Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is considered by many to be one of the last “true” martial arts. While most karate or Tae Kwon Do schools have gone the way of the “Mc Dojo”, churning out 9 year old black belts, BJJ has consistently held high standards for achieving rank including 7-10 years of consistent practice.
BJJ is an art that takes years to be competent in, and forever to master. Since the sport involves two people, one has to not only be concerned with personal body movement but also what the opponent is doing. Punches and kicks can be practiced alone, but for the most part jiu jitsu has to have a partner. Because of this dynamic, obtaining knowledge of a technique may only take a practice session or two, but mastery may take ten or twenty times as long.
Twenty years ago, jiu jitsu “tech” wasn’t nearly as advanced as it is today. A person may only experience new and better techniques as schools competed, and the journey to black belt could take 12 or more years. But as time has progressed, the base of the art has improved and the speed at which new tech gets out has accelerated. Now, with proper training, a black belt can be had in as little as 6 or so years.
It’s amazing how knowledge can accelerate your progress! Now on the scene are mobile applications that let you learn from your phone. There are two basic approaches for mobile learning: YouTube (self-directed) and Android or iPhone apps.
YouTube is a great resource with a near limitless amount of videos to watch. For the trained eye, this is a fantastic tool. However, even many blue and purple belts don’t have enough experience to distinguish techniques that look good with those that will work without putting you in danger. In fact, one of the most viewed people putting out BJJ YouTube videos frequently demonstrates poor technique!
A better way to mobile train is with a proven instructor. By learning remotely, you can train with famous teachers no matter where you are. And if you pick the right professor, you can find a style that matches your own and will learn with techniques that are battle tested. This really is the only way to train – proven techniques, proven teacher, any time you want.
Just as the BJJ learning curve has drastically shortened over the past few decades, we are about to enter another transitional period for the art. By being able to train 24/7 you no longer have any reason to have a hole in your game. Load the app onto your iPhone and learn while you wait in line, while you wait for class, or while you are bored watching TV.
Nothing ever will replace class time for gaining experience and getting better. But learning the proper techniques to apply and when to use them is critical in getting better. Now get out there and train!
