teaching of Jiu-Jitsu to make it more effective?

The transcript suggests improving Jiu-Jitsu teaching by structuring training in a way that reverse engineers the process, focusing on positional training and understanding the links between moves.

What is the significance of positional training in Jiu-Jitsu as discussed in the transcript?

Positional training is significant because it provides a clear framework for understanding how to get into and out of positions, enhancing the ability to control an opponent and apply techniques effectively.

Why should beginners focus on escapes according to the transcript?

Beginners should focus on escapes because knowing how to escape from disadvantageous positions is fundamental to Jiu-Jitsu. It builds confidence and provides a foundation for more advanced techniques.

What is the recommended approach for a beginner to structure their Jiu-Jitsu training according to the transcript?

For beginners, the transcript recommends starting with escapes for the first 1 to 6 months of training, then moving on to specific positions like half guard for individuals 6 to 12 months into their training, and finally focusing on submissions once the basics of control and positioning are mastered.

How can a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner ensure they are learning effectively even if their gym lacks structured training?

A practitioner can ensure effective learning by doing their own study outside of class, seeking out instructional materials, and discussing with training partners to arrange mutually beneficial positional rounds.

Outlines

00:00

🤼‍♂️ The Problem with Unstructured Jiu-Jitsu Training

The speaker addresses the issue of unstructured teaching methods in Jiu-Jitsu, comparing it to the ineffectiveness of rote learning. They argue that most gyms teach by randomly combining moves without a coherent strategy, leading to confusion and frustration among students. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a structured approach, where techniques are taught in a logical sequence that reflects how they would be applied in practice, to improve retention and application of skills.

05:02

🧠 The Importance of Structured Learning in Jiu-Jitsu

This paragraph delves into the benefits of structured learning, suggesting that Jiu-Jitsu training should be reverse-engineered to focus on specific positions and scenarios. The speaker proposes a methodical approach to learning, such as focusing on escapes or specific positions like closed guard, to build a solid foundation. They also discuss the importance of understanding the transitions between techniques and how to navigate from one position to another, advocating for positional training to ensure that students can apply their skills effectively during sparring.

10:02

🏆 Achieving Success Through Positional Training in Jiu-Jitsu

The speaker shares personal experiences and observations on the effectiveness of positional training. They highlight how focusing on specific positions and escapes can lead to significant improvements in performance, even for beginners. The paragraph discusses the importance of having a clear training goal and how to negotiate with training partners for mutual benefit during practice. The speaker also touches on the concept of 'positional rounds' and how they can help students develop a deeper understanding of Jiu-Jitsu, leading to more predictable and successful outcomes in competition.

Keywords

💡Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. In the video, Jiu-Jitsu is the central theme, with the speaker discussing the importance of structured learning in this discipline. The script mentions how traditional teaching methods can be ineffective, leading to confusion and frustration among practitioners.

💡Structure

Structure in this context refers to an organized and systematic approach to learning Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The speaker emphasizes that the lack of structure in many gyms is a significant issue, as it results in students learning random moves without understanding how they connect or apply in real situations. The script illustrates this with the critique of teaching Jiu-Jitsu moves without a cohesive strategy.

💡Rote Learning

Rote learning is the process of memorizing information by repetition without understanding the underlying concepts. The speaker contrasts this with the desired learning method in Jiu-Jitsu, which should involve understanding and application of techniques rather than just memorizing moves. The script uses the analogy of remembering school lessons to explain the ineffectiveness of rote learning in martial arts.

💡Positional Training

Positional training is a method of practicing Jiu-Jitsu where students focus on specific positions or scenarios, such as closed guard or side control, to improve their understanding and skills in those areas. The speaker advocates for this approach as a way to build a solid foundation and technical advantage in the sport, using the script to explain how it differs from traditional lesson structures.

💡Escapes

Escapes in Jiu-Jitsu are techniques used to break free from disadvantageous positions, such as being pinned under an opponent. The speaker recommends that beginners focus on learning escapes as a fundamental skill set, as it is crucial for defense and building confidence on the mat. The script highlights the importance of escapes as a starting point for new practitioners.

💡Submissions

Submissions are techniques used to force an opponent to submit by applying pain or pressure, often through joint locks or chokes. The speaker notes that while submissions are exciting and fun, they should not be the primary focus for beginners. Instead, a solid foundation in positional control and escapes should be established first, as mentioned in the script.

💡Control

Control in Jiu-Jitsu refers to the ability to dictate the pace and position of a match. The speaker mentions that being able to control an opponent is more important than flashy submissions, as it sets up opportunities for successful techniques. The script discusses how structured training can help develop this control.

