Form, Flow, Function: The Lens I Use to Build My Game
I was once asked, how do you weigh techniques?
In the end, it’s really dependent on the the individual student. How we process information or even decide how we are going to weigh the value of any given technique is completely up to you.
I process it through roughly five lenses.
Function, Fit, Frequency, Failure Rate, and Feel.
It doesn’t mean that I go through that checklist every time I decide on the technique, but it’s the rough outline of what I use almost subconsciously.
My Five Lenses
Function - Does the technique fix an issue or a gap in my game? I want any techniques that I add to be efficient, with the easy of possibility of changing the course of the round in my favor.
Fit - Can it fit or can compliment what I’m already doing? Does it highlight my body type, temperament, and mindset?
Frequency - I like techniques that I can hit from various positions, scenarios, and against different body types.
Failure Rate - By failure rate, I’m touching on two things. One, how narrow is the window for hitting the technique? Two, if I fail, how bad would the result be for me?
Feel - Simply put, does it feel like me or is it something that I would enjoy putting time into?
Whenever I go to a class, I’m always going in with the intent of learn what’s being taught. I want to know how to defend any given technique, but offensively, there are plenty of techniques that I just toss out completely.
I know they are never going to make my move-set, so I don’t waste time developing them in terms of R&D.
No two people will have the same identical game. I encourage you to make yours as unique as you are.
Thank you for reading.
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!
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