Effective Training Methods
Roy Harris
Allow me to share with you my personal perspective on effective training
methods. This perspective, I believe, will guide you along a path to becoming
a more efficient grappler. It will also help you to discover what areas of
training need the most attention in your training regimen.
There are three specific areas of training that will help you become a better
grappler:
technical knowledge,
the development of physical and mental attributes, and
the use of strategy.
Technical knowledge
Technical knowledge begins with the student learning a series of physical
movements called techniques. Once these movements have been learned, the
student should practice them until he/she can do them in their sleep. The
student should try to reach a level where he/she can reflexively respond to a
specific stimuli and perform the technique without thought. Next, a student
must learn how to put the basic techniques together into a series of
movements called combinations. These combinations will teach the student
how to flow from technique to another when they encounter resistance.
Resistance will guide them into the next area of training, the development of
physical and mental attributes.
Attributes
Attributes are those qualities that fuel the techniques. Physical attributes, like
speed, power, explosiveness, balance, coordination, timing, sensitivity
endurance and accuracy are the qualities that give life and vibrancy to
techniques. Mental attributes, like focus, concentration, determination, the
will to survive, and pain tolerance give extra added fuel to the physical
attributes. Developing attributes is an extremely important and necessary
component of training for the serious martial art student. Why? Because
technical knowledge without the aid and assistance of physical and mental
attributes is useless. Physical movements without the added fuel of speed,
power, timing, accuracy or explosiveness are nothing more than a series of
flowery dance movements. Developing these physical and mental qualities is
more important than the accumulation of technical knowledge. Once technical
knowledge has been combined with the development of physical and mental
attributes, the student can begin to focus on the use of strategy.
Strategy
Strategy can be defined as "a careful plan or method." It is the choosing of a
specific set of tactics that will enable the student to accomplish their desired
goal in an efficient and effective manner. The strategy they choose will
depend upon the unique set of circumstances that have presented themselves.
It will also depend on the amount of technical information the student has, as
well as which attributes the student and his opponent possess.
So, "Where do I start?" you might ask? Well, you start by learning and
practicing the mechanics of a specific technique. Next, you put some
techniques together into two and three technique combinations. Next, you
spar with it, and then finally, you review it. Here's an example of what I mean:
let's start with the mechanics of a triangle and an arm lock. There are eight
separate components of a triangle. There are seven separate components of an
arm lock. To realistically put these two techniques together into an effective
combination (while sparring) would require you to manipulate about fifteen
different components within a short period of time (less than two seconds).
Plus, you would have to set the first technique up by leading your opponent
into it from a superior position. (As you can see, this is not an easy task to
accomplish. Especially the first time you try it. This is why it is so important
to master the mechanics of one technique before moving on to another one.)
So, as you can see, this is a lengthy process. However, it is obtainable.
Once you can perform a technique reflexively where you no longer have to
think about it, you can then move on to developing the specific attributes
required to make that technique work.
Once you gain a handle on the mechanics and the attributes, you can then
focus your efforts on developing a variety of strategies to set the technique up
on a variety of opponents's. For example, how would you set up the technique
on a bigger and stronger person? How would you set up the technique on a
more experienced person? How do you set up the technique on an opponent
who is faster than you are?
Do you see how strategies are dependent upon the physical and mental
attribute and technical knowledge you possess? Do you see how technical
knowledge and attributes lay a foundation for strategy?
Start this new journey of yours by first identifying your weaknesses. Once
you've done that, attack those weaknesses like a wild chicken on crack! Get
rid of those weaknesses so that you can one day look back on them and say,
"I remember when..." Find something that you're not good at and work hard
to become good at it!
In closing, let me leave you with these words of wisdom:
Everything of value will come through great efforts on your part!
Good training to you,
Roy Harris
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