💡Competency

Competency in this context refers to the skill level and ability of a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner to effectively perform techniques and strategies. The speaker points out that white and blue belts lack the competency to control matches, which is why they should focus on building fundamental skills rather than advanced techniques, as discussed in the script.

💡Tournament

A Jiu-Jitsu tournament is a competition where practitioners test their skills against others. The speaker mentions that high-level competitors often use positional training to prepare for these events, indicating that the training method is effective for achieving success in the sport, as highlighted in the script.

💡Gym

In the context of the script, a gym refers to a training facility where Jiu-Jitsu is taught and practiced. The speaker criticizes some gyms for their lack of structured teaching methods and suggests that students may need to find a more appropriate gym or supplement their training with additional resources.

💡Curriculum

Curriculum in this video refers to the planned content and sequence of lessons taught at a Jiu-Jitsu gym. The speaker describes traditional curricula as outdated and lacking in innovation, which can lead to stagnation in a student's learning progress. The script calls for a more dynamic and structured curriculum to improve training outcomes.

Highlights

The importance of structured learning in Jiu-Jitsu as opposed to random techniques.

The ineffectiveness of traditional rote learning in Jiu-Jitsu, similar to school education.

The frustration and confusion caused by the lack of structure in Jiu-Jitsu training.

The idea that Jiu-Jitsu is not inherently difficult, but the teaching methods make it so.

The need for a structured approach to learning positions and responses in Jiu-Jitsu.

The concept of reverse engineering training to understand how to achieve specific positions.

The benefits of focusing on one position during training for better retention and understanding.

The mutual benefit of positional training for both partners in a Jiu-Jitsu roll.

The 20-hour theory for becoming above average in a skill set and its application in Jiu-Jitsu.

The unpredictability and lack of learning from unstructured Jiu-Jitsu training sessions.

The importance of understanding how to escape from disadvantageous positions in Jiu-Jitsu.

The recommendation for beginners to focus on escapes as a foundational skill in Jiu-Jitsu.

The significance of having a clear idea of what to work on in daily training.

The advice for intermediate learners to focus on specific positions like half guard.

The argument that submissions should be the last thing to focus on in Jiu-Jitsu training.

The suggestion to conduct your own study if your gym lacks structured training.

The idea of coaxing training partners into positional training for mutual benefit.

The emphasis on the need for daily focus and structure in Jiu-Jitsu training for success.

Transcripts

it's weird that in every other area of

our life except Jiu-Jitsu structure is

appropriate and yet we get to jiujitsu

and we just throw [ __ ] at the wall and

see what scks for the gross majority of

people very odd but if you go to most

gyms that's pretty much how they teach

you and that's a main problem with the

sport and why not many people get that

good is because they're just throwing

random moves together in a big

collection of things that you're never

going to remember because that's not how

our brains work our brains don't work

with rot learning like tell me anything

you learned in year 11 at school I don't

remember almost any of it I know that

mitochondria is the PowerHouse of the

cell that's kind of how they're teaching

Jiu-Jitsu these days or they have been

colloquially teaching jiujitsu since the

'90s um it's like three random things

that don't really formulate a a concise

structure armar from closed guard KNE

cut pass into Guillotine none of that

makes sense together I'm sure you could

extrapolate strings to that but a white

belt or a blue belt is not going to be

able to do that this is why people get

confused and frustrated and end up

quitting at blue belt it's because it's

difficult to learn that way it's not

that the sport itself is difficult to

learn it's that the way that they're

implementing the teaching process is

difficult so if you've had that

experience where you're thinking [ __ ]

