When to Choose Between Drilling and Ecological Training in BJJ

When to Choose Between Drilling and Ecological Training in BJJ

5 min read

There’s a lot of debate in the grappling world about drilling vs ecological training. Some grapplers, like Mikey Musumeci, are strongly pro-drilling. Others, like Kyvann Gonzalez, are very much in favor of ecological training. So, what’s the answer? Which one should you choose?


The quick answer: both.


We’ll break down the longer answer below.


Drilling vs Ecological: Pros and Cons


Both training methods have clear pros and cons. Each one has its place, depending on what you are trying to learn or improve.


Pros of Ecological Training:

  • Increases problem-solving ability
  • Improves general grappling ability
  • Develops “soft skills” or grappling instincts
  • More fun compared to pure drilling


Pros of Drilling:

  • Builds technical skill and precision
  • Low physical and mental stress
  • Works well for all skill levels
  • Provides a safe environment for practicing risky positions


The cons of each method are often the opposite of the other method’s pros. For example, one of the cons of ecological training is that it does not build technical skill as effectively, which is one of the strengths of drilling.


These two methods are on opposite ends of the training spectrum when used in isolation.


So which do you choose?


You should mix both, depending on your skill level with the technique or position you want to work on. Here are three examples:


1) Brand New to a Technique


Start with drilling only. You need to understand the key steps that lead to success before you can add live resistance. This initial drilling phase doesn’t have to last long. Once you are comfortable, you can transition into games (ecological) based on the position.


Example game: One person starts in front headlock with the goal of getting a d’arce finish. The other person’s goal is to escape or reverse the position. Switch roles when someone scores or achieves their goal.


2) Intermediate Skill with a Technique


At this stage, you likely need less drilling. Drilling can be part of your warmup. After that, you can move on to specific ecological games using the position.


3) Very Comfortable with a Technique


If you are already confident with the technique, you can focus on less constrained training. Situational live matches are best here, with an emphasis on hitting the technique under realistic conditions.


Your training partner will not have a fixed goal, and they won’t know what you are working on, making it feel more like a real match. For example you can start from a more ambiguous position like standing, front headlock, half guard, etc.


Summary:

  • New to a technique/position → More drilling
  • Solid with a technique/position → More ecological games
  • Very good at a technique/position → Situational live, focusing on getting the specific technique you want


Conclusion


Both drilling and ecological training are essential. The key is knowing when to use each method based on your experience with the move or position. A healthy balance between the two will lead to better overall grappling.

Leave a comment

FAQ

Porrada is a Portuguese term commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Brazilian culture to describe a tough, intense, and gritty style of training or fighting. The direct translation of porrada from Portuguese to English is "beating" or "brawl." It embodies the spirit of going all out, giving your maximum effort, and pushing through challenges. In BJJ, practicing porrada means training with high intensity and determination.
This website is a collection of resources curated by grapplers, for grapplers. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to succeed. Whether you want to learn about nutrition, training on the mats, lifting, or anything in between, we are here for you. We want to see you on the podium most of all, and we hope to help you do exactly that. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot us an email or DM us on any of our social profiles!
There are two main ways you can get started with training: 1) You can find a BJJ gym near you and do a trial day, or 2) you can create your own mini home gym and start training with friends. Option #2 is how our team at Porrada got started! We ordered 1-inch thick puzzle mats in a 10’x10’ square and began training using online resources. If you do start with the second option, we recommend eventually finding a gym down the road in your career. It will help you by allowing you to roll with more people and receive high-level instruction.
BJJ is quite similar to wrestling. Both start standing and use takedowns as a method to score points. Both use very similar mechanics overall. The main differences are that there are no pins (you can be on your back in Jiu-Jitsu), BJJ involves submissions, and the points system for each is very different. BJJ grants points for takedowns/sweeps, back control, mount, guard passes, and knee on belly. Wrestling grants points for takedowns, escapes, and back points (back exposure for freestyle).
BJJ is a very unique sport in many ways. There are so many incredible benefits to training Jiu-Jitsu. The biggest reasons we advocate for it are the mindset training and the added ability to defend yourself. In BJJ, you are forced to humble yourself over and over again, every single day. This sport is a great way to mature rapidly and generally become a better person (in our opinion). You will also have a better ability to defend yourself than 99% of the population—a pretty big bonus.
You’re never too old to start training! We see people on the mats of all ages and sizes. Large and small, old and young can, and should, train BJJ. If you are on the older side, it is perfectly acceptable to take it slow and learn at your own pace. You don’t always have to go full speed—don’t worry. There are typically also classes that separate people by goals. Certain classes are for those who want to compete, some are for general instruction, and some are specifically for self-defense teachings. There is a place for everyone on the mats.