On line tutorials (Visualization) - BJJ
Afternoon.
Today as my title suggest I am going to talk about on line tutorials - or to make myself sound more scientific 'visualization'.
I don't wish to patronise anyone who reads my blog but for the sake of clarity I will quickly explain what visualization is and in fact what other people may call it. Visualization is also known as guided imagery, mental rehearsal and meditation to name a few. It can be summed down to one simple sentence 'Visualization is the process of creating a mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel'. (Quinn, E. 2013) Athletes use it to cultivate not only their competitive edge but to heighten their sense of well being (EGO) and confidence. Study suggests that these factors have shown to be a contribution to an athletes success.
There has been lots of research into this (not so much in the Grappling/BJJ environment) in various other sports which suggest visualization works - and works well. We are looking to utilise all of our learning sensors during the visualization process - Visual, Audio & kinaesthetic (Fleming, 2001) or more commonly known as learning styles. We widely accept that by using more sensors we take more in and therefore retain more information. There is ongoing research that says visualizing 3/4 times per week is very effective. When figures are released I will update accordingly.
So people reading this may think they can save themselves £40/50/60/70+ per month watch Youtube and be just as effective as people in the gym right? I believe this to be WRONG! Research has clearly shown that visualization works, and well. However what we also know is that watching something that you have never done over and over again will help you learn that specific move quicker then someone who has never done it but you will hold no advantage over someone who has done that move in real life. If I could put this into 4 scenarios:
1. Never done the move - never watched youtube
2. Never done the move - watched youtbe
3. Done the move on a few occasions - never watched youtube
4. Done the move on a few occasions - watched youtube
Who do you think is going to find visualization more beneficial? For some this is clearly pointing out the obvious and I apologise for the 'suck eggs' blog. But from various conversations I have had to many it doesn't. Visualization is a tool - it can be used to aid training and research again suggest competition more so, but it doesn't help you as much as actual physical participation.
So to conclude, go train. Join a reputable school - please use Youtube. I do, and it does help me. But NOTHING is going to help you as much as hitting the mats and taking guidance from a BJJ/Grappling practitioner with 'experience'. These coaches/instructors invest time and effort to teach and without that your level of ability will be limited. Remember research suggest this ;)
Reference List:
Quinn, E. (2013). Visualization Techniques and Sports Performance. Available: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/sport_psych/a/aa091700a.htm. Last accessed 14 October 2013.