Let's Not Overcomplicate This
Intentional training gives you direction, but it should not keep you from recognizing the sweep, pass, or submission that is already in front of you.
Keep a direction for your training, but do not force one technique after the position has changed. Take the opportunity that is available and let it lead you toward what comes next.
I wanted to follow up on something we’ve been talking about over the past couple weeks… and break it in half (I’m kidding - sort of).
When focus becomes blinders
It’s easy to get so focused on one thing that you start ignoring everything else.
By now you’ve probably developed some laser focus on the technique you want to make yours - but now you might be wearing blinders and missing the other jiu jitsu happening around you.
It happens all the time.
Part of this is just the reality of sparring. Your partner isn’t just standing there letting you work - they’re trying to do their jiu jitsu too.
So things don’t always show up the way you planned. And because of that, opportunities show up that you didn’t plan for.
Take the low hanging fruit
This is where it’s important to take the low hanging fruit.
A sweep.
A pass.
A submission.
Ripe for the taking.
You might be so laser focused that you didn’t realize your partner changed the situation, and you can’t get to your move from the position you’re in anymore.
You can still have direction in your training. You can still work toward a position or a technique, but you don’t need to force it at the expense of just doing jiu jitsu.
Funny enough, taking that low hanging fruit might just lead you to what you were hunting for anyway.
Recognize what is in front of you
It might also be why it seems like upper belts can see the future and predict the move you’re about to make. It’s not that they’re predicting anything - although they might be clairvoyant. They just adjust to the current situation faster and recognize what’s right in front of them.
A lot of progress in jiu jitsu comes from recognizing what’s in front of you - and being willing to take it when it’s there.
See you all on the mats.
Joshua is the owner and head coach at 608 Jiu Jitsu in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. He writes about learning, problem solving, and becoming a better training partner through jiu jitsu.