this is just like drinking from the fire

hose obviously you might have to go down

a path of trying to find gyms that are

more appropriate where they teach you in

a structured fashion so instead maybe it

is something as simple as like okay well

we're in Clos guard what are the options

that we have if they do X Y and Z so if

they posture up what do we do if they

keep their posture if we're able to

maintain their posture what do we do if

we're able to grab let's say an arm drag

grip what do we do um if they have their

legs available to us what do we do if

they spraw their legs back what do we do

and quite quickly you could see how that

would be much more applicable and much

more concise so that when you get to

close guard you would remember those

things it's more about the environment

of what you're setting up rather than

the technique itself like you don't sit

there in a roll and go oh my God there's

a k guard I don't do that either and

that's how they're trying to teach you

to think you get into close guard you're

like I know armar this not how it works

there's so many preliminary steps that

would afford you the ability to uh get

to an armar before just close guard

armar and if they're teaching you from

the Clos guard position how the [ __ ] do

you get there how do you get there

there's a lot of things that can happen

before you'll wrap your legs around

someone else's torso and it's not always

that obvious

and the big problem actually is that at

a white belt and a blue belt level you

don't have the competency or the skill

to be able to control people just yet to

force them down a specific Avenue where

you can work on your game and so brown

belts black belts maybe even some

advanced level purple belts have an

ability to be able to dictate most of

their rounds where they say well I'm

going to work on X Y and Z maybe it's

close guard and so they're going to be

able to pull you into close Guard from a

reverse deaa or a deaa they know the

links between those moves at least in

the minority of people that I have

trained with and so structuring your

training in a way that reverse Engineers

that process let's say if you wanted to

work on close guard you would first have

to find out well how am I going to get

there is it going to be from a guard

retention perspective is it going to be

from an open guard perspective am I

going to uh skirt through all that and

ask my training partner can we do a Clos

guard positional round um most of your

training Partners will be accepting of

that as long as you give them a turn so

it's as long as you're not attacking

them from closed guard 100 times and

then just sitting there going yeah sweet

I'm wasting my training um as long as

you flip the position where they are now

able to do that to you I think most

people are pretty willing to meet you in

the middle and if you explain it in a

way that is very simple I tell my

students do to do this as well it's like

look I know it might seem boring that

we're doing only one position but when

you get to this position in an open rle

you will have significantly more

information than the other person that's

there who hasn't done this which means

you will have a technical Advantage but

skill set uh in the holistic part of

things bar physical attributes um length

size speed anything of that variety if

you explain it in a way uh for

positional training that it is a mutual

benefit which it is then that you will

have an advantage on the person that you

are rolling with that hasn't done the

amount of time that you have in that

position then you're golden there's a a

theory that it only takes you 20 hours

hours to become above average in a

certain skill set and if you structure

your training in a format of where

you're doing mostly positional rounds to

start well then your 20 hours that make

you above average actually set you

further above than that average because

if you think about it let's use the

typical teaching model where people are

just throwing moves together and then

when they roll it's just an absolute

slaughterfest of throwing techniques

throwing techniques and there's no links

between the moves because you've never

been taught them and so it's wildly

unpredictable every round is going to be

different there's not going to be a lot

of uh information that you grasp and

take back from that you're probably

going to be spazzing out and just using

all of your attributes so the data You'

be able to pull from that round if you

can even remember it cuz you're going to

be so tired is basically zero so now

your 20 hours puts you above the average

person who's never trained but you have

no idea what to do when you get to

Turtle because you've never been there

in 20 hours of training you don't get

the total once close guard you've never

been in close guard in 20 hours of

training let let's say you're a smaller

individual in the training room and You'

