BJJ Training Partners: Distinguishing the good from the bad.
At Black Dragon SanShou Jiu-Jitsu regular training is essential, but unlike some forms of martial arts that rely heavily on repetitions of choreographed forms or katas most of what you learn and practice at BDJJ is performed with a live partner. That provides a much more realistic and dynamic training experience that accelerates learning and helps build muscle memory and mental agility and responsiveness. But it also means that it is important to have a safe and reliable training partner who is trustworthy, respectful, and dependable.
In Grand Master Helio Gracie’s own writings he emphasizes the importance of being a good training partner. He recommends, for example, that when practicing techniques in the role of the “attacker” it is important not to change or alter the attack. When applying a choke or lock do it firmly but not so forcefully that it interferes with practice and mastery of the defensive moves. He also recommends that the person taking the role of “defender” should go through the motions slowly and deliberately in order to get comfortable with the technique and mechanics of each move.
Here are some qualities to seek in a good training partner – and to look out for and avoid when it comes to bad training partners:
A good partner will challenge you to push yourself, exert yourself, and try harder. A bad partner will push you beyond the limits of safety by exerting too much strength or pressure and ignoring your taps and other verbal and non-verbal communications. A one-second delay in responding to a partner can lead to a lifelong injury. Intentionally neglecting or ignoring a partner in order to feel more powerful or victorious is unsafe. Instead “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Treat your training partner just as you would like to be treated, in other words, and everyone will benefit from the experience.
A good partner will never lose his or her temper or let ego overwhelm them. A bad partner is ruled and dominated by egotistical pride and will sacrifice responsibility and respectful sportsmanship for the sake of feeling puffed-up and macho. A good partner is confident and smart. A bad partner lacks self confidence and intelligent technique and tries to compensate by not playing fair and using dangerously poor, potentially harmful techniques.
A good partner is sensitive to the other person’s body mechanics and that makes them a more proficient BDJJ practitioner. A bad partner doesn’t understand the value of sensitivity and relies on brute strength and blind force. That makes bad partners easier to defeat – but it also means that they are hazardous to your health on the training mat.
Our facility is not a slugfest arena or school yard. You’re in a professional training environment. You’re not trying to win; you’re striving to learn. The goal is not to compete with each other but to complement each other’s development. Proceed at a pace that is slow enough to ensure excellent form and everyone’s safety. Speed comes from repetition so you don’t have to artificially force it. Go too fast and you risk sacrificing proper execution which just means you develop bad habits really quickly. Always remain alert and aware that BDJJ techniques can cause pain or even serious injury.
Keep this in mind. If you injure your training partner then you won’t have anyone with whom to train. That pretty much just defeats the whole purpose of showing up to learn Black Dragon SanShou Jiu-Jitsu, doesn’t it? Choose a good partner. Be a good partner. Excel and advance together, in the true family spirit of Black Dragon SanShou Jiu-Jitsu.
Peace...........And let's keep rollin'............
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