Image Credits: John Danaher Instagram
Yeah… There are a lot of things that need to be learned and done in BJJ if you want to be successful in it. However, even the most complex of things have a simple foundation; and for Jiu-Jitsu, that foundation is distance.
Professor John Danaher explains why this is the case:
Grappling is won and lost at point blank range, but it starts at distance.
It involves a constant ebb and flow of closing distance to attack and creating distance to defend. In between is the tactical game of deciding where and when to close distance. This is usually determined by the strategy and tactics of the two athletes.
Generally those athletes who favor control leading to submission will press the closing of distance since that is how they win. Generally those who wish to win by a minimal score will seek to limit the closing of distance until the perfect conditions to score are set; then attack to score and then go back to a distance where they can avoid retaliation.
Danaher explains that you should aim to develop a sense of distance in daily training, as it’s of great importance:
Understanding how distance can be your ally and enemy is a big part of your grappling development. Try to develop a sense of distance in your daily training.
Learn to read when you’re at a safe distance and how to close distance on someone who wants to keep you at bay. The awareness you build will be of great importance to you one day.
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