Randy Brown

Since it burst onto the public scene in the early 1990s, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has garnered immense respect from spectators worldwide due to its effectiveness in combat. However, adult practitioners of BJJ and other combat sports have an exceptionally high dropout rate. Why does BJJ succeed at producing high levels of skill, but only for the select few who survive the gauntlet? Why is the retention rate so low,? What causes students of this esteemed art to fall by the wayside without achieving empowerment, fulfillment, and skill?

A structural flaw in the training approach is frequently the primary cause of practitioners quitting the art of BJJ and other combat sports, among the many other reasons they may have. In contrast, an analysis of modern Eastern Martial Arts training methods that employ non-contact exercises, or cooperative/semi-cooperative drills such as push hands or sticky hands found in Chinese martial arts, frequently hold a higher retention level primarily mitigated by reducing the “cost of failure,” but are not well-known for their efficacy in today’s combat arenas.

The teaching concepts presented will demonstrate efficient ways to support students’ failures during the learning process, coach them to view failure as a learning opportunity, and, indirectly, positively impact the atmosphere, culture, and degree of success that each student experiences when learning a martial art. Additionally, the concepts will highlight and/or eliminate elements that are highly detrimental to the teaching of practical self-defense techniques, student retention, and the empowerment of those who seek out martial arts instruction.