Getting to grips with grappling arts...

[marie curie]

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.

Me Too! As a bioengineer, I'm always looking at what, specifically, is happening to the body, and it really helps me out.

I know that at first I had trouble, comming from striking arts, but like anything else, if you give it time, you'll pick things up faster.

I also try to write down techniques (and sometimes I end up drawing pictures) that I really don't understand.

[bushido_man96]

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.

That is great. I like to know why as well, and I will be the first to admit that I can't explain it all. I love learning new things. That is why I do so much reading.

[baronbvp]

Ah ha, you reminded me of something I've been meaning to ask. Do you know of any good wrestling books that show the moves in clear, large photos and explanations like the nice modern Gracie books? Since I wrestled in high school, I'd like to get a good book that graphically shows all the moves I used to know (like the chicken wing). I haven't found any good ones.

[bushido_man96]

Ah ha, you reminded me of something I've been meaning to ask. Do you know of any good wrestling books that show the moves in clear, large photos and explanations like the nice modern Gracie books? Since I wrestled in high school, I'd like to get a good book that graphically shows all the moves I used to know (like the chicken wing). I haven't found any good ones.

Here are a few you might check out:

1. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780873224826&itm=4

2. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780809256563&itm=6

3. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780736054607&itm=7

Here are a few to check out for Historical Purposes:

4. http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=1446

5. http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=1492

I hope this helps, Baron. Let me know if you find what you are looking for.

[baronbvp]

Perfect! Thanks, Bushido Man - exactly what I was looking for. I will get the first two.

I like the look of that last one as well. The grappling part of my JKD school does some catch-as-catch-can wrestling along with freestyle wrestling, BJJ, shootwrestling, judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, and Sombo.

[bushido_man96]

Glad I could help, Baron. Let me know what you think of those books, and if you think I could learn from them as well.

[Shotokan Dan]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm sticking with my training, I just got a bit discouraged a few weeks back because I couldn't get anything right. This info has been really helpful and encouraging.

Cheers

Dan

[baronbvp]

Let me know what you think of those books, and if you think I could learn from them as well.

Wilco, Bushido Man. It may be awhile before I can justify buying yet more books...

[bushido_man96]

Let me know what you think of those books, and if you think I could learn from them as well.

Wilco, Bushido Man. It may be awhile before I can justify buying yet more books...

I understand!

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm sticking with my training, I just got a bit discouraged a few weeks back because I couldn't get anything right. This info has been really helpful and encouraging.

Cheers

Dan

Just stick with it, Dan. Everyone hits those points from time to time. You just have to keep working through them.

[baronbvp]

I just had my first night of Combat Submission Grappling. It was very cool. It's nice to be back training after three weeks off due to surgery. The first guy I rolled with weighs 245 to my 175. We had a blast. I also rolled with a woman in her late 40's who is very physically strong. And of course my instructor rolled me at will. My high school wrestling is coming in handy to start, for basic awareness and ideas about leverage and momentum, but I have a lot to learn.