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(Published June 29, 2023)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is renowned for its ability to enable smaller, weaker individuals to overcome larger, stronger opponents. The fundamental principle powers this ability is efficiency. By focusing on techniques, tactics, and strategies that do not rely on raw strength, size, or athleticism, practitioners can achieve amazing success on the mats. That’s why it is vitally important to integrate efficiency into your game from the very beginning.
Efficiency - the Key to Overcoming Giants
You'll never beat a giant using techniques and strategies that rely on strength, size and athleticism.
The way to beat a giant is to get him to use all his energy while you are using very little of your own. Then when he runs out of energy, when his gas tank is completely empty, then you'll still have all of your energy.
Rather than attempting to overpower a larger opponent, the focus shifts to conserving your energy while your opponent uses all of his. Once that’s accomplished, you effectively become the stronger, more athletic opponent, and that's when you beat him.
In actuality you don't really beat the giant. You get him to beat himself. And you do that through efficiency.
Efficiency Transcends Age
There has been a notion circulating recently that older practitioners, having experienced a decline in physical attributes, need to start focusing more on efficiency in their Jiu-Jitsu.
But I feel this notion is flawed.
If the whole point of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to be able to defeat a bigger stronger opponent, and if the only way to do that is through efficiency, then we should be focusing on efficiency from day one.
You shouldn't be suddenly waking up to the revolutionary idea of efficiency once you hit 40. You shouldn’t have to come to the realization that none of your Jiu-Jitsu works anymore because you no longer possess the youth and athleticism to pull it off. And you shouldn’t have to rebuild your entire game from the ground up once you hit a certain age.
Efficiency should be a core component of every practitioner's game from day one, regardless of age or physical condition. Waiting until later stages of your training journey to prioritize efficiency overlooks the fundamental principles that make BJJ effective.
Embrace Exploration, Prioritize Efficiency
Now I’m not telling you to disregard all those techniques that don't fit well into the over 40 BJJ instructional products. It’s natural to experiment with various techniques and strategies, even if some rely a bit more on strength and athleticism than others. Have at it.
But while exploring new techniques can be enjoyable, it is essential to focus on jiu-jitsu that is simple, effective, and efficient. By making efficiency the cornerstone of your game, you create a solid foundation that will serve you well into your 40s and beyond.
Longevity in BJJ
As practitioners progress in their BJJ journey, the risk of injuries may increase. By prioritizing efficiency early on, you can increase your longevity on the mats. Simple and efficient techniques minimize unnecessary strain on your body, reducing the probability and severity of common injuries that tend to plague practitioners. By incorporating efficiency into your game, you build a style that is sustainable and adaptable to any changes or limitations you may face as you get older.
The Bottom Line
Efficiency lies at the heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, enabling practitioners of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds to beat bigger, stronger opponents. Contrary to what others may imply, efficiency is not an attribute reserved for older practitioners but rather should be an integral part of every practitioner's game from the start. By embracing simple, effective, and efficient Jiu-Jitsu, practitioners can optimize their performance, ensure longevity in their training, and experience the transformative power of BJJ throughout their lives. So, let’s focus on efficiency from day one, and get back to the business of beating giants!
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