How To Maximize Your Training Using Ecological Dynamics in BJJ

In this episode, Travis interviews Rob Cole, an experienced martial artist and Jiu Jitsu practitioner, about the ecological approach in martial arts training.
They discuss Rob's background in various martial arts, the evolution of martial arts, and the role of ecological dynamics in Jiu Jitsu.
They also explore the difference between positional sparring and the constraints-led approach, and how to apply the ecological approach to beginners. Additionally, they discuss the benefits of the ecological approach for hobbyists and the challenges of implementing it in gi Jiu Jitsu.
In this conversation, Rob and Travis discuss the importance of grips in Jiu-Jitsu and how different grips can be used to gain inside position and control. They also explore the concept of constraint-led classes and how they can benefit both small and large practitioners.
Rob shares his approach to teaching and developing games, emphasizing the importance of representative learning design and constant adjustment. They discuss the potential commercialization of ecological dynamics and the need to maintain the scientific approach behind it.
The conversation concludes with Rob offering advice for brand-new white belts and where to find him online.
Takeaways
•The ecological approach in martial arts training emphasizes realistic and game-based training to develop practical skills.
•Positional sparring is different from the constraints-led approach, as the latter focuses on creating specific scenarios and goals for learning.
•The ecological approach can be applied to beginners by starting with simple and clear goals in constrained environments.
•The ecological approach is particularly beneficial for hobbyists, as it maximizes training time and provides a more engaging and effective learning experience.
•Instructionals can still be useful in conjunction with the ecological approach, but the focus should be on understanding concepts and goals rather than memorizing techniques.
•The ecological approach can be adapted to gi Jiu Jitsu by focusing on specific goals and constraints related to grips and positions.
Find Rob Cole Here:
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:36 The Evolution of Martial Arts
08:16 The Role of Ecological Dynamics in Martial Arts
12:46 Positional Sparring vs. Constraints-Led Approach
18:23 Individual Constraints in Jiu Jitsu
23:19 Teaching the Ecological Approach to Beginners
32:23 The Benefits of Ecological Approach for Hobbyists
37:35 The Relationship Between Instructionals and Ecological Approach
41:06 Applying Ecological Approach in Gi Jiu Jitsu
42:50 The Importance of Grips in Jiu-Jitsu
46:54 Developing Games for Small vs. Large Practitioners
47:35 Partner Pairings vs. Games
50:06 Demoralization and Constraint-Led Classes
54:51 Keeping Notes and Evaluating Constraint-Led Games
58:57 Avoiding the Commercialization of Ecological Dynamics
01:10:23 Advice for Brand New White Belts
01:11:38 Where to Find Rob
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[@ElbowsTight]

Get $25 off the JordanTeachesJiuJitsu Theory Course and Wrestling for BJJ with ELBOWSTIGHT25 at Checkout - courses.jordanteachesjiujitsu.com

[@KodiakCombat]

Your dive into EcoD is matching mine. Definitely all about it. Keep them coming. Would love to see someone arrange and record a panel of some sort on this. Rob, Kabir, Greg, Chris, Priit, Scott, Ed, etc.

[@ElbowsTight]

The closest thing to this would be the EcoD camp coming up in March that Rob was talking about.

[@KodiakCombat]

@@ElbowsTight haven't actually listened yet! Lol.

[@liquidrob6948]

Yeah, at the Eco Camp in March, will have a bunch of us, looking to do more after, glad you liked the episode 🔥

[@KodiakCombat]

@liquidrob6948 film it. So instead of sharing a list of all your names I can just allude to the video via title. So far you, Kabir and Sievewright have been the most approachable. Another concept I'd love to see is how to best incorporate this in privates. I only have a handful of members in my basement gym and often "class" is a private.

[@liquidrob6948]

Thanks for having me on! 🔥

[@ElbowsTight]

Thanks again for coming on!

[@nonlineargrappling]

Great interview!

[@ElbowsTight]

Thank you buddy!

[@jeremyp6161]

Great interview, Rob is the man!

[@ElbowsTight]

He was an incredible guest too!

[@liquidrob6948]

Thanks!

[@TheGimmelstob]

I wish I could train somewhere like this ...as an older beginner player (started last year at age 53) and out with an ACL sprain presently , the restraints approach limiting injury is very appealing.

[@ElbowsTight]

You can apply it in your live rounds if your academy doesn't train that way!

[@forced2confess297]

Funny he brings up the video about Craig Jones and power pins, one of my favorite videos is Wiltse passing different dudes for like 40 mins, I slow it down and break it down, it looks super chaotic until u slow it down

[@ElbowsTight]

🤣💯🤙

[@brazenmmabrazilianjiu-jits8488]

Haha that story in the beginning sounds like some Paul Vunak PFS stuff!!

[@ElbowsTight]

🤣🤣🤣

[@carreromartialarts]

The eco approach crowd seems kind of cultish.. I like it in certain situations but it’s just a part of the toolbox, Eco people parrot the same things Greg says.

[@ElbowsTight]

If research supports what everyone is saying is it really parroting?

[@carreromartialarts]

@@ElbowsTight show me some jiujitsu research that says it’s better to only do eco?