How to ‘flow with the go’ with Master Rickson

In the history of mankind, many brilliant artists have pursued the fluid state when creating and working. This, of course, does not exclude the great martial artists.
Flowing, in BJJ, means to roll on autopilot, with body and mind responding almost unconsciously to the opponent’s attack, thanks to an almost sensorial connection between you and your partner, or between you and their moves.
Those who are able to capture this connection will be capable of flowing. And then, at last, you will fight as if you’ve let your instinct do the driving as you ride shotgun and enjoy the wind in your face, almost startled by all that’s going on.
To Master Rickson Gracie, reaching this fluid state comes with time and the sensibility of a student, who will slowly become able to execute almost magical transitions, as beautiful as a composer creating a symphony. That’s when your mind appears to be in a trance, with no need to think about what’s coming or to try to anticipate anything; you just act - and flow with the go.
Asked one day about how one can learn once and for all this central concept to Rickson’s philosophy, the master summed it up with his usual wisdom:
“You need to educate your reflexes, and that comes with practice. You can read tens of jiu-jitsu books, but be aware that not even all the theory in the world contained within your brain will translate into efficiency in the critical moment, when you need to save yourself from a confrontation. Only practice makes the difference so you can absorb the knowledge, correct your movements and let the technique flow.”
More at www.ricksongra...

[@stevwal]

Thank you Professor Rickson. For this and for all your many years of teaching and service to the art. 🙏🙏🙏

[@clacicle]

What he’s talking about a concept called “outcome independent” practice. Don’t worry about the outcome, just focus on being in the moment and the results will eventually appear. The problem that many have is that they’re too focused on “winning” all the time and thus they end up taking short cuts. In the short run this can lead to “winning” but in the long run you end up missing the point.

[@Ongyokage6389]

Very well said

[@clacicle]

@@Ongyokage6389 I learned about this term recently and it really helped me to better understand how and why learning this way can be so much more fulfilling. Not just in martial arts, but in many other areas as well. I’ve been listing to a very interesting podcast called “How I built this” in which people who built their own businesses are interviewed and most of them had this approach in one way or another. I remember when i trained in bjj at a particular gym, quite a few guys there were all about going 100% all the time because they always had to win. Most of them ended up constantly injured and never really progressing. The rest of us eventually moved on to different and better schools because you can’t really learn in that environment.

[@Ongyokage6389]

@clacicle Honestly I didnt even know it had a name until I saw you mention it. Ive always liked this method of training. Its amazing how just by immersing yourself in the moment how many lessons can be learned. Bruce Lee said it best “Dont think... Feel” 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@clacicle]

@@Ongyokage6389 it’s a super interesting concept and if more people could apply to their lives, I think you’d find them to be much happier and content.

[@RazielKirin]

This is the difference between Champions and Contenders. From Shihan’s(Grand Masters) to Sensei’s(Those That Are Reborn). The journey starts at First Dan(Black Belt). The journey of, Discovery of self.

[@Dz3no2]

For someone with English being second language the idea behind “Obey the Flow” is so big and means soooo much.

[@untilvalhalla7854]

This is where I am really focusing. Getting my mind right for rolling. This is great. Helps to hear “relax” from a great warrior.

[@drewid3876]

Peace and respect from Nova Scotia!

[@anthonygerber8261]

Every time I hear Nova Scotia now I think of Oak Island 🤷‍♂️

[@openheartedwarrior2971]

He's talking about "flow state" the high achievement in martial arts.

[@RadicalTrivia]

Master Rickson, I'm a blue belt and teach one of the introduction classes for our gym. I try to get the idea of the connection into people from their first day, thanks to you. Thank you for your contribution to jiujitsu! - Jared

[@inthejcurve7968]

I disagree…would be the wrong thing to say. Rickson is beyond knowledgeable and skilled, and thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.

[@giampieroparma166]

MAESTRO RICKSON SOLO UNA PAROLA GRAZIE MILLE PER LA SUA DISPONIBILITA E LA SUA GENTILEZZA E SEMPRE UN GRAZIE DI CUORE E BUON LAVORO

[@stephen_north]

Just finished a class. Keep practicing it becomes more second nature every time.

[@raysalhussain2194]

Legend

[@doca8792]

I F’in love this man. Made me a better person on and off the mat. Proud to have gone from white to blue directly under him, many moons ago.

[@rolly5558]

Thank you master !

[@natmaka]

The difference between practice and theory is practice.

[@alexsilvacorp]

Lenda do Jiu. Obrigado por tudo, professor...

[@marklanda6824]

This is great advice for life in general.

[@Noone-rt6pw]

Appreciate this again Still try Fo-Ti from Bulk supplements. It does restore hair color. But, like a friend of mine, he likes his grey. Aging gracefully. I'd really like to have instructional from Rickson on DVD! Where he's just a personality that'd it'd be good to hold onto for later family and such. Not to mention, the nuances, intricacies of Rickson Jiu Jitsu as well as invisible jiu jitsu. As Tatsuo Shimabuku only left video of Isshinryu others call sloppy, but, it still gives that reference to what and how. Rickson gives that plus why.

[@dynaordie8083]

Thank you

[@juniorrobo9945]

Ossu!! Thank you

[@johnperkinson2394]

Thank you.

[@midnightsplusnoonsis730LEO]

Domo ... 👏🏻👏👏🏿 ...

[@Malouco]

Wisdom of Heliomão

[@Malouco]

🃏

[@Fanaro]

A better explanation is training your intuition so you go from conscious competence to the highest form of competence: unconscious competence, which is how I would better define what jiu jitsu players call "flow".

[@kevincox9279]

“Educated reflexes” need more of those.

[@Faraj20]

G.o.a.t 🤙🥋🌊🍂

[@alejandrogargiulo9310]

oss

[@pelopota]

Educated reflexes. I like that

[@kawaichan6780]

yes master

[@hhspector3006]

obay the flow. oss!

[@carlisemachado9978]

Libera a legenda em português mestrão. osss

[@biffdanielson2820]

"If it breathes, you can choke it."

[@deemc7756]

Master

[@dannycox9745]

The master

[@markstump2816]

It’s hard to get people to understand that and train in that way it would be awesome to show a video sample

[@Malouco]

I bet if u trained Izzy or Jiri they would flow pa caramba 🕺

[@aaronalbert4160]

Oss

[@anthonygerber8261]

🙇‍♂️

[@amorim261]

Enquanto isso nós brasileiros ficamos sem entender, sempre na língua inglesa.

[@harryzors]

First

[@hypekillacsplaya]

i bet no one has the balls to tell him its " go with the flow, not flow with the go " haha

[@robertnoriega1388]

😌👊🤙🖖