Grappling Training Speeds
One of the things that has
bothered me for years is the way that we train in Wrestling.
Wrestling is oftentimes a very physical, very fast, and explosive
sport. Unfortunately, when we
train, we sometimes forget that we need to learn the technique properly rather
than just learn the technique quickly.
When learning new techniques, it’s best to slow down, get the right feel,
get the right position, and then later add speed.
Many times in Wrestling we add speed right from the beginning not
understanding that speed is hampering our technique.
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I also have a similar concern because in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, sometimes
things are so slow, that it’s like watching paint dry. Especially when you see
competitors stuck in the Guard position just waiting for their opponent to make
a mistake. This is not functional either.
In the sport of Grappling (which is a great blend between Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) you need both
technique and speed. Wrestlers often have a tendency to force things. What this translates to in a Grappling
match is they often put themselves in trouble because they don’t truly understand
the purpose of the techniques and positions. They’re so focused on speed and explosiveness
that they can step into a trap.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players are the opposite. They seem to wait forever for their opponent to make a
mistake. If they wait too long when they’re grappling they’ll miss their
opportunities because they’re so used to wearing the Gi. The gi slows the game
down and allows better control of their opponent. All those opportunities can be
lost in Grappling. Grappling is a medium speed, what I mean by that is, it’s a step down from
Wrestling and it’s a step up from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
To be able to take full advantage of your submission attempts, you’ll
need to use better set ups, have a better physical base, and make things
happen.
What can a wrestler do to improve his grappling?
Slow down. Don’t be in such a hurry. Take a look at where you’re at and understand the positioning
and get a better feel for where you need to be.
1. Slow down. Don’t be in such a hurry. Take a look at where
you’re at and understand the positioning and get a better feel for where you
need to be.
2. Focus more on the actual technique. This is related
to being a little bit slower, but at the same time, don’t just do a move for the
move’s sake. Do the move because you understand the principle behind it
and understand how it’s going to cause your opponent to react and what it leads
to next.
3. Don’t force things. Use your physical advantages but realize
that shear strength and speed will not always save you in grappling. Again, make
sure that you know exactly where you’re going, exactly what you’re doing, and
don’t step into a trap.
What can a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player do to better his grappling?
1. Up the pace. You can’t just wait for something to happen. You have to
do a little bit more and set your opponent up and make him react to
you.
2. Most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players are just not physical
enough. They don’t train strength training and they don’t train the right
types of conditioning. They only do “cardio”. Well, if you’re
going to go into Grappling, you’re going to need physical strength especially if
you go up against a wrestler. Start learning Olympic lifts (Clean &
Jerk and variations and the Snatch and its variations); start learning power
lifts (Deadlift, Squat, and Bench Press); and perform those lifts at least 2
times a week.
3. Improve your standing wrestling skills. Most
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players are on their back far too much for Grappling.
You need to understand that takedowns are very important and develop them.
These are things that will help you improve your Grappling whether you’re a
Wrestler or a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player. I hope you enjoyed this article.
bothered me for years is the way that we train in Wrestling.
Wrestling is oftentimes a very physical, very fast, and explosive
sport. Unfortunately, when we
train, we sometimes forget that we need to learn the technique properly rather
than just learn the technique quickly.
When learning new techniques, it’s best to slow down, get the right feel,
get the right position, and then later add speed.
Many times in Wrestling we add speed right from the beginning not
understanding that speed is hampering our technique.
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I also have a similar concern because in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, sometimes
things are so slow, that it’s like watching paint dry. Especially when you see
competitors stuck in the Guard position just waiting for their opponent to make
a mistake. This is not functional either.
In the sport of Grappling (which is a great blend between Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) you need both
technique and speed. Wrestlers often have a tendency to force things. What this translates to in a Grappling
match is they often put themselves in trouble because they don’t truly understand
the purpose of the techniques and positions. They’re so focused on speed and explosiveness
that they can step into a trap.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players are the opposite. They seem to wait forever for their opponent to make a
mistake. If they wait too long when they’re grappling they’ll miss their
opportunities because they’re so used to wearing the Gi. The gi slows the game
down and allows better control of their opponent. All those opportunities can be
lost in Grappling. Grappling is a medium speed, what I mean by that is, it’s a step down from
Wrestling and it’s a step up from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
To be able to take full advantage of your submission attempts, you’ll
need to use better set ups, have a better physical base, and make things
happen.
What can a wrestler do to improve his grappling?
Slow down. Don’t be in such a hurry. Take a look at where you’re at and understand the positioning
and get a better feel for where you need to be.
1. Slow down. Don’t be in such a hurry. Take a look at where
you’re at and understand the positioning and get a better feel for where you
need to be.
2. Focus more on the actual technique. This is related
to being a little bit slower, but at the same time, don’t just do a move for the
move’s sake. Do the move because you understand the principle behind it
and understand how it’s going to cause your opponent to react and what it leads
to next.
3. Don’t force things. Use your physical advantages but realize
that shear strength and speed will not always save you in grappling. Again, make
sure that you know exactly where you’re going, exactly what you’re doing, and
don’t step into a trap.
What can a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player do to better his grappling?
1. Up the pace. You can’t just wait for something to happen. You have to
do a little bit more and set your opponent up and make him react to
you.
2. Most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players are just not physical
enough. They don’t train strength training and they don’t train the right
types of conditioning. They only do “cardio”. Well, if you’re
going to go into Grappling, you’re going to need physical strength especially if
you go up against a wrestler. Start learning Olympic lifts (Clean &
Jerk and variations and the Snatch and its variations); start learning power
lifts (Deadlift, Squat, and Bench Press); and perform those lifts at least 2
times a week.
3. Improve your standing wrestling skills. Most
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players are on their back far too much for Grappling.
You need to understand that takedowns are very important and develop them.
These are things that will help you improve your Grappling whether you’re a
Wrestler or a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player. I hope you enjoyed this article.
