Be careful of what you see and hear . . .
I’ve been on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook recently studying the various techniques wrestling professionals are demonstrating. Some have great insight, creativity, and technical skills; others, need some help.
When I replay a technique for a second and third time, I often notice a very common mistake that instructors make. And one of the reasons I’m writing.
They say one thing, then demonstrate something a little different. Should you wrap an arm below your opponent’s knee on a high crotch as I saw one clinician demonstrate this morning, or above his knee as he did when he was going full speed?
Clinicians; make sure that what you’re saying is exactly what you’re demonstrating.
Repeating this for the viewer, before you decide to accept anyone’s advice, or buy into something that looks cool, make sure that what you’re hearing matches what you’re watching.
Here’s another thought that always has me scratching my head. Did the do-e, not the do-er, just stand there as an over-cooperative partner?
Any technique can look impressive, and be plausible when you have a partner that hasn’t been instructed to react. So, as an instructor demonstrating technique, your most important student is the one that’s in front of the camera with you.
For me to even think about attempting something new, or adding it to my instructional repertoire, I look closely at how the do-e reacts to the technique. Maybe it’s only at 30%, but to just stand there and get crushed may look cool to the untrained observer, but it ultimately keeps the instructor from being taken seriously.
That bears repeating. Anything can look like the next generation of greatness when the instructor’s partner is being too helpful.
Then, there’s always those times when I watch videos that are the next generation of wrestling. I find that so exciting.
So, if that makes you wonder who I look to in general when I’m searching for new twists to established techniques, tapes from Kolat and Dake are always in the mix. They are two of the best technicians in the sport today with the widest array of creativity.
If I’m interested in attacks below the hips or learning how to get off the bottom; I refer to John Smith.
The Tom and Terry show is especially relevant when I’m interesting in learning more about banging than slicking.
Pinning; Gene Mills for anything that has to do with half nelsons.
Askren and Nickal if the object is creating legal discomfort while racking up back points.
Of the young guns I’m currently enjoying, Nolf is moving up and doing a solid job of instruction.
If I’m looking to watch one of the best clinicians with little guys, Chris Marshall is my go-to guy. He has a unique way of blending fun, friendship, and fundamentals.
Off course there is an amazing array of talent and quality technicians that I haven’t mentioned. But if you’re trying to maximize your time spent, you should look at it like investing. If you want to increase the size of your portfolio, look to individuals who already have proven track records of successes.
