YouTube and video cameras have been both a blessing and a curse to the BJJ world. Never before in the history of the martial arts has so much information been available.
That said, not all of the information is good information!
Some of the information is good, but presented in a weak format where the value is lost.
Here is an example of a well done, concise video technique done by Black belt Brent Littell (check.out his YouTube channel!)
Not all BJJ technique videos are this easy to watch. Here are a few characteristics of bad technique videos.
1) Unrealistic Or Low Percentage Techniques
These are fancy, complex techniques that require your opponent to be still as a statue as you pass a lapel four times to arrive in a once-in-a-lifetime position. These techniques are low percentage and will only work on an opponent whose skill level is much lower than the attacker.
While there may be some value in terms of creativity, these techniques are unlikely to be of much practical use to the average blue belt.
2) Too Much Talking, Not Enough Movement
Yes, it is helpful to have some explanation of why this technique is helpful. It may be interesting to know the setup or who you learned the technique from.
But after three minutes of talking without showing any positions, the majority of viewers are going to click on a different video. Let’s cut the chit chat and get to the move!
Seeing the move in real speed at first can be helpful to let the viewers see if it is even something that we want to know. Add the detailed explanation later in the demonstration.
3) Distracting Background Noise
This is a personal pet peeve of mine. Kids screaming bloody murder in the background drown out what the instructor is saying. Other students yelling at each other and making unfunny attempts at humor is distracting.
I watched a seminar video of a high level BJJ instructor teaching some positions that I really wanted to see. Unfortunately, some unhappy child in the background was going bonkers and wailing at full volume (apparently the care taking adult was oblivious). It ruined an otherwise valuable video. I’m sure the instructor didn’t appreciate the distraction while he was trying to teach, either.
If you are going to shoot an instructional technique, ask the people in the background to keep the noise level down for a few precious minutes.
What have some instructionals done to irritate you?
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