just been smashed inside control for 20

hours like how much have you really

learned and so unless you have a

structure that can go backwards and

reverse engineer and say okay that was

my first experience of training I got

pinned under side control there wasn't

really much I could do about it let me

think for a second how could I format my

training in a way where I don't have to

get stuck in that ever again oh maybe I

could do a side control position round

where I arm myself with a bit better

information on how to escape maybe I

work on one Escape for the first part of

the week until I na that then I work on

another Escape for the second part of

the week until I nail that and then

maybe I'll work on another escape the

third part of the week or the week after

depending on your learning capabilities

um and then go about it that way and

then eventually once you do that you

will start to get a grasp of the areas

of the sport like big buckets of the

sport rather than just this random SP

iic collection of moves that you have no

idea how to get from this one to this

one because you've never been taught you

don't get much time there in around you

don't have a lot of experience there and

then how could you succeed with that

model when you have to structure your

own training I often get this question

so it's a good question um let's set

aside the fact that most gyms will not

do positional training so they're going

to do three random moves and they're

going to roll after their 35 minute

waste of time warm up and so you

probably get in three to five rounds

depending on the classroom uh or the

class length and so two or three of

those rounds I recommend probably three

would be you trying to put your best

foot forward and say hey can we do a

positional round from X Y and Z um if

there's nobody

available that wants to meet you halfway

there uh or they just want to roll or

there's some other thing impeding you

from doing that let's say you're working

Mount escapes just just let your

training partner Mount you don't do it

in an [ __ ] way where you lay down

like this and it's like brutally obvious

um but maybe you don't go as hard on the

guard retention side of things and maybe

you let them get into half guard and

maybe you let them pass into mountain

now you're like sweet I've got that

opportunity and what that'll do is

actually teach you how to navigate

around for your benefit and I very much

doubt that one of your training Partners

going to be mad that they ended up in m

so you can try and Edge your bets a

little bit by giving them a little to

get a little and so that's been a way

that I found that if I want to work on

something and I know that somebody is

not really all that Keen on doing it I

probably just let them get there anyway

um and to Jake's point you probably want

a couple of things that you're working

on but for very very basic beginners I

recommend starting with escapes you have

to know positional escapes because it

doesn't matter how good your armar is if

you just get pinned on the side control

your armar doesn't exist and so if

you're a beginner watching this within

probably 6 months of training um Escape

should pretty much be the thing you're

focusing on you'd be absolutely Gob

smacked at the amount of people that

I've coached uh who were at a purple

belt level who were like I can't get out

of side control I've never been taught

it I have this one crucifix armar that I

do that I'm really really good at when

someone goes to Turtle but until they go

to Turtle I'm [ __ ] and I'm like wow

it's such a drastic difference in the

experience that I've had I wonder why

that is and then I started reading about

it I'm like huh that's because people

don't know how to teach properly and

they have no structure to their training

and if there is a structure it's from

the 1990s it's laminated on a piece of

uh paper that they pull off the wall and

they go huh okay it's arm bars from Clos

guard today followed by KNE Cuts

followed by and I literally trained at a

gym like this my first gym and that

curriculum was sporadic it was never

updated uh and you get it taught on a

cyclical nature so that there's never

anything new coming in and so basically

it's adult daycare

with extra

steps and it's it's sad because people

people with the right attitude and the

right idea coming into the sport will

get disheartened as a result of that and

like I ended up training in a gym where

half of the guys left to another gym

that was opened up as a part of the

franchise and the reason being is

because me and my mates were applying

ourselves outside of the lesson to learn

the sport we wanted to learn more we had

a thirst and a hunger for the the

studying aspect

and I remember the first DVD I bought

was Loy Giles um uh noge strangles

Anthology or whatever it was called high

percentage noge chokes that was my

second DVD yeah the purple cover I think

like maybe a deep blue and uh so I

watched that and immediately DED

everybody in the gym a million times and

uh Zach ended up buying kit Dale's uh

learn faster instructional like the

first one that he had the conceptual

thing yeah and the concepts and so we

just put those two things together

pretty much figured out a couple of

things and that took us really far

against these other guys who' just been

in this same structure the same cycle

again and again and again and again and

they'v been training for 2 or 3 years

and we were already able to uh

circumnavigate that pretty quickly and

so that's when I started to structure my

training uh a little bit more from

outside information moving inwards it's

like no I really want to apply this I

really want to put this in and have that

be successful and then so I just kept

doing that and then obviously that

changed when I got to Sydney West where

my training was a lot more structured

and a lot more diligent and now we teach

in a sequential matter like my brain was

[ __ ] blown when I was like oh so

that's how you get all the way from here

a all the way to Z and all the reactions

in between oh that's 10 times better

than whatever I was learning cuz I was

just learning submissions cuz that's

what I thought was fun and that's what

every white and blue belt think is fun

but your submissions don't mean [ __ ] if

you can't pin somebody and control them

and so you kind of have to work your way

through that that's why I recommend the

beginners do a escapes really just going

to get pinned on the ground and stuck

there forever dude escapes are so funny

it's the best when you can't be held

down it's great when you got a multitude

of things that you can do and know how

to do and successfully do reliably the

best and it does a lot for your

confidence cuz if you try something and

it [ __ ] up and you're a white belt you

don't know side control escapes then

you're probably not going to be willing

to sit back on an arar because you're

like oh if I get there I'm going to be

so [ __ ] and so if you Rectify that and

you do know how to escape because you've

structured your training and you've

focused on it well then you might open

yourself up for New Opportunities you

might even hit things that you didn't

think were possible tldr of this is that

you have to be focused on what you're

doing in your training every single day

uh it doesn't have to be super granular

but have a have a broad idea of what you

want to be working on so if you're a

beginner 1 to 6 months escapes is a

great place to start um if you're a

little bit further along than that maybe

it's one specific position half guard is

probably the best one to start with for

like the 6 to 12 month individuals cuz

it's the thing you're going to be in the

most um converting those escapes into

offense really important um being able

to pin somebody and hold them down

really important submissions are

probably the last thing you should be

working on in the grand scheme of things

because uh they will come once you can

successfully do those things again and

again and again cuz what most people

don't talk about is that that induces a

lot of fatigue on your opponent and once

they're tired they give up easy Subs

every single time and so that's like a

little basic structure you can run with

in your training and if your gym just

does the three random moves well then

you're going to have to be doing your

own study this is why we're providing

this for you um and if you want to get

positional training in you've just got

to kind of talk about it in a way where

it's mutually beneficial which it is and

just say look you know those guys that

are on all the major tournaments they

all do it we interrupt this educational

material so it's unattainable for people

who don't film it they

won't it's unreasonable to expect you

could ever look like that but yeah you

can you can kind of coax them into it a

little bit for their benefit also or if

you can't find anybody like that you

might be in the wrong gym uh but you

could just force it and just give them

out as long as you just don't do this

but yeah so hopefully you guys get a lot

out of that hopefully you guys um gets

the gears turning on how to structure

your training if you want me to go more

in depth drop that below happy to do

that uh we'll see you in the next one