The 2 Technique Principle Revisited.

Since we're on the topic of strategy I'll be revisiting an invaluable strategy for developing your game efficiently and effectively.
Keep in mind that although this is an efficient learning approach it is not and shouldn't be considered a short cut.
For the simple reason that it takes work, focus and time. Yet it is faster than training haphazardly hoping for results, the key here is staying focused and organized.

OK, with that out of the way here is the gist of this principle.

The 2 technique principle allows for a more efficient and organized approach to training and developing your BJJ skills simply because you focus the techniques you learn around 2 responses to a position or situation.

So you start by writing down the most likely positions you will find yourself.

For instance let's take a look at positions.

Simply:
-In your opponents guard
-With your opponent in your guard
-In opponent's half guard
-Half guard on your opponent
-Mounted
-Mounted on your opponent
-Side control bottom
-Side control top.

Now there are many more positions and variations of them (such as turtle, open guard, etc,...,) but beginners should start with the most basic and build from there.

So you focus exclusively on 2 guard passes, 2 attacks or sweeps from your guard, half guard passes, half guard attacks, 2 mount escapes, 2 attacks from the mount, 2 side control escapes and 2 side control attacks or transitions and work to make those techniques and their combinations second nature.

You then apply this principle to other positions and situations.

Now by no means does this mean that your game should never evolve past this point.

You will never develop a complete understanding of the grappling game by limiting yourself, BUT, this is the optimal way to begin as well as develop a working knowledge and ability in sparring.

It is an ideal way to develop your foundation and I feel all white belts should use this principle in their training.

Now this is just a basic overview of the 2 technique principle as it has several different approaches, strategies and specific ways that you can implement it in your game.

After much thought, I decided that putting together a DVD on this approach wouldn't do it or the people watching it justice.

Why?

Because I have always felt that it is important to be cautious when introducing techniques through DVDs. I decided against putting out a DVD demoing the principle while showing techniques.

I have always been of the belief that martial arts are best taught by a live instructor. Scratch that, it's more than a belief I'm convinced that it is a fact as I've seen the results of people who tried to learn martial arts skills from DVDs too many times.

DVDs are great for introducing techniques, refreshing your memory and reviewing but trying to learn from them will develop holes and bad habits in your training that will take longer to correct.

That's why I only released a coaching CD where I cover all the necessary aspects of applying the 2 Technique Principle to your game.

As for the techniques themselves, you'll have to get those from your instructor. ;)

Next week I'll be back with more on strategy.

Why It's Critical To Develop Strategy In Your BJJ Training...

Regardless of how many techniques you know or how well you know them, the biggest factor in your using them successfully is your application of them and this ties in directly to strategy.

This is probably one of the most important areas of your training.

Yes the physical side is critical as well but the mental side really seperates the great from the average.

As a matter of fact this is what seperates the top acheivers from the average in almost any field.

So how do you go about working on your strategy?

You begin by knowing your strengths and weaknesses and also by studying the strategies of the top fighters.

By becoming aware of your strengths you can maximize your use of them. As for your weaknesses, you can prioritize your training on them to minimize them and develop those areas further.

Also by studying the best, you can learn how they implement the same techniques to outperform their competition.

The faster you focus on this area of your training the faster you will see progress in your ability to implement the techniques you learn into your game.

Over the next few weeks I'll be going deeper into strategy and the development of a solid game.