KNOWING IS NOT DOING IN MARTIAL ARTS! 🥊🥋

What's up, guys? Today, I want to dive into a topic I see often overlooked in the martial arts community. Many fighters think that just because they know how to do a technique, they don't need to drill it. But here's the truth: You need to drill your moves—no exceptions.

The Importance of Repetition

Floyd Mayweather has been boxing for 40 years and is one of the greatest of all time. Despite his immense skill, he still throws a jab at every practice. This concept isn't just for boxing; it spans all aspects of martial arts, whether it's grappling or striking. There are generally more moves in jiu-jitsu than in striking since most schools stick to a single style, like boxing or Muay Thai.

I've trained in various styles, including karate and taekwondo. But regardless of the form, you're bound to face more techniques on the ground than on your feet. In most gyms, grappling is integral to training. Yet, many fighters believe that knowing how to execute a technique like the butterfly sweep means they don't need to practice it.

You can know how to do a million moves in a row, but martial arts is fundamentally about timing.

Why Drilling Matters

Timing is essential in martial arts, and without consistent reps, you'll lack the necessary timing and muscle memory. You don't want to be in a fight, racking your brain about the next move. Your body should go autopilot, executing the technique without conscious thought. So, make sure you're drilling the techniques you learn regularly.

Some fighters fall into the delusion that once they know how to do something, they don't have to practice it anymore. But if your timing is off, you won't hit the move correctly. If you're exhausted and haven't done enough reps for your body to act on autopilot, the move will be hard to execute.

The Reality of High-Level Martial Arts

Do the reps. It’s that simple. It all circles back to drilling. High-level martial artists—UFC fighters—spend countless hours drilling. It's not always about strenuous, hard drills. Sometimes, it's slow, broken-down technique work, detail by detail.

I've seen Chael Sonnen talk about training with Georges St-Pierre. GSP would ensure every inch of his technique was perfect, including his foot position. This meticulous drilling is what sets elite fighters apart.

The Boredom of Repetition

Many fighters get bored with repetitive drills and feel that if their coach makes them do the same technique over and over, they're stagnating. But guess what? When you drill a technique long enough, you gain a deeper understanding of it.

You might not be learning something new, but you're improving your mastery of that technique. If you practice one move 10,000 times, you'll probably be able to teach it better than most people. Even if others hit that move in fights, without the same number of reps, they won't have your level of understanding.

Repetition in Grappling vs. Striking

In striking, you're often forced to do reps—throwing countless jabs, crosses, and hooks during training. But in grappling, it’s easy to neglect repetition. Make sure you're doing the reps. If you know a technique but can't execute it on a high-level opponent, you don't know it well enough. If you can't explain a move to someone else in a way that they understand, you haven’t mastered it.

The Value of Drilling: A Personal Development Perspective

I'm a big believer in self-help and personal development. Bob Proctor once said, "You don't fully understand something unless you can explain it to someone else so that they understand it." This philosophy applies to martial arts too.

So keep drilling your techniques, even if you think you know them well. Martial arts revolve around timing and muscle memory. Master these aspects through repetition.

Choosing the Right Martial Arts School

If you're in the market for a good school, check out my book, "Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School Instructor." This guide helps you identify the do's and don'ts, giving you a good idea of what to look for in a school.

Tips for Choosing the Right School
Don't Rush: Don't fall for any quick signup schemes. Take your time to try out the classes.
Trial Period: You should be allowed more than just a day’s trial. Opt for a couple of days at least.
Variety: Try both striking and grappling classes to get a full sense of the training offered.

Make sure you're allowed to try both a striking and grappling class if the school offers them. Use the insights from my book to guide your decision. And most importantly, make sure you do the reps and drill consistently.

So remember, knowledge isn't enough in martial arts. Drilling is key to mastering your techniques and executing them flawlessly under pressure. Keep pushing, and you'll see the results in your growth as a martial artist.