Embodied Grappling Philosophy With School of Grappling

I talk to Andy from School of Grappling about the rising trend of the ecological approach in BJJ coaching and its implications in comparisons to his ideas of embodied grappling. We explore the interplay between culture, coaching methods, and individual motivation in training. Andy shares insights on the limitations of singular approaches and the need for a holistic perspective in creating supportive training environments. We discuss the impact of social media on Jiu-Jitsu culture, the importance of caring as a coach, and the delicate balance between business and coaching. Andy also delves into the transformative power of grappling, the role of failure in learning, and his vision for bringing grappling back into the public sphere as a meaningful practice.

Listen to School Of Grappling

Topics

The Importance of Care in Coaching and Learning

Care is at the heart of effective coaching and learning in martial arts. It’s not just about the techniques or drills; it’s about creating an environment where people genuinely care about their practice and each other. This concept, rooted in the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, suggests that our perception of the world is fundamentally shaped by what we care about. In the context of grappling, this means that coaches should focus on fostering a culture where students are invested in their own progress and the progress of their training partners. It’s about building relationships and understanding that each person’s journey in martial arts is unique and deeply personal.

Balancing Intuition and Explicit Thought in Embodied Grappling

Grappling isn’t just about instinctive reactions; it’s a constant interplay between intuition and conscious decision-making. Andy introduces the idea that practitioners often flow intuitively during a match or sparring session until they encounter an unfamiliar situation. At this point, they need to reorient themselves using more explicit thought processes or heuristics. This balance is crucial for effective learning and performance. It’s not about choosing one approach over the other but rather understanding how intuitive and analytical thinking can work together to improve one’s grappling skills.

The Cultural and Social Aspects of Martial Arts Training

Martial arts training, particularly grappling, is deeply embedded in cultural and social contexts. The podcast explores how the environment of a gym, including its customs, rules, and social norms, significantly influences how people train and what skills they develop. This ‘niche construction’ in ecological terms means that the culture of a gym shapes the practitioners, and in turn, the practitioners shape the culture. It’s a reminder that martial arts training is not just about individual skill development but also about being part of a broader community with its own unique characteristics.

Rethinking Embodied Grappling Beyond Competition

While competition is an important aspect of martial arts, the podcast challenges the notion that it should be the primary focus. Andy advocates for a broader perspective on grappling, one that encompasses its potential for personal growth, social bonding, and even philosophical exploration. He parallels the ancient Greek concept of the palaestra, where physical training was intertwined with intellectual and social development. This view encourages practitioners and coaches to see grappling not just as a sport, but as a holistic practice that can contribute to various aspects of life beyond the mats.

Resources

Quotes

I always believe failure is the most important part of any practice. Not only for learning skills but also for learning how to deal with failure, right? To get back at it and through them, for the people who stay, will inevitably, we all know, they will see improvement and they will have the sense of, I can do tough things.

Every theory, every method has its limits and its biases. And in order to have a holistic approach of anything, you have to deploy many methods and many theories.

I don’t care about competition and about medals. I think it’s a part of grappling. And it’s a part I enjoy, but it’s not for me the most meaningful element of grappling at all. It’s the intimacy and the relationships.