4 Tip On Using Youtube For Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
4 Tip On Using Youtube For Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Are watching instructional videos even useful at all? I bring this up because one of my students came up to me the other day and asked about using Youtube for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu techniques. Really what he was asking was how could he sift through all the information and videos on YouTube to find something that would work well for him. It’ pretty understandable. There is just so much stuff out there now that it can be overwhelming. I’ve also had several newer students over the years ask how useful instructional videos even were.
I personally started using instructional videos as a white belt back in 2003. Well before Youtube and other streaming media sites were even a thought. I bought a set of puzzle mats and DVDs. My roommate and I would drill on days we couldn’t make BJJ class, and sometimes on nights after BJJ class.
Since then I’ve used tons of different instructional products (books, videos, dvd, etc). These products have had a huge impact on my game. So I definitely think that instructional based videos and books can be useful. They can help spark new growth in your game and keep you from getting stuck in a plateau. As long as they are actually used.
In in this blog post I’m going to give you several tips that will help you narrow down what sorts of information you should be looking for so that you can find techniques that work well with your game.
Stick To Your Game
The first tip, and I think most important, is start searching for techniques from positions that you’re already comfortable, or have experience (good or bad) with. If you’re trying to use a technique from a position you never get to or one that you’re not familiar with. It’s going to be hard to take that move off the internet, connect it with your current game and use it during training.
So when searching for techniques, search for positions that you already know, end up in or are already comfortable with. This way you’ll have a greater chance of actually using these techniques when it comes time to roll.
Adding New Techniques From New Positions
If you do intend to start working on a new position. Start with finding entries into the position. For instance if you would like to use butterfly guard but you only have a full guard game. Then before you start working on sweeps and submissions from butterfly guard, you should start with entries which will transition you from full guard into the butterfly guard. Then once you’re able to get to butterfly guard consistently during rolling. Start scouring the internet for sweeps and submissions from that position. What’s the old saying in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu? Position before submission, right?
Use Your Instructor
The next tip, is to use your instructors. If you train at a gym with an instructor. They are your most valuable resource for techniques and training. Use them! When you find a new technique that you want to use, bring it to them and get their opinion. They can help you determine if it’s a solid technique or garbage (because there is garbage out there), as well as help you break down the technique.
If you plan to bring a technique to your instructors attention. Bring the book or video with the technique to show them. I say this from personal experience. It’s helpful to an instructor to see the move demonstrated on the video or book rather than having someone try and remember a move they’ve never used. It just never seems to work out.
Drill The Damn Moves
Another important piece of advice is to drill. Whether that is passive drilling, like doing repetitions, or more active drilling, such as situationally rolling. Make sure that you drill to make these techniques useable for you. I’ve seen so many people find a cool technique that they want to use. They drill it a few times and then when it doesn’t work during training, they scrap it. Most techniques, especially if they are new to you, will require some work. So be ready to drill them.
So some tips that might be helpful when using Youtube for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu are. . .
• Start with positions you have experience with.
• If trying to use a new position. Make sure that you can get there first.
• Consult you instructor.
• Drill the move once you’ve found one you like.
I hope these tips help. Even as a competitive black belt I STILL use instructional information for ideas and inspiration. And with all the great information out there it would be a shame not to use it. Just make sure to be smart and purposeful about it. This will help you avoid the frustration that comes when you’re unable to do something.
