shen -Sgt. Slaphead -Robobear -
Shen has reached the next level of invisible jiujitsu. Respect.
But I know of what you are talking about. We get a lot of military and MMA types who want to roll all the time. I love and respect all veterans but some have a frantic energy; almost spastic, but not in an uncontrolled way. I don't know if it's a style or cultural difference,(We're in Hawaii) but I can feel the energy. We joke about it and talk it over with the other instructors and chalk it up as bad juju. Some guys have a lot of combat experience in the middle east, some guys got a lot of pro fights, I don't know exactly what it is but it transfers to the mat.
with the mil they have a "I must win" focus. That mental state is exhibited in the way they train and move. I've worked with a lot of young mil and I find myself chuckling while watching or training. They also have been conditioned to move with deliberate purpose in a lot of the things they do....does that make sense LOL!?!?!?
Then theres the young or FITAH or just ego-driven fucks that just want to win or not look bad....same result.
Do you think that particular mental state is at ODDS with having "sensitivity" to your opponent?
In other words do you think that sort of "I'm gonna do this TO you / impose my will" type approach is less responsive in a way?
On the combat vets, I beleive they have been trained to not lose. It is unaccceptable and not an option to lose in combat or you will die. Some bring this to the mat but its something else. A lot of these vets are sesoned wrestlers having years of mat experience; maybe not in BJJ but in other grapplling based arts. They have control and a deliberate plan of attack but their energy seems a bit off the charts.
The MMA fighters have a different vibe altogether. They have to have a win mentality but are methodical and have a particular strength they focus on whether it be takedowns, back taking ect.
I do agree with Filthy in that there is some primortal sheet going on in our brains during combat, whether it be MMA, a street fight or a BJJ match. The goal of any of these activities is to beat your opponent. Hell we all know some reptillians in a gi in our dojo.
To respond to Shen, I beleive that when any of these types try to impose their will, it might seem one dimensional or feel negative like animosity but if you are intuitive, you can get past this. I know you can feel when someone is ready to "break" mentally, pysically, and spiritually, and with the MMA guys or combat hardend guys, you gotta ride the storm out. Honestly, I would say more than 75 percent of these guys never come back. But the small percentage that come back, become valuable training partners and friends.