38:56 - 41:12 I would liken this to teaching math. If the topic you're teaching is multiplication (and in a BJJ context, guard retention), you have two main approaches. You can show the student specific solutions to problems (e.g. 5 * 5 = 25, or pummeling into a lasso from the J-point), or you can focus on teaching the underlying concepts and principles (e.g., understanding how multiplication works, or aiming to keep the soles of your feet pointing at your opponent when retaining open guard). Both methods are valuable and necessary. In theory, if a student thoroughly grasps the concepts, they will eventually figure out that 5 * 5 equals 25, just as they might discover that pummeling into a lasso from the J-point is effective for guard retention. However, since certain problems are commonly encountered and are solved in specific ways at the highest levels, a competent instructor ought to demonstrate these solutions to the students, making them aware of the possibilities. (IMO) Furthermore, when teaching concepts, providing examples and context is incredibly helpful. The real magic occurs when these concepts are applied across different positions and moves, leading to innovation and deeper understanding. No single teaching method is "wrong" or outdated; the choice depends on your goals and what you’re optimizing for, as they are all facets of the same diamond (the diamond being learning/improvement). When students are taught only concepts, they can discover moves that incorporate those concepts independently. Conversely, students who are only shown specific moves may, with enough exposure, infer the underlying concepts and patterns on their own. To complete the math analogy, free (unconstrained) rolling is akin to flipping through a math book and solving random problems. While this does improve your overall skill, a focused approach-such as concentrating on a specific type of math problem (e.g., multiplication) or a particular aspect of BJJ (e.g., guard retention)-through targeted, task-based games/exercises will significantly accelerate progress in that specific area.
Also, Jake's 1800 BJJ Help Podcast is great too for newbies.
38:56 - 41:12 I would liken this to teaching math.
If the topic you're teaching is multiplication (and in a BJJ context, guard retention), you have two main approaches. You can show the student specific solutions to problems (e.g. 5 * 5 = 25, or pummeling into a lasso from the J-point), or you can focus on teaching the underlying concepts and principles (e.g., understanding how multiplication works, or aiming to keep the soles of your feet pointing at your opponent when retaining open guard).
Both methods are valuable and necessary. In theory, if a student thoroughly grasps the concepts, they will eventually figure out that 5 * 5 equals 25, just as they might discover that pummeling into a lasso from the J-point is effective for guard retention.
However, since certain problems are commonly encountered and are solved in specific ways at the highest levels, a competent instructor ought to demonstrate these solutions to the students, making them aware of the possibilities. (IMO)
Furthermore, when teaching concepts, providing examples and context is incredibly helpful.
The real magic occurs when these concepts are applied across different positions and moves, leading to innovation and deeper understanding.
No single teaching method is "wrong" or outdated; the choice depends on your goals and what you’re optimizing for, as they are all facets of the same diamond (the diamond being learning/improvement).
When students are taught only concepts, they can discover moves that incorporate those concepts independently.
Conversely, students who are only shown specific moves may, with enough exposure, infer the underlying concepts and patterns on their own.
To complete the math analogy, free (unconstrained) rolling is akin to flipping through a math book and solving random problems. While this does improve your overall skill, a focused approach-such as concentrating on a specific type of math problem (e.g., multiplication) or a particular aspect of BJJ (e.g., guard retention)-through targeted, task-based games/exercises will significantly accelerate progress in that specific area.
I can't believe Jake is not a Simpsons fan. That's so funny having that clip in his all videos lol and never knowing where it comes from