As I mentioned in Part 1, everyone learns differently. Today I want to share with you some of the ways that I have personally learned from dvds. If you totally disagree with me…..Awesome! It probably means that we have different learning styles. If what I share works for you….Awesome! It means we have similar learning styles. Regardless of where you stand, it is important that you create a system that works best for you.

When I first get a dvd I normally look for transitions or submissions that I am already familiar with or are having trouble with. For example when I recently purchased Robert Drysdale’s Cradle dvd I went straight to the chapter on “Cradle to half guard pass with sprawl” because I was having problems passing my opponent’s Z guard. The first time I watched the chapter I was focusing on the big picture. I wanted to see exactly what “Cradle to half guard pass with sprawl” looked like. I didn’t pay attention to a lot of detail just yet. After watching the transition one time I went back again and this time looked for the little details. Sometimes when watching a dvd you have to analyze it yourself to notice small key details that the presenter isn’t pointing out. During this time I will normally say the details out loud and write them down in my jiu jitsu journal. Saying them aloud and writing them down help me remember them.

So what’s next? Tomorrow I’m going to dig into how I take my research and apply it to my time on the mat. See you then!