Tom DeBlass Skeptical About Ecological Approach To BJJ Training: “You’re Wrong”

In a recent discussion on the Jits and Giggles podcast, Tom DeBlass weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the ecological approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

DeBlass outlined his preferred training methodology, which integrates structured drilling with constraint-based situational training:

Here’s the things we’ve been doing: today I have my students start on each other’s backs.You can’t strangle, just hold; the person tries to escape.

Next, you can’t strangle, you can’t escape, you just have to defend the strangle.

While acknowledging the value of situational training, DeBlass emphasized that drilling remains a fundamental part of skill acquisition:

When I show a new technique, however, I have my students drill it a few times before we put it into a live situation.

DeBlass is skeptical of fully discarding traditional drilling.He reinforced his argument by citing elite athletes from other sports, such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who were famous for their relentless focus on fundamentals:

When I said Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were known for going to the gym two hours before and staying two hours later shooting shots, does that help them?

He [Greg Souders] says no. You’re wrong.

DeBlass also pointed to his own lineage’s competitive success as proof that drilling remains a crucial component of high-level performance:

Look at the resume of myself and our lineage.We have won everything, and we always drilled.