Back to square one

Over my years of training, I have been to many seminars. Ranging from BJJ, to wrestling, Kickboxing and more – I have attended a decent few. One thing I have noticed though, is that people try the new techniques, tips and tricks learnt during these events for a few weeks, then following this period, they go back to their normal tendencies and habits before you know it.

No matter how good someone is, they’re not going to change your game in just a couple of hours. Especially in a seminar format where they are not there for you specifically, but instead, they’re taking a class of 50 plus people. If you had a top-level coach for two hours a week for a month working specifically on your game, then you would see some massive gains. Unfortunately, that is not the case in a one-off seminar. The other little issue is that everyone else is getting the same information, so they know what you’re gonna be trying and implementing in your training. From my perspective, when you start, you’re looking for that one move that will transform your game and as anyone who has been around for a while knows, there is not just one thing that will put you ahead. It’s the small changes that you make that combine to make the improvement – which often occurs through a long time of practicing.

This is not to say that seminars are hopeless, there are many aspects to be taken from them. Specifically, when you are new and looking for that one escape or that one takedown that will change your life. Then, over the years and after many seminars you have picked a little bit from everyone and combined and made changes to your game. A few small things I’ve picked up that have improved my game have been foot and head position in wrestling, both were subtle but made a big difference overall. In BJJ, it was grips and hand position. In striking, it was all about weight distribution and distance.

I have been on the receiving end of people trying out their new seminar moves and they stick out like lights on a Christmas tree. Usually, on the first attempt with a new move or system you don’t get a lot of success. As we are all competitive, these new moves are tried for a while but for people that are used to doing well (who are now all of a sudden not) they find it hard to stick to trying these new elements. Against most people they will keep trying the new move but against those people who you deem as your true competition, people tend to go back to what they know. If you want to win though, you tend to go back to what you know regardless of who you are up against. To work the new moves, you have to put the concern for the win on the back burner and that is harder than you think for most people.

There are some seminars that have driven me nuts. Sometimes you either get something that you know or will never use. This is when you just know it will not fit in your game at all. Then lo and behold in the next few sessions you find that something you learned payed off and you used it. This means that just because it will not be a main part of your game, doesn’t mean you won’t pick something up that will help. You also never know when you are ready to learn something that seems well above your level. Having your eyes opened to what is possible is always good and can really help you progress your game.

There is no such thing as a bad seminar, not that I have seen anyway. I have been lucky to have had sessions with some great fighters from many disciplines. One of the best things is that you can remember these sessions and at least a couple of things that you remember. If you think about your normal training, it is hard to remember back more than a few sessions. It is also great to have a different perspective on training, technique and so one as something is likely to click for you. If you get the chance to go to a seminar with a high level person grab the opportunity with both hands.

Gareth Lewis
Head MMA Instructor