Look Before You Leap: why isn't this working?
I've noticed a lot of threads and discussion about jiu jitsu
techniques recently in our forum. In particular, trouble shooting
certain moves in the 10th Planet System. There is common theme
amongst them that I have noticed. I wanted to write this article to
help clarify and point potential new students in the right
direction. Here goes!
Find a Teacher: It cannot be stated enough that in order to truly
learn jiu jitsu (or any art), you need to have one on one
interpersonal teaching with a LIVE person. With the advent of the
internet (and DVDs or Books), many people turn to those as their
main teaching tools. They shouldn't. These are supplements to
regular training and not meant to replace them. I learned more in 2
hours with a black belt than I could have by myself in 6 months.
Why? Because I am able to ask questions and get physical feedback
to my queries. Videos and books cannot do this for you.
As an example, I have had the pleasure to teach a few of you
personally either at seminars or coming to my school. After viewing
the Sub 101 videos and then having you train live, I always get the
same response "That makes so much more sense in person. I didn't
pick that up just watching the video."
Foundation: In order to get a true understanding and respect for
the art, you need to build on a foundation. There are many types of
foundations but you MUST have one before you embark on this
journey. You have to learn how to walk before you can run. The
problem is that in today's world of high speed information, people
want all the information NOW and aren't willing (or don't think it
is necessary) to go through those steps. It is and you'll get a
wake up call if you roll with someone who does have it!
Have you ever wondered why you are having trouble with the rubber
guard or twister side control (or even maintaining mount)? It is
because there is a lack of basic positional knowledge under your
belt (no pun). There are gaps that haven't been instilled in you
(yet) so these other positions will cause obvious problems for you.
How can video help? The BEST use of online (DVD/books) videos is
when you are already enrolled in a jiu jitsu school. The ability to
check out something online after having done it live in class is
where the true benefit comes from. Videos are a trigger for memory
and help 'fill in some of the gaps". They do not build the
foundation as a whole however. As you get better in jiu jitsu, the
benefit from videos actually becomes more powerful. This is because
you have a strong foundation and you can now extrapolate what you
see and apply it to your game. A 'noob' of 6 months jits simply
can't do that, especially if there is no teacher guiding you.
Rolling (grappling) with your buddies is great. It is super
fun-that is why we do it! But also remember that rolling with your
pals for 2 years without proper jiu jitsu foundation (or studying
under a teacher live) is not the same as someone who is going to
class.
As has always been the case with me, Submissions 101's goal is to
peak your interest in jiu jitsu and cause you to seek out a school
in order to train. If you are in an area without jiu jitsu or have
monetary problems that prevent you from training, that is
understandable. But if you have a dream or a goal, then you can
work toward it and achieve it.
So-if you have a question about jiu jitsu, make sure it isn't about
a flying arm bar if you are still having trouble getting out of
someone's guard. Baby steps.....you'll get there....and we are here
to help.
cheers
Ari Bolden
Submissions 101
I've noticed a lot of threads and discussion about jiu jitsu
techniques recently in our forum. In particular, trouble shooting
certain moves in the 10th Planet System. There is common theme
amongst them that I have noticed. I wanted to write this article to
help clarify and point potential new students in the right
direction. Here goes!
Find a Teacher: It cannot be stated enough that in order to truly
learn jiu jitsu (or any art), you need to have one on one
interpersonal teaching with a LIVE person. With the advent of the
internet (and DVDs or Books), many people turn to those as their
main teaching tools. They shouldn't. These are supplements to
regular training and not meant to replace them. I learned more in 2
hours with a black belt than I could have by myself in 6 months.
Why? Because I am able to ask questions and get physical feedback
to my queries. Videos and books cannot do this for you.
As an example, I have had the pleasure to teach a few of you
personally either at seminars or coming to my school. After viewing
the Sub 101 videos and then having you train live, I always get the
same response "That makes so much more sense in person. I didn't
pick that up just watching the video."
Foundation: In order to get a true understanding and respect for
the art, you need to build on a foundation. There are many types of
foundations but you MUST have one before you embark on this
journey. You have to learn how to walk before you can run. The
problem is that in today's world of high speed information, people
want all the information NOW and aren't willing (or don't think it
is necessary) to go through those steps. It is and you'll get a
wake up call if you roll with someone who does have it!
Have you ever wondered why you are having trouble with the rubber
guard or twister side control (or even maintaining mount)? It is
because there is a lack of basic positional knowledge under your
belt (no pun). There are gaps that haven't been instilled in you
(yet) so these other positions will cause obvious problems for you.
How can video help? The BEST use of online (DVD/books) videos is
when you are already enrolled in a jiu jitsu school. The ability to
check out something online after having done it live in class is
where the true benefit comes from. Videos are a trigger for memory
and help 'fill in some of the gaps". They do not build the
foundation as a whole however. As you get better in jiu jitsu, the
benefit from videos actually becomes more powerful. This is because
you have a strong foundation and you can now extrapolate what you
see and apply it to your game. A 'noob' of 6 months jits simply
can't do that, especially if there is no teacher guiding you.
Rolling (grappling) with your buddies is great. It is super
fun-that is why we do it! But also remember that rolling with your
pals for 2 years without proper jiu jitsu foundation (or studying
under a teacher live) is not the same as someone who is going to
class.
As has always been the case with me, Submissions 101's goal is to
peak your interest in jiu jitsu and cause you to seek out a school
in order to train. If you are in an area without jiu jitsu or have
monetary problems that prevent you from training, that is
understandable. But if you have a dream or a goal, then you can
work toward it and achieve it.
So-if you have a question about jiu jitsu, make sure it isn't about
a flying arm bar if you are still having trouble getting out of
someone's guard. Baby steps.....you'll get there....and we are here
to help.
cheers
Ari Bolden
Submissions 101
