I wanted to ask you a question and I really want you to think about the answer before you give it to me. My question is. Have you ever spent time with someone who seems to be stuck in the past? I mean they are constantly reminiscing about the “good old days?” You know the type. The person who simply cannot stop talking about their glory days. Al Bundy – on the football field. They dwell on past achievements, bringing up stories from years ago as if they happened just yesterday.
This phenomenon is super prevalent in our martial arts world. As martial artist creep in age and enter their 40s, there’s a noticeable shift in their conversations towards reminiscing about the “good old days.”
As an Instructor I find these conversations somewhat disheartening. While looking back fondly on past achievements is natural, staying present and appreciating the current moment is equally important. That’s why I often find myself dying not to interrupt these nostalgic exchanges to remind them that “right now are the good old days.“
Living in the Past
The problem is that living in the past stems from a combination of idleness and ego. While it certainly requires effort to develop physical skills, relying solely on athletic prowess is in my world a limited approach. Over time, physical abilities inevitably decline (get my age), and if all you’ve focused on are the athletic applications of your body, you’ll eventually find yourself running out of steam and being an Al Bundy.
That’s why making an effort to master proper mechanics and techniques is so crucial. These are timeless tools that will serve you well into the future, long after your peak athletic years are far behind you. Investing in these skills means you’re not just building for the present; you’re preparing for a future where you can continue to excel in different ways.
I find that students who focus solely on their physical athleticism, end up with nothing but memories to share, as they age and end up recounting the “good old days” to anyone who will listen. Instead, by cultivating a deep understanding of principle-focused techniques and mechanics based more on proper timing, positioning, and sensitivity, you should ensure that your skills and knowledge remain relevant and valuable. This approach enables you to adapt and thrive at any stage of life. Believe me this concept reminds me of something one of my teachers told me in my teens, “If this is not a skill that I will still have when I am 80 years old, Then why am I putting so much effort into obtaining it now?”
A timeless tool set is a skill you develop early in your martial arts journey if you have an open mind. It’s a tool set that you can continue to refine throughout your life, improving as you go. Take, for example, the skill of timing. With proper training, your ability to master movement, counter one’s movement and predict moment can continue to evolve, allowing you to perform with precision and effectiveness, regardless of your age. This is in direct contrast to physical strength, which, while necessary, has a peak and will inevitably decline as you get older.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t focus on building strength. It’s a crucial component of overall fitness and capability. However, it’s essential that you plan with the understanding that physical strength will fade over time. Having this foresight enables you to invest in skills that aren’t solely dependent on your athletic prowess. Focusing on enduring skills ensures that your capabilities evolve, allowing you to adapt and thrive throughout your life rather than merely looking back.
Teaching On Multiple Levels
When I teach, I aim to engage students on multiple levels, addressing four fundamental aspects every time a topic is presented:
- Technique: This is the foundational layer where specific methods related to the topic are taught. It’s a critical focus area as it involves the direct application of skills.
- Attribute Development: In this segment, we explore key attributes that enhance the learning of techniques. For example, timing is an essential attribute; students learn exercises that help develop a sense of tempo and timing in their movements. Another crucial attribute is positioning—training the body or hands to be in the right place at the right time, which transcends physical athleticism and is considered a timeless tool.
- Body State Training: Here, we focus on developing control over various states of muscular flexion. This training involves learning how to modulate and control the body’s muscular tension—switching it on and off as needed. A deep understanding of this aspect allows students to release residual tension and remain relaxed under stress, which is a high-level skill that significantly impacts the effectiveness of any technique applied.
- Mindset: Finally, the mindset with which techniques and attributes are applied is fundamental. The psychological state, including focus, resilience, and adaptability, shapes how effectively a student can implement their skills in different scenarios.
Each of these layers is interconnected, contributing to a comprehensive learning experience that goes beyond mere physical training. By addressing technique, attribute development, body state, and mindset, my goal is to ensure that students not only master specific skills but also develop the deeper, underlying capabilities that support lifelong proficiency and adaptability in their practice.
Comprehensive Educational Approach
Whenever you are training or taking a class to expand your knowledge, it’s crucial that the instructor covers several essential areas. Merely learning techniques isn’t enough and, in my view, represents a disservice to the student. A competent instructor must possess a broad knowledge base that allows them to provide a multi-dimensional educational experience focused on the subject that is being taught.
A good program will go beyond basic techniques; it should include drills and methods designed to develop the right attributes associated with those techniques. Additionally, a well-rounded class will provide insights and training methods for developing body state capabilities, enhancing your effectiveness in applying the techniques. Finally, a comprehensive training session should incorporate academic materials, mindset and attitude development related to the matter that is being taught.
In my opinion, addressing these components—technique, attribute development, body state training, attitude, and mindset is the foundation of a quality educational experience in any training program. This approach ensures that students learn specific skills and understand and integrate the broader aspects necessary for holistic development in their practice.
I apply this comprehensive educational approach in all my teaching, whether I’m conducting my own programs or training a group of instructors. A truly effective instructor does more than just teach techniques; they transform how you think about the subject you’re learning. A well-taught class should elevate your thinking, not merely involve passive reception of techniques followed by a swift departure. This superficial method of instruction is far too prevalent in the educational industry and represents a significant area in need of reform. A meaningful educational experience should engage you on multiple levels, encouraging deeper understanding and application of the material.
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Professor Al Hogan is a recent inductee in the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2024) and a two time IBJJF Masters World Champion and Pan American Champion. He is renowned for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Defensive Tactics Instruction, catering to the Jiu Jitsu enthusiast, law enforcement, military and security personnel.
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