One step forward, two steps back

February 25th 2010

We had a relatively small class today with a couple of new attendees.  This presented an ideal opportunity to a recap some techniques we have been practising whilst introducing some basic concepts to the new guys. The group has made great strides in little over a month but we haven't drilled the arm-bar in a few weeks so we set about practising the submission with the two new guys training together and the regular attendees pairing off together.

Unfortunately, quite a few people seemed to have issues with the basic arm-bar, the main problem being escaping the hips in the right direction.  Though we have covered this numerous times, we had to stop the class and cover it in detail again.

The good news is that this is completely normal, sometimes it will feel that you have really progressed, whilst at other times it will feel like you have regressed.  Most of the group are at the start of their training, with so many new things being thrown at you it's highly likely that you will pick some things up straight away and other things will take longer.  To get over something like this we simply need to drill it more.

However, the bad news is that this won't be the last time you experience something like this, in fact as long you train it will happen.  Why does this happen?  There can be numerous reasons but the most common stem from:

A. A lack of repetition

Sometimes you simply need to practise something before you master it, see the post from 15th February for a reminder.

B. A lack of absorption

Have you ever tried to do something, only to leave it alone, come back to it and suddenly everything clicks?  Allowing your conscious and unconscious mind to absorb what has been practised can often be the final step in the learning process.  I remember being out of action for four months with an injured ankle, when I came back it felt that my Jiu Jitsu had really improved.  There is therefore a huge difference in learning something and being able to repeat it in a class and absorbing to the extent where you can you execute it independently and under pressure.

C. The wrong approach

It may be that the technique is not working because your approach is wrong. So if its not working one way, try a different way, it may be that a small correction is necessary or perhaps a large adjustment, just don't bang your head against a brick wall  - you'll get a headache.  Instead adjust the technique or better yet, ask the instructor or a higher belt for some guidance.

No matter how many steps you've taken in any direction, just accept that it's an essential step in the journey.