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- TFS#69: Analyzing Film & Hidden Benefits
This weekend was huge for the competitive scene with both IBJJF World Master and Jiu-Jitsu Con events.
So you'll probably see various breakdowns of matches of professional fighters.
But instead of analyzing my favorite match, I want to talk about how to analyze matches, specifically your own.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”—right?
And this is a skill that you’ll benefit more and more from as you continue to do it.
Ok, now let’s learn to catch a fish…
1) Make it a habit to record
For regular class sparring, you’ll have plenty of chances to do it.
If you need a small, portable tripod to help with filming, it’s only a $10 investment.
Recording your rounds during normal class sparring is the perfect place to start since you’ll have lots of data to review per week.
And whenever you're competing, hand your phone to a teammate.
2) You don’t need to review everything
Going over all 8 rounds of a class is going to be a huge waste of time.
Especially if you're trying to pick up a new habit. Don't make it overwhelming, make it practical.
Start off by reviewing one or two matches that you felt are significant.
By “significant,” I mean the ones that you can gain the most from immediately.
For example if you’re a new blue belt and had trouble with another blue belt or even a tough white belt, prioritize reviewing those rounds so you know where to make immediate adjustments.
Reviewing your match against a brown belt might be a little more difficult since you probably could’ve fixed a million things. Again, we don't want to be overwhelmed, we want to be practical.
3) Analyze specific moments
You were on top…then you got swept. What went wrong there?
You were so close to passing…but then they re-guarded. How did they stop your pass?
Where did you lose the Armbar?
Being able to pinpoint specific positions or moments to study are the baby steps you need to take.
4) Review with instructor
The best thing you can do is to take those specific moments you’ve already analyzed and get your instructor’s input.
(Or a higher belt if your instructor isn’t available.)
But be mindful of other people’s time.
Don’t go up to your coach and say “hey can you sit down with me and watch 10 5-minute rounds with me?”
Everyone’s time is valuable.
Some professors might be kind enough to do that with you but let’s not make assumptions.
So do your homework first, follow step 3 above.
That way your questions are specific and solutions are easier to find.
5) Look for the solution and test them
Now you have some solutions but you only know of them in theory.
You have to put it to the test on the mats.
If it helps, ask your partner to do specific sparring only, this way you can get a ton of repetition within a class.
Hidden benefits
There are hidden benefits to this approach.
This is also another great way to show your instructor that you are really putting in your best efforts to improve. (This indirectly makes you more “deserving of a promotion.”)
Another beneficial byproduct is you’ll become better at watching matches in real time.
Which helps your own rolls in real time.
Your reactions will become better and you’ll know how to adjust during the round.
Your thinking becomes clearer and you’ll see the round happen in slow motion.
What’s wrong with watching professional matches?
Nothing. You can still learn loads from watching your favorite fighters.
But when you’re a lower belt, what they’re doing might not be as relatable.
Their matches can be more difficult to analyze. The reactions they're getting might not be the same as what you’re getting at your level.
Regardless, pro fights are still fun to watch, but prioritize your own fights first!
Closing Remarks
Instead of analyzing full fights, I prefer to focus more on specific positions in this newsletter.
It’s much easier to learn if I share one or two details rather than a full match breakdown.
Plus, my goal isn’t to make you read a long email.
What is now is not forever.
For The Dedicated
→ For white belts: 6 tips on how not to be a dummy…you’ll do a lot more for yourself and your partners.
→ For a starter: If you’re looking to improve your overall training time, here are a few pre and post training tips you can follow.
→ For your strength: Learn these methods for higher return for your BJJ performance.
→ For blue belts: Give this a listen to learn how to overcome obstacles and live a much more balanced life.