Bringing a new way of thinking to the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle

A new idea on an old way of thinking

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Old school BJJ vs "the inverter". Who wins in the long run?

As I have studied BJJ and practiced it for many years I have noticed a very interesting trend. It's like the stock market mentality, it is subtle but noticeable if your really look for the patterns. BJJ has an ebb and flow of practical application. The new person to BJJ begins as they should with the basics or as they are called in most academies "fundamentals". Just go into any studio and you will notice the beginners classes are full of people interested in the basic movements and generally just getting into shape and having fun. This usually lasts about 1 year. That's right I said 1 year. This is where my observation comes in. Like the stock market once you win or gain money from a basic investment you will see the inexperienced trader immediately expand their portfolio. Looking to capitalize on their new found skill they blindly invest in hunches,feelings and rumor. BJJ is exactly the same. The white belt that has athleticism and cardio easily runs through other white belts and even catches some blues and maybe a purple belt every now and then. BOOM!!! They are hooked. Now they take that new knowledge and begin to experiment, first with the same white belts they could easily beat before. Then they try to move up the ranks diving head first into uncharted territory. Some would say this is a natural progression and evolution of jiu jitsu, however i disagree. The knowledge is beautiful and experimenting with new guards,submissions and escapes is rewarding but jumping in too quick can lead to disaster. With the ever evolving ground game always attracting new and interesting movements the average student will get lost in all of the "new" philosophies and methods. I have seen white belts with some skill trying and using moves that make some black belts scratch their head. With the internet and YouTube you can now access information at a much greater rate and this has transformed BJJ in my opinion in a very bad way. There is no substitute for live training however BJJ isnt like other martial arts. Time in is the essential detail that seperates our community from others. Every martial artist has the right to try and learn techniques that they seem fit, but by blindly venturing into techniques not yey proven has muddied the waters for the essence that is jiu jitsu. Like a day trader sinking his whole portfolio on the "new up and coming stock" without research or collateral he loses it all in one day. Your jiu jitsu should be the same. Take your time, learn the basics and be patient. Save the inverting for a fun day in the academy. I dont think you want to invert on concrete.

No comments:

Post a Comment