BJJ is a battle of inches as they say and everyday we all walk the fine line between too much or not enough.
Whether that’s using too much or not enough strength, being over active or under active during a roll, sinking your hooks in too shallow or nice and deep, playing loose and fluid or tight and rigid – the list goes on and on and on.
So what is the right amount of strength to use? How active do I need to be in a roll? How deep should I play my hooks? What is the perfect balance between being loose and fluid and tightly impenetrable?
Well the answer is… very complicated and also different for everyone at their different levels, weights, styles, game-plans, the situation you’re in, the phase of the moon, the brand of deodorant they use and most importantly their dress sense.
I’m sorry to raise your hopes in trying to define and solve the complicated quandary that is the ‘Too much – not enough‘ spectrum but although I haven’t solved it yet, I think conceptually it’s something we can all be thinking about.
So if you think you might be using too much or not enough during training, try to redress the balance for the better. Remember it might not be a technical issue that is stopping you pull off a sweep or guard pass it might just be that you weren’t in the right place on the ‘Too much – not enough’ spectrum.
What inspired this post is a fabulous advert from the good people at Audi (crosses fingers, awaits free car) who have an advert on the different types of grip we all use everyday. It really illustrates the spectrum and as you’ll see it neatly transposes over to BJJ.
Anyway, take a look and make sure this week you consider the spectrum and how it may have helped you pull something off or miss a golden opportunity.
Although we’ve been open since March it’s only now that we’re opening the doors to the world after a period of: consolidation, re-grouping, re-associating and training on limited mat space.
So if you’re a fan of ConceptualBJJ.com and looking for a BJJ / grappling club in the Stockport / Macclesfield area, then drop on by or get in touch.
Things I learnt from – Chris Haueter #2 -There is a huge difference between having something (i.e a grip, hook etc) and actually using it properly.
There is an old phrase that goes:
‘Neither use, nor ornament’ – that is used to describe something as having no functional use or aesthetic qualities.
Now what Chris Haueter plus Darren and Helen Currie have taught me is the importance – grips, hooks, positions etc have in being both useful and also ornamental (Technically sound).
Well kind of, it boils down to the fact that there is a big difference between having something and actually using it.
For example if you take a collar grip – all you’re doing is holding a bit of cloth but when you start to use it – say pull, push, twist, turn it, all of a sudden it has value and use.
Recently I’ve had the pleasure of attending a friend of mines grappling for MMA classes so I can tweak and add bits to the already stellar coaching.
Apart from being a lot of fun, it has sparked a lot of thoughts about Conceptual BJJ.
The first thought surrounds the idea of using too much strength when you first start grappling. It’s only natural and although it can be difficult to play against, it’s something that people need to get past before their game will open up and progress beyond a basic level.
So this had me thinking on how I could explain the idea of toning down the strength game for the greater good of your grappling and I came up with this:
‘Grappling is a rubix cube, the tighter you hold it the harder it is to solve’
So if you’re coaching or rolling with people with a tendency to go mini-hulk on you, rather than tackle grappling with a more intelligent outlook, use this analogy. You all know how complex both grappling and doing a rubix cube is and if you try doing either with white knuckles you’ll struggle to get anywhere close to solving the puzzle.
It’s been a long time coming but the first proper installment of The Luck Factor and BJJ is here. Below is the outline on what is covered in the video.
Principle 1: Maximise your chance opportunities.
‘Lucky people create, notice and act upon chance opportunities on and off the mat.’
Sub-Principle 1 – Lucky people build and maintain a strong ‘Network of luck’.
Sub Principle 2 – Lucky people have a relaxed attitude towards life.
Sub-Principle 3 – Lucky people are open to new experiences in their life
*Slight ammendment to the quote in green above from the picture.
Hope you find the video useful, stay tuned for the next one and I look forward to your comments and feedback.
It’s been a while…but I’m back from the future with a new mini-series in the form of video articles.
As promised I’m documenting my interpretations of Prof. Richard Wiseman’s – The Luck Factor, with BJJ.
The first video is an introduction before we get down to the nitty gritty.
The next video with be posted online within a few days and subsequent videos on a weekly basis thereafter.
Thanks for sticking around and emailing me berating me to publish more stuff for ConceptualBJJ.com. Remember, without you guys, I’d just keep all this stuff in my head tightly sealed away forever.
I’m Currently reading a fantastic book called The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman.
I’ve had the book for absolutely ages and have even seen the TV shows but have only just got round to reading it.
Anyway the book shows you how simple behavioural techniques can help you increase your chances of being lucky, now we’re not talking lucky in terms of winning the lottery but things like maximising on chance opportunities and being positive. Although in principle the ideas presented will help you in your everyday life, I see a massive crossover that could be exploited in BJJ. Therefore as I’m reading the book, I will update you all on my findings and the correlation certain principles have in BJJ.
Stay tuned, I’m working on the first article and I think you’ll find it really interesting.
To commemorate the inception of Factory BJJ on Saturday 1st March, we are pleased to announce the release of a limited edition t-shirt.
In a stylish industrial ash grey, the front is adorned with the Factory BJJ logo and the back has a small message to mark the occasion.
At just £10 each the short run of Small, Medium and Large shirts are available from Wednesday March 5th.
Update: NOW Available – Hurry while stocks last.
Update: SOLD OUT
The only stipulation of purchasing a t-shirt is that you have to of actually trained at the Factory during the first month of us opening. The idea is that people who actually own one of these t-shirts will always be part of the early history of Factory BJJ– Sorry.
Don’t hate the player, hate the game.
I will be designing an open market t-shirt and possibly rash guard in the near future which will be available to everyone, so if you’re interested please keep checking back.
Just a quick post to let you all know that from now on you can contact me at Info [@] ConceptualBJJ.com
Conceptual BJJ 