TFS#146: Nonexplosive Takedowns, Stop Shooting Takedowns, & Ecological Training

You don’t need to be explosive to shoot a Double Leg.

In fact, I think it’s extremely irresponsible and not very successful to try to shoot a double leg without any setup.

The setup itself doesn’t need to be explosive.

Learning takedowns to help expand your Jiu Jitsu stand up game doesn’t require athleticism.

Which is great if you want to preserve your knees and back.

One of the most common positions you’ll end up in during stand up is the Over-Under.

It’s a 50/50 position. And this is where you’re training the art in “martial arts.”

You’re feeling the push-pull dynamic from your opponent.

This video will breakdown the various options you can use from the Over-Under.

1. Push/pull → Off balance → Body Lock (Here’s the entire system for this one.)

2. Trap the Underhook → Arm Drag

3. Trap the Underhook → Dropstep into Single Leg

4. *If they try to go for a throw, a Double Leg is available

Remember: In regular training, if you have to exert over 60% of your strength, you’re probably forcing the issue.

If your knees hurt, stop shooting takedowns (the western way).

Here’s a reminder on how to keep your knees healthy:

Take the pressure off and focus on this.

What’s up with ecological training methods?

I’ve noticed a lot of Nogi classes are being run using the ecological training.

Which I understand to a certain extent.

However, I’ve been to a few classes where I felt like…it was an easy way for the Instructor to zone out.

A few of these instructors used it as an excuse to not have to lesson plan, or to have to teach technique.

For lower levels, you still need to the basic techniques. And in this particular example, when I say basic techniques, I don’t mean “how to execute a cross collar choke.” But rather how to front roll, chest escape, etc.

I’ve seen a lot of upper belts who still struggle with these movements.

These movements are the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu.

These are the movements you need to learn to avoid having to use strength.

Once you have these basic movements down, you can start learning what we commonly refer to as techniques.

But back to the ecological training: I think it’s highly effective and drilling, is definitely over done in traditional schools.

However, ecological training can’t be used as a lazy way to teach.

Allow students to drill a few reps and then get into more situational sparring.

Drilling is great for warming up, just getting the basic motion down, and allowing the students to understand basic timing.

It can also be saved as homework. Do drilling on your own time if you need it. Before or after class.

So…the conclusion here? We need a balance. I know, it’s a cliche answer.

I’ll see you on the mats,

Wayne

P.S. Let me know what your thoughts are on ecological training.