Instructionals

There is quite a bit of controversy as to whether or not a person can learn from an instructional video. Well, to answer the controversy lies within the person who is using the instructional as supplementary material for learning. For some, instructionals will be helpful, for others not so much

Much of the reason for the failure of getting anything out of an instructional is not practicing the material that is present on the tapes. Watching the tapes/dvds will provide excellent refernece for the art, but it does not lead to skill on the mat. For that, a person needs to pratcice!

breaks

Extended breaks are the curse of grappling training. There is nothing wrong with taking time off to heal or to deal with professional or personal problems. However, there needs to be a clear understanding that when taking time off, stamina and strength will decrease and there will need to be a certain period of time where the 'game' you had when you left will be radically diminished. Is there anything wrong here? Physically no, because you will eventualy get you game back when you shake off the 'ring rust.' Psychologically, however, you may run into some problems that are of your own creation

Basics do not equate to easy

When people hear the words "basics" they often associated basic techniques with easy techniques. This is a common fallacy of logic most beginners have and it often leads to the pursuit of 'advanced' techniques at the expense of solid, fundamental ones. Wow. Is that a big mistake or what?

Unfortunately, many students get 'bored' with the basic techniques and have a tendency to forgo studying them. This is, of course, total insanity. If a person has a weak background in the basics, they will never have a decent wresstling game.

It is downright mindboggling that people will take a turn in the direction of being a poor wrestler in order to take the tradeoff of learning new and flashy techniques, but this is common with both beginners and those with experience who should no better.