I need you sound advice...?

Question

The following will be the new Team Bushi MMA sport pratictioner levels. Good idea or no?

Team Bushi MMA Sport Practitioner Levels

* Novice * ( Three months training )

Striking from the arms ( punches, palm strikes )

Striking from the legs ( all kicks and knee strikes )

Striking from Top mount top mount guard ( all strikes )

Striking from Bottom Mount, bottom guard and half guard ( all strikes )

Striking from the clinch ( concepts and techniques )

Countering Strikes upper body ( both types of soft blocking, fade, sway, bobbing, weaving, ducking, breaking )

Countering Strikes legs ( calf blocking, leg sweeping, catching )

Countering strikes from small of back in bottom mount and bottom guard ( both types of soft blocking, fade, sway )

* Intermediate * ( Four to five months training )

Take downs

Throws

Countering take downs

Countering throws

Countering top mount and top mount guard

Countering side mount

* Advanced * ( Four to five months training )

Submissions and transitioning top mount, bottom mount, side mount, bottom guard

Countering submissions top mount, bottom mount, side mount, bottom guard.

* Expert * ( on going permanently )

Practitioner must perform perfect execution of all the techniques learned at novice through advanced levels.

Practitioner will begin the study of the traditional art and techniques of Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu. Strength training and endurance drills on the round timer ( minimum three ( 3 ) days per week.

Constant review and practice of technique.

Regular weekly or bi-weekly Sparring.

Personal technique developement.

No Team Bushi member may be entered into any type of competition, ring, cage or otherwise, without first obtaining the level of "Expert" and be at least 18 years of age. It will take any member of Team Bushi 12 -14 months to obtain the level of "Expert". No member may be advanced from one level to the next without first completing a minimum of three ( 3 ) days per week at our training facility.

So what do you think safe bet or not?

Answer 1

you might be rushing it a bit too fast. other than that it sounds like a solid training plan.

Answer 2

well this is just my opinion but I think the whole time limit thing is a little stupid. some people are naturally good at some things and need to work the other aspect right off the bat. I had crappy wrestling so the first thing I had to work on was take downs and take down defense. Also people fight for different reasons. Some to really compete and others to say that they do it and others to move up the ladder and reach a career. So i think saying that you can not fight until...is not totally up to the gym. how ever this is not my gym and I do support that this is helping make the sport even safer. Even though I do not think this is the way I would like to do it, it may be best for some one else.

it does sound very well thought out though.

good luck

Answer 3

Yes it's a good rounded syllabus and a good idea.

The only problems I would consider is the fee's ( prices ) to train and I agree that anyone dedicated should train at least 3 times per week I personally at my peak was training 4 times a week at purple belt when a student but saying that having proved my dedication my instructor reduced my training fees as I was unemployed at the time.

But sadly not everyone can afford financially to train that often or if they work make the time to attend.

Only my humble opinion Best wishes :)***

Answer 4

I think that the minimum time isn't necesarilly meant to mean 'you must or should be able to perform at this level in this time' but more as a minimum.

You are probably not considered a candidate for being called intermediate until you have put in 4 to 5 months training AFTER your 3 months minimum needed to be considered a novice.

The time frames probably stack on top of one another rather than mean a total time in.

On the other hand, to be considered expert after a potential minimum of 13 months seems way too little unless I'm understanding you incorrectly.

Perhaps you are thinking of instructor training where a good background is assumed?  I don't know.

Perhaps the meaning of expert in your terms means 'fight ready' rather than Shihan kind of level mastery?  I don't know - different use of the same terms I suppose.

I do know that traditionally, that seems like a very small amount of training - even at 8 hours a day.

However, I train traditionally so I see things through that lens - I don't know if that is normal or not because I haven't trained in a more 'sport' or 'professional fighter' kind of setting.

Traditionally, that would be very odd and suspicious - in my world things a measured in years.  In a MMA sporting context, It seems to be in months.

Nothing right or wrong with either, but very different for certain.

Answer 5

I don't think that a certain amount of time indicates a skill level.  

My primary style, Tae Kwon Do, has a reputation of promoting people too fast (deservedly so).  

That being said, I have a kid now that has been training for 4 months now, previously trained boxing for about 6 months, and his kicks are already as good or better than some students that have trained for more than 1 year.

I agree that they are "students", and I agree with your desire not to put them in a dangerous situation before they are ready.  That being said, there is a guy, I can't recall his name, but he has only been doing MMA for 4 months, and fought about twice a month and is already going into the WEC.  

Some people learn faster than others.  Some guys just work twice as hard as others at home and in class.  You can tell the ones who work on their own at home and those that only train the 3 hours a week they are in the gym.  

I don't think it's right to hold back someone who is truly ready for more, but you, as the coach, are the only one who can determine their true level and when they are ready for more.

James