One of the things that we need to learn when starting jiu-jitsu is how to be a good drilling partner.
In observing new students drilling techniques in class, I see three types of people who exhibit negative traits.
Don’t be these people.
The Talker
When your instructor demonstrates the techniques for that class, you and your training partner should drill the moves until such time as the instructor calls stop.
But some guys want to perform three repetitions and then stop to chat.
I recall one training partner who loved to start conversations as I was trying to drill my moves.
“How long did it take John to get his blue belt?”
“Did anyone ever tap out Rickson Gracie?”
“What degree is Royce Gracie?”
I would pause and look at him: “Hey dude, I am trying to get in my reps and learn this technique.”
Save the Chatty Cathy for after the class. Let me train!
The Resister
You know this guy. You may have just seen a move for the first time, but this guy is going to resist 100% as you try to figure it out. He won’t allow you to work out the basic movement before he starts trying to counter you.
I stop these students and say “Hey, he is just trying to learn the move; stop resisting!” These guys are stiff as a board and trembling with exertion when you are trying to figure out the technique. They also typically try to power through everything in rolling and are gassing out before the end of the round.
The Flopper
This guy is the opposite of the Resister. He isn’t stiff; he is like overcooked spaghetti!
You are practicing sweeps and he will topple over if the merest breeze hits him. He will not keep a normal posture in side control, but will completely sprawl out face down on the mat.
The drilling partner is having difficulty dealing with this totally limp body and doesn’t understand why the technique is difficult to learn.
I ask the limp, sprawled Flopper “When you are really fighting, would you fight face down on the ground and go completely limp?”
“No”
“Well then why are you doing it now?!?”
You need to mimic the posture that an opponent would in real sparring for your training partner to drill effectively.
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