“Just train more” is only part of the solution.

Practice > Theory
Practice + Theory > Practice

Training needs to be mindful to maximize its benefits. We all have limited time here, let’s make the most out of it.

More mat time is absolutely necessary, and I would 100% put my money on a “just train more, bro” meathead, used to hard sparring rounds, winning over an over-analyzing armchair specialist/keyboard warrior who only trains without resistance. 100 to 1, no contest.

Just do both. Train hard, and reflect. Spend time in the gym, and take notes. Do some hard rounds, but lots of focused lower intensity drilling too.

Go into practice with specifics items you want to work on. Switch your brain on and identify your areas of weakness that need to be addressed, or an opponent’s areas of strength which you should try to emulate.

Some Models of Learning :
Old School Greek Philosophers
Theory and Practice : this goes back 2300 years to Aristotle and Plato at least. (By the way – Plato was a wrestler. )
Theoria (thinking)
Poiesis (making)
Praxis (doing)
Praxis is the process by which theory is realized.

Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT)
As with any social science and attempts to model reality, this framework might be flawed, but parts of resonate with my experience.

People have different learning styles.
There are different stages to learning.

Kolb proposes this cycle :

1. Abstract Conceptualization
2. Active Experimentation
3. Concrete Experience
4. Reflective Observation

Let’s take a typical first BJJ lesson :
1. Ok guys! Arm bar mechanics, fulcrum, lever, shoulder control
2. let’s drill it a bit
3. let’s try that in sparring!
4. damn… how did he escape?
Rinse and repeat

Another Model I like is the Four Stages Of Competence

1. Unconscious Incompetence
2. Conscious Incompetence
3. Conscious Competence
4. Unconscious Competence

守破離・Shu-Ha-Ri from 10th Century Japan, or how to learn and break the rules on the road to mastery and creativity.