ColeMillerATT - My seminars always have a theme. However going into the academy I have an extended version and a shortened version depending on the progression of the student population.You should do an 80s theme next
I always give detailed descriptions ahead of time. Sometimes I give out notes or outlines. The seminars I host with Mr. Harris are always on specific topics announced well in advance.
On the other hand, I went to a seminar with Ryron where he jumped around with no clear plan. A collar choke, a mount escape, some vale tudo guard work...he asked for requests but then didn't like them and kept jumping around.
I also went to an Eddie Bravo seminar after emailing him and asking if he'd be covering Twister. At the beginning of the seminar, he said half guard & twister. Then he taught half guard and butterfly for the entire seminar.
I became choosey about whose seminars I attend after getting burned at a couple like that.
Rickson didn't announce topics before his seminar, but it was outstanding :)
My seminars always follow a theme or topic. Many times it's mentioned in advance and sometimes not. As mentioned by Hillary unfortunately people tend to have the "I know that already" mentality.
The theme is BJJ or more generally ground grappling, period. If you want ask the focus if is position A or B you can. Before registering ask what is going to be the position covered the most. If they don't answer you may just don't attend. But as many said the content sometimes have to be adjusted to fit the audience. Speaking for myself I would not like to spend an entire seminar focusing on tiny details of just one position, because you get the position and go try out live against a resisting partner, and to spend countless hours on theory before you get back with problems for me is not productive.
I always assume that competitors will show stuff that they are very good at and what they are know for with an occasional thing that you didn't know they are into, but they find out that it is important enough to show it might be useful. Teachers will show more conceptual stuff that apply to different positions. Some people are specialized in a position and will show options from there. If I go to a seminar with Gordo I expect to see half guard, with De la Riva, the Guard with his name, Miyao will berimbolo, Clark Gracie will omoplata and so on. I expect them to of course be well rounded and as black belts know way more than that, but they have their favorite things they are know for, that is what people know them for and what they would be paying for.
Btw, people typically can't record otherwise they would show their friends and post on youtube and less people will go to the seminar that they already saw, even if not in person. But attendees can take notes and record their version of the techniques on the next day.
I love this!
From Roy Harris:
Roy Harris
First ever BJJ over 40 Instructor Course begins today...
I am excited to begin this new journey with the few who have chosen to join me!
Over the course of the next four days, I will lay a solid foundation in the minds and muscles of these new BJJ over 40 instructors. Here is a glimpse of the level one course:
1. Three new, and more efficient, mindsets for training - cuz the young gun / tournament oriented mindset doesn't fit our needs any longer. The knowledge and training of these principles will change everything!
2. How to become, and train others to become, a great training partner - cuz working with training partners who haven't been taught (by their instructors) how to wield their power with confidence and compassion is no longer tolerable.
3. How to properly position our bodies to gain leverage over our training partners - something that will pay HUGE dividends for years to come; something we should have been taught from the beginning of our journey.
4. How to move more efficiently on the mats - a major key to enjoying the journey more.
5. How to develop the four major attributes that compliment the over 40 practitioner - these four not only help decrease injuries but they also make training more enjoyable.
6. The one training method that is guaranteed to make a positive impact on their game - today!
7. Lots more...
As you can see, this course isn't just about technique. Rather, it's about learning how train properly using important "over 40" principles, making moderate changes in mindset and then being taught structured / progressive training methods!
I look forward to sharing these things with these instructors. I also look forward to watching their faces light up with these new revelations
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More news coming soon!
^^^ When I took his level 2 grappling instructor course, the OUTLINE was like 4 pages long. The Level 1 JKD is even longer...
I guess u know what you are getting!