Getting to grips with grappling arts...

[ps1]

A good training session always makes me feel better too. You're right about the bumps and bruises. They tend to come around regularly. It's rare to get bad injuries though.

[Ottman]

I actually go through the movements on my own, without a partner to practice things like proper hip positioning, transitioning from one technique to another, and to get a sense of what my own weight and leverage are doing (or should be doing.) It isn't the same as practicing with a partner, but it does help to engrain the muscle memory into my head so I don't have to think as much about what I'm doing when I am in class and rolling with a partner.

I'm also a big fan of writing things down as ps1 mentioned. usually after writing and drawing it once, I have it pretty well memorized, whereas if I just go through the movements in my head, it takes longer to get them into my memory.

[baronbvp]

I use a training journal and agree it's a "force enhancer."

[Shotokan Dan]

Thanks for all the pointers everyone. Useful stuff...

The training session last night was a bit hit and miss I have to say. Some nights, I just have two left feet basically and can't take anything in. We were doing a lot of joint locks and pressure points, and I just kept applying them incorrectly. It's taking me a while to get into Jiu-Jitsu, but I'm sticking with it.

How long did it take you all to get used to it?

[koryustudent]

Thanks for all the pointers everyone. Useful stuff...

The training session last night was a bit hit and miss I have to say. Some nights, I just have two left feet basically and can't take anything in. We were doing a lot of joint locks and pressure points, and I just kept applying them incorrectly. It's taking me a while to get into Jiu-Jitsu, but I'm sticking with it.

How long did it take you all to get used to it?

I was having a similar discussion with my girlfriend who wanted to join my jujitsu class. For each person it takes a different amount of time. In my case, having studied at other schools, it took me about a year to a year and a half to feel even remotely proficient. Five and a half years later, I feel like the more I learn, the less I really know. It also helps if you have instructors who are not only good martial artists, but good teachers.

I think it also depends on your jujitsu style. I thought that I knew something about jujitsu and then I started studding Aikido which showed me how bad my jujitsu really was.

Good Luck

[Shotokan Dan]

Thanks. Think you're right about the instructors needing to be good teachers as well as good martial artists. I've had a few incidents in the past where instructors have got impatient with me, and it just puts me off going back there again.

What do you think makes a good instructor?

[bushido_man96]

What do you think makes a good instructor?

A good instructor will know the techniques, and be able to relate them to the students in a way that is conducive to learning. I think being constructive is also important for an instructor, along with patience.

[baronbvp]

Since I have an engineering background, I also like an instructor who understands and can relate the physical mechanics behind a technique. I like to know WHY it works, especially with leverage moves. When I understand why I am doing things, I better learn how to do them on my own when the situation doesn't exactly match the setups I've practiced.

[bushido_man96]

Good explanation, Baron. Those are very important aspects of being able to relay a technique to someone.

[baronbvp]

Thanks, Bushido Man. I've confused a few younger guys who aren't sure why something works. They get puzzled when I ask why or ask, "is it because...?" Then they go, "I don't know. It just works." Then they have to go figure out or ask why.

One of the things I love most about the martial arts is the two-way learning that often occurs. I have found even the most knowledgeable teachers eager to learn something knew, or excite when a student unfolds another aspect of the art. I contrast this with football coaching or other sports that tend to be a one-way conversation.