The “Three Cs” of Training.

After receiving so much positive feedback on my last post which discussed the idea of “leveraging more out of your training time” I decided that it would be prudent to follow up with something a related. The topic that I have chosen to address here comes from the idea of training, but also learning efficiently. While the last post was largely about seeking similarities in movement and technique to train, this post will be about finding common grounds in terms of application.

A common point of discussion on BJJ training is on the type or style of training you do. Some people like to train in the gi, some like no gi; some have a focus purely on competition while others still are solely focused on the “real life” or street applications of BJJ. Of course added to this mix there is MMA style training as well. I have heard it said that BJJ training can be divided into 4 parts; Gi, No Gi, MMA and Self Defence. I agree with this and like the analogy as I believe that to focus on only one aspect is to sell yourself short. My only reservation is that I don’t like to split up Gi and No Gi too much. I believe that the differences between the two are largely mental and that, beyond a few obvious exceptions, solid technique transcends clothing.

So when I break up BJJ into composite parts I like to describe it as being equal parts Self Defence, BJJ Competition (Gi or No Gi) and MMA. Where my view differs from some coaches and associations though, is that I try to find the similarities and teach between the three areas and teach things that cover all three. If that isn’t possible I still want the techniques to cover at least and if not, then they should at least have physical movements and skills that are translatable across multiple arenas.

The way I teach this is through the “Three Cs Rule”, which is that the technique should be applicable in a Comp, the Cage or a Club. This doesn’t mean to say that I don’t teach Spider Guard, knowing that it has no real function on the street or that I make all my students do their tournament prep in MMA gloves working with strikes. It is more a case of training (and learning) efficiency, so applying the technique in a way that shows awareness of all arenas.

By asking myself and students if a given technique will meet the “Three Cs Rule” I am testing the broader understanding of the group and also helping students to gain a broader perspective. A good example of a technique or movement that applies in all areas and also acts as a building block to modify certain techniques for different areas is the Technical Stand Up. This move is most commonly thought of in the self defence and MMA worlds, but can also be used in BJJ competition to escape the bottom or as an alternative to a sweep. It also works to add a more practical element to the great competition technique of the Butterfly Hooks Sweep, by allowing you to stand up in striking environments. An added bonus to the technique that Kenny just demonstrated so nicely for me is that not only can you go to a front headlock position from the Technical Stand Up, but you can also get your base to drive forward for a single or double leg, which definitely has a place in all these environments.

So that is just one example of a concept that has a place in a Comp, Cage or Club. I hope you have enjoyed this post, as promised last time, my post on efficent guard passing is coming soon!

In the mean time, stay safe and get the most out of your training!