If you’ve been training Jiu-Jitsu for a while, you’ve probably spent countless hours doing reps of armbars, sweeps, and guard passes. That’s the traditional approach—drilling techniques until they become second nature. But in recent years, there’s been a shift toward ecological training, and it’s changing the way grapplers develop their skills.
Ecological training is all about learning through real movement and live scenarios rather than repetitive drilling. Instead of practicing a move in isolation, you put yourself in a position where the technique naturally emerges. Think of it like learning to swim—you don’t master it by repeating arm motions on land; you learn by being in the water and adapting in real-time.
Some say this approach builds better reactions, problem-solving, and adaptability on the mats. It forces you to figure things out dynamically rather than relying on pre-scripted sequences. Many elite competitors are adopting this style because it better replicates the unpredictability of rolling or competition.
That said, traditional drilling still has its place. Developing muscle memory through repetition is valuable, especially for beginners. The best training approach likely lies in a balance of both methods—using drills to build fundamental mechanics and ecological training to refine them in live scenarios.
If you would like a more in depth conversation on this topic, here is a good one with Tom DeBlass, Big Dan Manasoiu and Greg Souders
At Asgard Supply Co., we know that innovation drives progress. That’s why we create gear designed for real-world training—rash guards and shorts built for athletes who push the limits of what’s possible. Whether you train with old-school drilling or modern ecological methods, the right gear will keep you moving without distraction.