Jay's How-To! Develop a Stronger Game!

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Here's a quick tip for ya'll! The 1st of many Jay's How-To's!

As the title of the subject denotes, developing a strong game can be
done in more ways than one. In my opinion; now this is only my
opinion; I feel the best way to develop a certain part of your game or
a certain position, is to practice that part of your game or
position. For example, if you want to develop a strong open guard
game, then play your open guard more often than others. If you want
to get better at arm bars, let that be the only submission you go
for. If you feel you need to get better at escapes, put yourself is
situations that would force you to get out of those unpleasant
positions.

This used to be a common practice is Jiu-Jitsu. However, not too many
schools aggressively attack this form of practice. I personally feel
that this is an important part of the learning process when it comes
to Jiu-Jitsu. This form of training will determine the timeframe and
or speed in which your game progresses and becomes stronger. Because
of this, I impose situational rolling in my school and in the training
regimen of my students. It not only develops certain aspects of a
student's game, but it also forces them to work from and into
positions they traditionally would not work during a free roll
session. This is form of practice is especially important because
many Jiu-Jitsu practitioners have an unbalanced game. That student
would have a killer guard but suck at escapes! So, this form of
training would again force that individual into an unlikely situation
that would prepare them for the time that he or she steps onto the mat
and has their guard passed by someone who has a strong guard passing
game. This will prepare them for that one instance that they meet
someone with equal or higher skill level or a skill level that offsets
their game and forces him or her to escape from an unfavorable
position.

So, again work positions you would not normally work and work
positions or areas you want to develop. This will help you create a
more balanced Jiu-Jitsu game.

I hope you guys enjoy this tip. Stay tuned for more to come!