Jiu-Jitsu is defined as the “gentle art”. Not gentle because it’s calm or soft, but gentle in the sense that leverage is valued over athleticism. Not so long ago one of my tough purple belts had his doctor tell him that he’s out of shape. My purple belt didn’t understand how that was possible, considering he’s at practice 3-5 times every week. The doctor, who is also a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, said, “It’s probably because you are good. You don’t need to use any strength!”
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In the midst of social distancing, one way to keep getting better at Jiu-Jitsu, or any of the other core programs at Capital, is to use visualization as a method for practicing. There is tremendous benefit to closing your eyes and visualizing your way through leverage and technique. Whether it’s bar contact in a clean, striking combinations in Muay Thai, or the intricacies of using an Omoplata against a training partner.
If you are having trouble getting started with visualization exercises, begin with this simple thought experiment:
Close your eyes and visualize a single sphere. Make the sphere rotate in various directions. Make it move from one reference point to another. Then add another sphere, and manipulate the two of them. Keep adding spheres until you can no longer properly “see” them. Like with everything, practice will improve your results.
After using simple spheres—realizing that simple doesn’t mean easy—graduate to visualizing the movements you are trying to get better at. Practice until you can effortlessly flow from point to point in the technique. After that, start combining techniques.
In other news, the Capital family would be extremely grateful if you gave us a 5 star review on your favorite review site. Both staff and students are doing a lot behind the scenes to keep moving forward during this unprecedented time. Your review will be certain to keep morale high! Who doesn’t love positive feedback?
We hope you, your families and your friends are all well, and we hope our efforts are helping you during this difficult time.
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