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How To Improve Your Grappling And Jiu Jitsu Game With The 5 Levels Of Learning

Author: Jim Fortunato
Date Posted: November 09, 2007

Almost every Grappler I know is always looking for ways to improve their game and make their training more effective. I've found that by breaking down your learning into 5 levels it will enable you to become a more technical grappler in a shorter amount of time.

So, with that said let's get right into The 5 Levels of Learning. I'll give you each level and then a brief but clear explanation so you can get started right away in implementing them into your training.

Level 1: Technique Drilling. This is the foundational level where you and your partner will drill your technique with no resistance at all. The only resistance that is acceptable is that which will help your partner in learning the body mechanics of the technique. So, your job as a partner is to be a 'good partner' and not lay there like a limp noodle. Really help your partner to position himself properly until he can do it on his own.

Level 2: Drilling with Resistance. In Level 2 drilling your partner will start offering you resistance. However, he/she will not counter you or defeat you in any way. Your partner simply moves in a natural and flowing nature. Now you can start to transform your technique into a more realistic or live situation. To facilitate this learning phase it is important that your partner does not counter your technique in any way. Your partner only moves around and flows with you so you can learn to execute your technique better.

Level 3: Drilling and Countering for Success. Level 3 requires your partner to add a little bit more pressure and now he/she may start to counter you. However, he will not totally shut your game down. He will give you success but only after he makes you work through some of his countering techniques. What's really happening here is your partner is making you work harder. If you've gone through Level 1 and 2 he will assume you have the technique down and now it's time to be able to execute it under more resistance. When you feel your partner has worked hard enough he will earn success. At this level do not jut give the technique to him. Make him earn it.

Level 4: Drilling and Countering for Non-Success. This Level may seem like live wrestling but actually it's not. But it is very close. Level 4 requires you to be able execute a technique or series of techniques against a partner who will counter you if he can. This should be played as a game in which each person has a specific goal. For example; partner one's goal would be to execute a takedown. Partner two's goal would be to do whatever possible to not get taken down. Only 1 partner will have success. This will give each partner a good snap shot of what his or her strengths and weaknesses are. This also builds confidence in your game because at this level you start to realize that success may or may not come. It also subconsciously forces the athlete to start thinking about 'game strategy'.

Level 5: Live Grappling. Level 5 is where it's time to open up and start live grappling. This is the level where you want to really go for the moves you've been learning and practicing. It's not the time to play a conservative game. It's time to have fun with your training and really explore what you can do when a partner gives you full resistance. Remember to keep safety in mind and demonstrate good respect and sportsmanship towards your partner.

Well, that's it for now. I wish you much success as you utilize The 5 Levels of Learning. For more information visit http://www.grapplinginstitute.com

About The Author

Competition

2 Time National Karate Champion
1999 NAGA Champion
2001 NAGA Place Winner
2 Time BJJ Pan American Competitor
Multiple time NAGA and Grapplers Quest competitor and placewinner.

Background
Started martial arts at the age of 13 after getting beat up by the town bully following a neighborhood hockey game. He was attacked from behind with a hockey stick, landed flat on his belly with the bully on his back beating him up.

After one of the older kids from the neighborhood broke up the fight Jim went home and urged his parents to sign him up for karate, and they did.

1995 passed his Black Belt test in Soo Bahk Do. Shortly after passed his Instructor Certification.
1995 traveled to Korean for training
1996 opened Fortunato Karate
1997 started learning BJJ

Latest Project
In 2008 Jim will launch The Grappling Institute a 1-Week Retreat style Boot Camp designed to teach grapplers what to teach, how to teach and how to run a business. Grapplers comes away with a clear picture on how to market, advertise and earn an honest living doing what the

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu articles.

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