Doing Gracie Combatives DVD pros/cons

[hellhoundsonmytrail]

A buddy and me are going the Gracie Combatives dvd set together. I don't have the money right now for classes and it's good, I think, to start off with someone who's also a beginner to not get too overwhelmed with it all.

Couple things going through my head, I don't really have an interest in competing, if I go to a BJJ gym after I complete the dvds to train is the expectation that you compete?

Also, being that I'm just going through a DVD with another novice, what blind spots or weaknesses could develop that I should be aware of?     

[mynewunit]

With all things when you learn from an inanimate object, you miss the feedback. That being said, I learned guitar from a book, and a lot of car and firearm repairs from youTube.
The simple things I would just add to the thought process: try to make it a safe place. No broken TV's, coffee tables, or at least set up the goPro so you have a shot at Tosh.0. Next watch the temperament of you and the partner. Me and my brother used to mix it up and once one of us turned red, we were both getting hurt.
Last thing would be understand this will make you a good beginner once you start training. Much like doing exercise video's will get you inshape, but nothing compared to working out with a trainer at a gym.

Presently I am learning from you tube. I mostly use it for interesting ways to hold one daughter while I tickle the other one.

[hellhoundsonmytrail]

Thanks for the insight. Especially "will make you a good beginner once you start training." that's kinda what I was thinking too. I've heard most classes will throw you in with people who know more than you. I think there's some benefit in going in at the ground level with other people. I'd be overwhelmed if I rolled with a blue belt my first time.

[trooper1912]

That's the wrong mentality to have. You should always roll with someone more experienced than you. You will learn more, and they will make sure they protect you from getting injured. Yes, you will be submitted and overwhelmed, but you will also learn more. "Oh, I did this and he caught me in that, so I won't do the same next time." If you roll with someone less experienced then you may get away with whatever you had done to the more experienced person, so you would have not been able to learn that move won't work on everyone.

My advice is not join a gym that focuses on competition if that is not what you are interested in. I am not all that interested in competing myself. I was lucky enough to find a gym that focused on traditional jiu jitsu (which self defense is a large part) while just enjoying learning the art together.

For example, we had a guy come visit our gym during the holidays while he was visiting home. He was a blue belt and I'm still a white belt. He goes to a competition only gym in Houston. We started with some moves like we usually do (stand up self defense). I happened to be standing next to him. He asked me if I could show him this move because he had never seen it before.I should never know a move that he doesn't know as a white belt if he is a blue belt. That is a large part of Jiu Jitsu that is being ignored by "sport Jiu Jitsu" gyms, but it is a fundamental part of Jiu Jitsu.

[blackisleknight]

@hellhound~ I'd like to say that GJJ is, what I have gathered, slightly different in philosophy than some of the other BJJ schools you might find. I can agree with trooper1912 to an extent, but I wouldn't agree that you or others may have the 'wrong mentality'. What I mean by that is GJJ is based on learning the techniques in order to apply them in a self-defense situation. I have heard some stories about BJJ schools where you go in as a beginner and walk out frustrated or intimidated by the more advanced students seeking to show you what you don't know. That isn't true of all BJJ schools but they are out there. What I do agree with is seeking to learn from more advanced practitioners to improve on your own knowledge and skills, but if they are approaching the subject just to show off rather than guide your learning path, then I think THAT would be the wrong mentality.

That being said, I own the Gracie DVDs for Combatives, Women Empowerment, and Bullyproof. I don't have an issue paying for the courses, I simply just don't have the time right now to go to lessons. But I do intend on doing so one day when my oldest is old enough to join. In the meantime, I use these DVDs to roll with my kids and get them interested in the sport. They actually beg to learn more techniques and that's a good thing. Keeping them engaged and wanting to embrace jiu-jitsu as a part of their lives is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child. The Gracie DVDs enabled me to give that gift and for that I am greatful.

I think the DVDs are a great way to seek a means to an end in your pursuit and as long as you and your training partner are dedicated to learning, you will become advanced and challenge yourselves. Then you can walk into a BJJ school when you do earn enough time and money and gain that feedback and advanced techniques. It's about the journey and I think you should continue with your plan and take it at a speed comfortable for you. Some prefer a more intense and intimidating method, but it's not for everyone. Just keep in mind that you both are trying to learn, not impress. Keep that mindset and pile on a heap of dedication and discipline, and you'll be just fine.

