Effectiveness vs. Trends: What Works for You May Not Trend
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Effectiveness Vs Trends
If you’re new to Jiu-Jitsu, much of this may be slightly foreign to you.
In my fourteen years of training, I’ve seen various techniques come and go. They rise to prominence due to the competition scene, then get replaced by something new.
I’ve watched the Kimura Trap, Berimbolo, Spider Guard, Lapel Guard, and the Leg Lock attacks come and go. Some will argue, Leg Locks are still here, yes but, kinda on it’s way out.
It doesn’t mean any of these techniques disappear, they’re just not as sexy.
E25 | Bonus Ep - Trends vs Effectiveness
The Issues At Hand
The Internet Isn’t The Instructor - Practitioners will often use the highlight reels as their North Star. If you are not at a level where you can understand what’s a good technique for you or not, heaving healthy conversation with your instructor is a must.
Effectiveness is Contextual - Context matters in every way. What works for a 230lb juiced up Jiu-Jitsu athlete, competing in a specific rules set may not be the best model for you. As an athlete, you need to understand what stage of life and training you’re and if the athletes you’re trying to emulate fit that model?
Trend Chasing and Progress - Chasing trends can cause students to toss aside techniques because they haven’t given them enough time to mature and develop. Think of the college student that keeps changing their major every semester. How are you ever going to master a subject if the subject is constantly changing.
Trends as Tools, Not Idols - Utilize the trends as reference points. If a technique is working at a high level, it probably means there’s some kind of value there. A great way to weight a techniques value to your game is if it can be plugged in with a shorter learning curve.
Final Thoughts
Don’t get caught up or distracted in what’s popular. Find techniques that you yourself are interested in and adapt it to your body type and game. If you can focus your approach, I promise you that you won’t waste so much time developing and then redeveloping aspects of your game.
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David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!