The Pitfall of Drilling Low Percentage Moves

THE ONE TOPIC COACHES AND FIGHTERS DON'T TALK ABOUT!!??🥊🥋

Today, we're diving into a rarely discussed but crucial topic in the world of martial arts. This matter holds particular significance for those who embark on their martial arts journey later in life, especially if their aspirations lean towards competition, be it in disciplines like jiu-jitsu, boxing, karate, or MMA.

The Pitfall of Drilling Low Percentage Moves

When training in any sport, especially in diverse and technique-heavy fields like martial arts, the allure of mastering spectacular, low percentage moves is strong. However, indulging this allure can be a slippery slope.

You have to be careful. Drilling low percentage moves, guys. There's a lot of people that drill stuff that's just very low percentage.

Initially, it might seem counterintuitive, but even moves considered 'low percentage' can become effective with enough repetition. Yes, if you drill something tirelessly, you will likely land it occasionally in practice or even in competition. However, the real question is — at what cost?

The Allure and the Risk

A considerable number of martial artists focus heavily on moves like leg locks in jiu-jitsu, or perhaps a flying knee or a spinning hook kick in stand-up disciplines. While these moves can indeed end fights and win matches spectacularly, their success rates against high-caliber opponents are generally lower than more fundamental techniques.

Leg locks... still a low percentage move. Not saying don't learn them, but I'm not going to drill a spinning hook kick more than I practice a jab.

Highlight Techniques: When Heroes Are Made

It's undeniable; when a low percentage move is executed perfectly, it creates moments that are replayed endlessly and celebrated widely. They provide the flash and sizzle that can elevate a fighter to hero status overnight.

"That's as low, as depressing. It's as low percentage of a move as you can hit. And when you hit one of them, boy, you look like a hero."

However, relying on these techniques can be akin to building a house on a shaky foundation. It might stand for a while—perhaps even look spectacular with fancy architecture—but it's prone to collapse under pressure.

The Importance of Basics

Whether you start learning martial arts as a child or later in adult life, the importance of drilling basic techniques cannot be overstated. For those who begin their training in later years, it's even more crucial to focus on foundational skills.

The Right Approach to Martial Arts Training

It isn't just about cherry-picking a few flashy moves to master; it's about building a repertoire of solid, high-percentage techniques that you can rely on in most scenarios.

If you're striking, you need to focus on basics. Straight punches, moving your head off the center line, defense. In kickboxing, leg kicks. Certain moves are higher percentage than others.

The Tactical Drilling Strategy

Imagine narrowing down your arsenal to about 30 grappling and 30 striking techniques. Now, envision drilling these 60 techniques exclusively for years. The depth of skill and muscle memory you could develop for these high-percentage techniques would be formidable.

Stick to maybe 30 moves grappling and about 30 moves striking, drill these moves for the next three years... you would be a better fighter than anyone else who just went to a regular class every day.

Long-Term Mastery Over Short-Term Gains

The mantra here is repetition and focus. By consistently training a curated list of high-effective techniques, you elevate not just your skill but also your fighting IQ. As it grows, your ability to pick up new techniques and adapt them effectively in fighting scenarios dramatically improves.

Your grappling IQ, your fighting IQ will be so much higher, you'll be able to learn stuff way faster.

Wrapping Up

Starting your martial arts journey with a focus on high-percentage, fundamental techniques offers a more solid path to becoming a proficient martial artist. Once your foundations are rock-solid, those spectacular, high-flying moves become the cherries on top—accessible, learnable, and more effectively executable.

Always remember, the glamorous highlights stem from mundane repetitions of the basics.

Have thoughts on this topic or questions? Feel free to drop a comment below. Also, don't forget to check out my book, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School, available on Amazon, to aid your journey in finding the right martial arts home.