[trooper1912]

Feb 28, 2017 5:32:07 GMT -8 blackisleknight said:

@hellhound~ I'd like to say that GJJ is, what I have gathered, slightly different in philosophy than some of the other BJJ schools you might find. I can agree with trooper1912 to an extent, but I wouldn't agree that you or others may have the 'wrong mentality'. What I mean by that is GJJ is based on learning the techniques in order to apply them in a self-defense situation. I have heard some stories about BJJ schools where you go in as a beginner and walk out frustrated or intimidated by the more advanced students seeking to show you what you don't know. That isn't true of all BJJ schools but they are out there. What I do agree with is seeking to learn from more advanced practitioners to improve on your own knowledge and skills, but if they are approaching the subject just to show off rather than guide your learning path, then I think THAT would be the wrong mentality.

I also agree completely with what you are saying here. I was lucky to find a very good jiu jitsu "school" in my area. I have been taught since I started that the most important aspect of Jiu Jitsu is to take care of your training partner. So maybe I'm a little naive of what others may experience at other Jiu Jitsu "gyms." You are correct in that when you are starting that you need to find the right gym/school. I immediately became friends with everyone at the school I'm currently training at, but at the same time  you can't be scared to go try gyms because you don't "know anything." If you don't find your training fun then you are the wrong place. If you want to learn true Jiu Jitsu then self defense is number one. That also consists of physical fitness. Jiu Jitsu is a fantastic martial art, but it won't and has never pretended to completely replace being in great physical shape. If you come up against someone that doesn't know Jiu Jitsu then you will win, but if you come up against someone of equal skilll, which is very rarely, then you need to be in the best physical shape than you can be.

[Baba]

I get a lot out of the videos. I also go to a studio where I can roll and try to apply them the best I can as a white belt. You might also ask the question of pros and cons of a studio that shows you one technique randomly, gives you a few minutes time to practice it, and then moves on, not giving you an opportunity to properly drill. The videos give me a chance to drill at home so that I don't forget and have to pay people more money to go back and get one more piece of info. Just my two cents perspective as a new practitioner.

[drann]

Jan 12, 2017 2:01:19 GMT -8 trooper1912 said:

That's the wrong mentality to have. You should always roll with someone more experienced than you. You will learn more, and they will make sure they protect you from getting injured. Yes, you will be submitted and overwhelmed, but you will also learn more. "Oh, I did this and he caught me in that, so I won't do the same next time." If you roll with someone less experienced then you may get away with whatever you had done to the more experienced person, so you would have not been able to learn that move won't work on everyone.

My advice is not join a gym that focuses on competition if that is not what you are interested in. I am not all that interested in competing myself. I was lucky enough to find a gym that focused on traditional jiu jitsu (which self defense is a large part) while just enjoying learning the art together.

For example, we had a guy come visit our gym during the holidays while he was visiting home. He was a blue belt and I'm still a white belt. He goes to a competition only gym in Houston. We started with some moves like we usually do (stand up self defense). I happened to be standing next to him. He asked me if I could show him this move because he had never seen it before.I should never know a move that he doesn't know as a white belt if he is a blue belt. That is a large part of Jiu Jitsu that is being ignored by "sport Jiu Jitsu" gyms, but it is a fundamental part of Jiu Jitsu.

As far as choosing a gym, depending on where you live you may not have a lot of options.  

I have to disagree with you on the last paragraph. I am a blue belt in BJJ and a level 2 Krav Maga practitioner. I compete in BJJ and apply it to self defense. I learn new techniques every day. I can't remember every single technique that I am taught especially if I don't use them regularly.  As you advance in BJJ you will realize that also.  IF you take another discipline you will understand better too. 
IN BJJ, You will also learn that it is more important to understand the concepts rather than the moves. Maybe you know a pendulum sweep but do you know how to apply it to other situations?  Maybe you know the Kimora, but can you apply it in from top position or a dicey position? 
In sport/competition gyms you are often knowledge tested for belts, so you have to complete a physical test and/or a gauntlet. 
You also have to keep in mind that your professor is going to teach you what he/she knows and what he/she is good at. That is going to vary from professor to professor and school to school.
Take a breath.....