The goal is to analyze the different teaching/learning methods and understand their potential strengths and weaknesses in JJ
- This episode is aimed at coaches and all practitioners
- These methods are not necessarily good or bad, best or worst; they all have a place at the right time
- I believe the best teaching and learning methods are done in combination and collectively instead of individually
- Contrast these methods with Kids vs. adults, as well as beginners vs. advanced practitioners
Questions for each method of teaching/learning:
- What category does the particular teaching method fall under?
- What are the benefits?
- What are the potential drawbacks (Is this myopic)?
- What student does this teaching method best apply to?
- What is the goal of the training (When to use a particular method)?
- How can the learning involve multiple methods?
My 3 Pillars of JJ
- Tactics
- Mechanics
- Timing
Technique-Based Examples: Arm-bar from guard, tight waist sweep from half guard
- Primarily involves learning in “Moves”
- Not a heavy focus on context of a given technique, or when to use it
- Decent focus on mechanics
- Not particularly flexible in terms of variations or opponent’s reactions (context)
- Good when introducing a new move
Sequence-Based Examples: Speed drills, Arm bar sequence, Guard passing sequence
- Potential predictable reactions are considered, but uncontrolled variability is limited
- Usually prioritizes speed and repetitions
- Can build mind/body connection (muscle memory)
- Can increase cardio while training JJ movements
- Not a heavy emphasis on mechanics or tactical context
- Good for kids and beginners
- Effective warm up
Game-Based Examples: Target sparring, game sparring, mini games, FYJJ
- Gives the athlete specific goals that translate well to live training
- Very specific training for specific scenarios
- Does not provide an overall game plan to win a match
- Increases quality repetitions in a short amount of time vs. live resistance
- Can quickly improve particular areas of a student’s game
Concept-Based Examples: Hip pin vs. shoulder pins, inside position
- These are not necessarily specific techniques; they provide context and tactics to techniques
- General ideas that can be very useful in a wide variety of situations
- These ideas give you a good sense of direction/goals to work toward in live scenarios
- Learning concepts allows you to be effective without knowing every technique
- Good for all practitioners
Principle-Based Examples: Theory of alignment, lever and fulcrum mechanics, wedges
- These are not usually specific techniques; they often explain why techniques work, or how to make a technique even more effective in a physical context
- Proven theories that can be replicated reliably
- Principles are mechanically sound
- Can sometimes become a myopic/rigid way of thinking
- Principles do not always apply the same way to every JJ scenario (relative to your goals)
- Good for all practitioners, but can be boring for younger kids
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