Gracie Combatives© Testing - Reflexes
“Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast” - Mitsuyo Maeda, Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Judo Master
In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, being just a little bit slow can feel like a total failure. If you're overwhelmed by all the possible outcomes, you're focusing on too much. That's why reflexes are absolutely essential. When your reflexes are properly trained, you should feel like the most common attacks are instantly detectable and you have reliable, automatic responses.
Why Good Reflexes are Your Hidden Advantage
We've previously discussed the importance of details as the first step in mastery. Once you have the right tool and sequence, the next critical phase is developing the reflex.
A reflex requires two things: a stimulus and a response. The stimulus is often something your opponent does—a grip, a weight shift, a push. The challenge is that the initial response can, unfortunately, lead to anything from total failure to moderate success to complete success.
Training is literally the process of 'coding' the response you want and need. We are going deeper than just thought; we have to start feeling. The goal is to program your mind and body so that when a specific opponent behavior happens, you respond a certain way automatically.
The Three Keys to Coding a Reflex
Building a reliable reflex takes patience and a disciplined approach from both partners. Here is how to train effectively:
1. Define the Stimulus and the Response
Start Position: Begin in a stable reference position.
Opponent's Role: Your partner activates the indicator or stimulus for the move.
Initial Feeling: For the first few repetitions, simply let your opponent execute the stimulus while you provide no response. This allows you to truly feel and understand what is happening without the pressure of having to perform.
2. Execute with Precise Coordination
Every coordinated movement you make must strictly adhere to the key details you worked on in the previous phase.
One-Step vs. Phased Techniques: Some techniques are a single, coordinated effort. Others have phases. For simplicity in training, focus on completing a phase, waiting for your opponent’s defensive reactions to stop, then bringing them back to a workable position before continuing to the next phase or the end of the technique.
The Power of Pausing: This is crucial—if your opponent changes their reaction, don't rush! Wait until you can continue or switch to a different technique. For now, stick to the initial plan to solidify the core reflex.
3. Focus and Partnership (Minimize the "Noise")
This is a two-person job. The learning partner and the training partner must be equally focused.
Focus on the Stimulus: If the partner learning the technique loses focus on the stimulus and the desired response, the reflex won't be coded correctly.
Avoid Extra "Noise": If the opponent partner adds extra or unnecessary movements (unrelated grips, pushes, etc.), the learning partner may be coding the wrong feeling. Be sure both partners are committed to clear, minimal movements to develop the pure reflex.
When you train this way, your most common attacks and defenses will transform into reliable, automatic responses that you can execute under pressure!