Quit Trying Harder: The Fly in the Window and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Efficiency
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands apart from many other sports in a unique way: it's an art where nearly everything must be taught. Unlike sports where natural athleticism can take you far, BJJ demands a deep, academic understanding of its principles. It's not just a physical practice; it's a new language, a way of thinking, a paradigm shift in how we understand movement and strategy.
This characteristic makes jiu-jitsu particularly beneficial for children. Kids are naturally curious, always seeking to understand how the world around them works. Jiu-jitsu provides a structured framework for this curiosity, offering explanations for every move, every strategy, every principle. It satisfies their innate desire to know "why" and "how."
One of the fundamental concepts we must define and illustrate for both children and adults is the difference between effort and efficiency. This week during our camp, I was surprised to discover that most, if not all, of our young students initially believed that trying harder was always the solution to any challenge they faced on the mat. This revelation highlighted the importance of teaching the concept of efficiency over mere effort.
To illustrate this principle, I introduced them to the analogy of the fly in the window.
Imagine a fly buzzing frantically against a closed window pane. It sees the outside world, knows where it wants to go, and is giving its absolute all to get there. The fly throws itself against the glass repeatedly, buzzing louder, trying harder and harder, but to no avail. No matter how much effort it expends, it remains trapped.
This fly represents many of us in our jiu-jitsu journey (and in life). We encounter an obstacle and our instinct is to push harder, to use more strength, to increase our effort. We strain against our opponent, muscling through techniques, exhausting ourselves in the process. Like the fly, we expend enormous energy but make little progress.
Now, imagine if the fly were to pause for a moment. If it were to stop its frantic buzzing and look around, it might notice an open window just a few inches away. With a slight change in direction and far less effort, it could easily achieve its goal of reaching the outside.
This is the essence of efficiency in jiu-jitsu. The solution often isn't to try harder, but to try smarter. It's about finding the path of least resistance, using leverage and technique instead of strength, and solving problems with intellect rather than force.
As we discussed this analogy with our young students, you could see the light bulbs going off. They began to understand that jiu-jitsu isn't about who can push the hardest or move the fastest, but about who can think most clearly and move most efficiently.
In jiu-jitsu, this might mean:
- Relaxing into a challenging position to conserve energy and feel for escapes
- Using an opponent's force against them instead of meeting strength with strength
- Taking a moment to assess the situation before acting
- Applying precise technique rather than muscling through a move
By embracing this principle of efficiency over pure effort, we not only improve our jiu-jitsu, but we also internalize a valuable life lesson. We learn to work smarter, not just harder. We develop problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the mats.
The beauty of jiu-jitsu lies in these moments of realization. It's not just about learning moves; it's about understanding principles that can reshape how we approach challenges in all aspects of life. For our young students, grasping the concept of efficiency over effort is a significant step in their jiu-jitsu journey and their overall development.
So the next time you find yourself struggling in your jiu-jitsu journey, remember the fly in the window. Are you buzzing frantically against a closed pane? Or are you taking a moment to look for the open window? The answer could make all the difference in your progress and enjoyment of this beautiful art.
In jiu-jitsu, as in life, the goal isn't to try harder—it's to try better.