Do You REALLY Know How to Learn From Instructional Videos and DVDs?

Here’s a question for you.  With the number of grappling instructional videos and DVDs that are on the market these days to help the typical grappler expand their technical expertise, why is there so little (or no) information on a method to study these training materials to get the maximum benefit?

Initially, I didn’t see there was a need to know how to study instructional or that there was an approach to studying them.  That was until I took note of how I study them and how I’ve benefited tremendously since implementing  my approach as opposed to the days when I just threw an instructional DVD into the player and watched it until I’d had enough for one day.

So, here’s my approach:

Viewing #1 - Watch the entire video or DVD with two goals in mind:  get rid of the “wow” effect that seems to linger around the promise of learning a new move and to categorize every technique on the video into one of three categories (Yes, No, and Not Now).

The ‘Yes” category consists of techniques that can be immediately implemented into my game with little or no disruption to my current game.  The “No” category consists of techniques that I have NO CHANCE of implementing based on physical limitations or if implementing a new technique forces me to abandon my current gameplan to implement it (e.g. I stop finishing opponents in my closed guard and let them survive so that I can try to learn a fancy new open guard sweep).  The “Not Now” category consists of techniques that you can probably work into your gameplan over the
next 4-6 months to augment what you’re already doing, but it’s not a high priority.

Viewing #2 - Watch the video or DVD a second time two days afterthe first viewing, but ONLY focus on the “Yes” category techniques.  Play each “Yes” technique in regular speed, slow motion, and paused.  Each one of these speeds will provide you with a view that will give you more detail with each viewing than if you just looked at the moves once and gave in to the “I got it, next move!” mindset.  Also, you should close you eyes after each “Yes” technique to visualize it in your head as well as doing a “shadow walkthrough” drill of each technique.

Viewing #3 - Repeat the Viewing #2 routine two weeks later to re-enforce the “Yes” techniques.  Pay attention to how many additional details that you pick up with each viewing that you didn’t notice during the past viewings.

Viewing #4 - Review the video or DVD monthly after the third viewing to review the “Yes” techniques and to get your mind prepared for integrating the “Not Now” Techniques into your gameplan. And if you have some slack time and want to put your mind to work, imagine what defensive counters you would do if someone tried to execute a “No” technique against you.

With this routine, you’ll view the video 3 times in a 3-week time frame that will help you internalize the instructional
technique.  Does it sound like a lot of work?  Absolutely, but that’s why it’ll work for you because 95 percent of the grapplers that own the instructional products WON’T DO IT!  And champions do what challengers don’t have time to do.

Remember, there’s no rush when learning from videos or DVDs.  In fact, the slower that you digest the information, the chances are greater that you’ll actually learn the technique and be able to execute it successfully in your grappling gameplan.

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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.