| When first learning a new mixed martial arts fighting | | | | Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts fighting techniques, is to |
| technique whether at the fundamental level or the | | | | repetition the technique(s) as many times as I can until |
| more advanced it is important that we chunk it down | | | | boredom is noticed, recording the number of repetitions |
| into smaller, easily learned units. Once easily assimilated | | | | performed in my training diary and then repeating the |
| chunks are obtained these must be practiced with | | | | process in another training session. |
| repetition to learn them. However, just repeating them | | | | When using this startegy just develop a determined |
| over and over again in a session has its limitations. | | | | discipline to complete a predetermined number of |
| Studies on a simple nervous system have shown that | | | | repetitions. I would suggest a minimum of 60 spread |
| any more than 10 repetitions of a task in a session | | | | over a 2 year period for maximum retention. |
| does not result in any increase to retention, in addition, | | | | Bear in mind that this is for the learning and retention of |
| performing only one session of learning a new piece | | | | a new technique, not the optimal refinement of it for |
| of material results in very little retention over a long | | | | the highest level of effectiveness that may be required |
| period as those of you who have been involved in | | | | for the rigors of mixed martial arts fighting or Muay |
| serious martial arts training are well aware. | | | | Thai competition. This requires the development and |
| The most useful method of repetition drilling to gain the | | | | sharpening of the various attributes required for optimal |
| most effective retention is to spread the repetitions | | | | performance of the technique, such as: speed, timing, |
| over a number of sessions. | | | | flow, balance, connectivity to the next move, variation |
| A method that has shown a great deal of effect is to | | | | adjustment, corrections in balance, preparedness for |
| carry out 7 to 10 repetitions of a particular technique in | | | | reaction to the opponent's movement, etc. |
| a training session. And then carry out at least nine | | | | Taking your mixed martial arts training to this level |
| repeat review sessions over several days or weeks. | | | | requires many more repetitions and exposing the |
| The first repeat session can be within the same | | | | performance of the technique to increasing levels of |
| session (I would suggest near the end of the session), | | | | risk through controlled and on to random sparring. |
| the following one a day after then a week etc. The | | | | To ensure the best learning of the technique start by |
| closer the review sessions are together the quicker | | | | learning and drilling the technique under totally |
| the optimal retention is obtained. | | | | cooperative conditions to get it right; this is the retention |
| Another common problem that many of us | | | | period discussed above. |
| experience, in mixed martial arts fighting and Muay | | | | Once a good level of efficacy is obtained, then try to |
| Thai training when repetition drilling is that of boredom. | | | | use the technique in controlled sparring conditions or |
| This is detrimental to retention as the learning process | | | | controlled performance drills in which your training |
| is seriously impaired when we are not concentrating. | | | | partner presents moderate problems to deal with. As |
| Disguising the repetitions in drills, combinations and | | | | your efficacy increases start to utilize it in your |
| games that utilize the particular skill involved is a very | | | | sparring, at first against less experienced opponents |
| practical way that will assist you to get around this | | | | working up to opponents of higher levels. |
| problem and allow you to increase the versatility of | | | | Using this strategy for developing drilling your |
| game by drilling the techniques with different set ups, | | | | techniques will not only enhance your game but also |
| combinations or counters being used against them. | | | | make repetition training far more enjoyable in mixed |
| Another more fundamental strategy that I use, | | | | martial arts fighting. |
| particularly in working through my Muay Thai, Brazilian | | | | |