How to Learn Faster From Martial Arts Instructional Videos…
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Way back in the early 1990′s I had been training in karate and kickboxing for some time when I came across a video tape (yes a VHS tape 
) that changed my life forever. It was entitled “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” and had been created by Renzo Gracie.
I literally watched three minutes of the first tape in the 12 volume series and I was completely hooked!
I began practicing the movements found within those instructional videos over and over again until I was comfortable with every single technique that I could find on them.
Not having access to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teacher, as there were very few outside of Brazil at that time –if they did relocate it was usually to Miami or someplace warm, never Canada–, I ordered every single BJJ instructional video set that came out and continued to practice, practice and practice. Sometimes even two or three times a day with anyone of my students or friends that would offer themselves up as a partner.
As I started to travel North America to train at BJJ seminars and many of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools that were starting to pop up within the United States, I really wanted to remember every single bit of knowledge that I came across. If I were to forget even the smallest detail when I returned home, I knew I would never improve as fast as I wanted to. To help me to not forget things, I started creating a manual. In the video below, I explain the extent I went to making it and the amount of detail that was put into the 700+ page monster of a book…
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Great post Jeff.
I too am forced to learn from DVDs as I dont have a school near me. My sons are actually learning from the Gracie Bullyproof program.
Its great to hear that you also had success learning from books & VHS (my kids were amazed when I showed them my old VHS collection! They had only ever seen DVDs!)
Keep up the great work!
Thanks Ali. That’s great the whole family is training. How is the gracie bullyproof program?
Hope all is well.
Jeff, the Bullyproof program is really good. Working through the “Gracie Games” section just now. Introducing them to BJJ through play & my sons are learning without learning if that makes sense.
Sadly, like most places Scotland has bullying problems & my sons are 6 & 7 and there has been instances of bullying, so figured now is as good a time as any to introduce them. Help them develop self-confidence as im sure you’ll agree thats the think that stops bullying in its tracks: a kid who is self-aware & self-confident enough to stand up for themselves. Not advocating fighting as such, but no way my kids are not going to be able to defend themselves in a worst case scenario, school rules be damned.