A skill that is not often talked about but very important...

[brollikk]

So, in my opinion... the ability to imitate/mimic a technique that you see is extremely important in terms of progressing in skill level in BJJ.

And I believe there is a vast difference in this ability between a blue and purple belt (for the most part).

At the lower skill levels, it is almost like a game of "operator" or "telephone". They can copy the technique but not entirely (missing a good amount of the details/timing).

I believe that this has to do with mainly a lack of understanding of body mechanics relative to the movements.

Once at a higher level of understanding, it seems like even if there is a completely new technique shown to the person, they can imitate it with near perfection because they understand very well how most sweeps, submissions, passes, etc share the same principles.

 

[KJGould]

Right, I think understanding the concept at the core of techniques has more to do with correct application. In some instances if you have the concept down you can essentially work out what to do next because you've conditioned yourself to be more analytical.

 

[platfox]

I agree! That was the deciding factor in my instructor's decision to promote me to purple. I wouldn't say that I can imitate a move to "near perfection" that I've seen for the first time though but he's comfortable asking me to catch guys up that showed up late to class or show moves during open mat to guys who might have missed a technique from earlier in the week.

 

[brollikk]

In my opinion, the students I've seen progress the fastest, are the ones who understand fully why sweeps/passes/submissions/escapes work. (and are able to imitate/copy techniques extremely well)

 

[Jagcorps_esq]

I can certainly agree with that. There are some people that can just see a move and duplicate it, with very little extra instruction. I'd call it kinesthetic intelligence.

 

[D00M]

i think cardio is a pretty underrated asset

 

[Cash Bill 52]

Fundamental core principals that apply in all positions.

Tonight's Lesson...

Maintaining mount. (Mount From Hell)

warm up
-pendulum armbars from guard (swinging back and forth)
-armbars from mount (rotating with minimal arm control)

warming up hips, lower back, (core) for side to side rotation.

Fundamental principals

1. Hip movement (angle/pressure/force vector)
2. Lower/upper body control (head)
3. Transitions (high/mid/low mount)
4. Grips (foot grips as well)

We worked on that for about 20-25 minutes tonight. Then we examined how those core principals open up attacks from mount. (Front Choke/Arm Lock)

All basic stuff tonight. I had a fun time teaching and the guys seemed to appreciate it.