Can a Training Tip Be “Too Basic” to Hear More Than Once?

The other day, I received an email from one of my newsletter subscribers that decided the information didn’t provide any value to him. That’s fine with me because I understand what I have to say isn’t for everyone. But what got my attention was the feedback that he left in the comment section for me. He commented that the information was “too basic” for him.

Initially, I wasn’t sure how to react to that comment. Most times, I just thank people for the feedback and wish them luck with their future training endeavors. But this time, I decided to do something different and I sent him a thank you email that included a question. And the question that I posed to him was:

“You said that the information was “too basic” for you. Does that mean that you’re implementing everything now that you’ve read and consider basic and, if so, what were you hoping to find when you signed up for the emails?”

I’m hoping that he responds to the question because I’m curious to read his answer…but I’m not going to hold my breath waiting for an answer that probably won’t be sent. But I wonder if he’s REALLY doing everything that he read so far that he considers basic. It’s possible that he could be, but I wouldn’t bet my kid’s college fund on it!

When I read that comment, I see a guy that’s having some training problems that are common to OGs, thought he could get some help, and apparently didn’t hear what he thought would be the answer. It’s very possible that my answers could be basic, but is it possible that the solution to the problems only require basic answers? And if he’s properly executing all the basics that I’ve laid out that he considers “too basic”, why would he be looking at my website for answers to problems he’s not supposed to have?

I’d like to say that’s the first time I’ve heard a comment like this, but it’s not and that’s something I’ve never been able to fully understand. I’ve attended many training sessions (grappling and business-related) over the years and I’ve never heard someone that was considered successful in their field make a statement that a proven operating principle was “too basic” for them to master. And for those that are “anti-basics” proponents, their success is usually short-lived (e.g. dot com investors from the late 1990s).

Comments that proven training concepts are “too basic” consist of a mixture of inexperience, ignorance, and maybe a lack of exposure to successful people that are considered champions in their field. I wish the OG the best of luck. With that attitude towards the basics, he’ll need it!

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Paul M. Greenhill, “The Wise Grappler”, is the creator of The Wise Grappler System and author of The Wise Grappler Ezine, a weekly ezine that provides grappling and mental mindset training tips for the older (over 35) and non-traditional/non-competitive martial artists. To learn more about “The Wise Grappler” and to sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit his site at www.ihateyoungpunks.com or paul@thewisegrappler.com.