Silly argument bro 😘 There are many reasons to practice from the knees. In our group, many of the older members or people with injuries go from their knees to avoid further risks. Also, new students who haven't learned how to take down or land safety start on their knees. Starting on knees also allows for the isolation and practicing of many skills, without the added complexity of standing. You had a great point that starting in a position is a great way to practice. Also i agree, learning takedowns is such an important skill. That being said, sparring with takedowns is just one stage of learning.
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here. Beginners and people at higher risk of injury probably shouldn’t be doing live takedowns, or at least it should have some constraints on what they’re doing. However it’s not my position that everyone should do takedowns all the time. If takedowns can’t be practiced safely, like in the situations that you mentioned. Then players should begin from a bottom position. Because, in a situation where you Jiu Jitsu is needed, if you don’t know takedowns, you will be beginning from the bottom. In terms of starting from the knees isolating specific skills. It really doesn’t. It isolates similar concepts but they’re utilized differently. Off balancing someone is entirely different on their knees, because they’re stance is square instead of more bladed like a grappling stance. The Grip fighting does transfers to standing position so that is one thing that is a good take away from knee wrestling. But sprawling and shooting are completely different. The timing and distance is completely different. And the high percentage techniques are (mostly) different. I think we’re on the same page on a lot of things. Takedowns are only one stage of the journey as you said, and not all players can practice them safely. I only disagree on what should be done in the absence of takedowns. But even there I think we both see the use of positional sparring. I appreciate you’re input and your opinion!
@prismjiujitsu I'm really impressed by your respectful and eloquent response. You raise great points, and I grinned, imagining people shooting when they start on their knees 😅. I definitely agree that there is tremendous value starting with positional rolling. Personally, I really find value in drilling from knees, especially with certain partners. I also enjoy starting standing with partners that are appropriate for that. However, I suspect that you're probably more skilled at bjj than me, and possibly more focused on optimizing your training to be competitive, and with that in mind, your position makes a lot of sense. I have a slightly unusual approach to bjj because I really love it, but also, it's not my primary martial art. I'm happy to enjoy learning it with my friends, a number of whom are older or dealing with chronic issues. Myself, I am careful with takedowns because of my history with extreme concussions, so our group prioritizes safety while enjoying training together. Thanks for the lovely discussion and the fantastic suggestion. Sorry for my tone in my original post. The respectful way you responded inspires me. Thanks 🙏☺️ May the Force be with you.
Silly argument bro 😘
There are many reasons to practice from the knees. In our group, many of the older members or people with injuries go from their knees to avoid further risks. Also, new students who haven't learned how to take down or land safety start on their knees.
Starting on knees also allows for the isolation and practicing of many skills, without the added complexity of standing.
You had a great point that starting in a position is a great way to practice. Also i agree, learning takedowns is such an important skill. That being said, sparring with takedowns is just one stage of learning.
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here. Beginners and people at higher risk of injury probably shouldn’t be doing live takedowns, or at least it should have some constraints on what they’re doing.
However it’s not my position that everyone should do takedowns all the time. If takedowns can’t be practiced safely, like in the situations that you mentioned. Then players should begin from a bottom position. Because, in a situation where you Jiu Jitsu is needed, if you don’t know takedowns, you will be beginning from the bottom.
In terms of starting from the knees isolating specific skills. It really doesn’t. It isolates similar concepts but they’re utilized differently. Off balancing someone is entirely different on their knees, because they’re stance is square instead of more bladed like a grappling stance. The Grip fighting does transfers to standing position so that is one thing that is a good take away from knee wrestling. But sprawling and shooting are completely different. The timing and distance is completely different. And the high percentage techniques are (mostly) different.
I think we’re on the same page on a lot of things. Takedowns are only one stage of the journey as you said, and not all players can practice them safely. I only disagree on what should be done in the absence of takedowns. But even there I think we both see the use of positional sparring.
I appreciate you’re input and your opinion!
@prismjiujitsu I'm really impressed by your respectful and eloquent response. You raise great points, and I grinned, imagining people shooting when they start on their knees 😅.
I definitely agree that there is tremendous value starting with positional rolling.
Personally, I really find value in drilling from knees, especially with certain partners. I also enjoy starting standing with partners that are appropriate for that.
However, I suspect that you're probably more skilled at bjj than me, and possibly more focused on optimizing your training to be competitive, and with that in mind, your position makes a lot of sense.
I have a slightly unusual approach to bjj because I really love it, but also, it's not my primary martial art. I'm happy to enjoy learning it with my friends, a number of whom are older or dealing with chronic issues. Myself, I am careful with takedowns because of my history with extreme concussions, so our group prioritizes safety while enjoying training together.
Thanks for the lovely discussion and the fantastic suggestion. Sorry for my tone in my original post. The respectful way you responded inspires me. Thanks 🙏☺️
May the Force be with you.
Waistline?