About

These are some notes for learning the gentle art.

The correct spelling of the term is debated, but "jiu-jitsu" is the most common and widely accepted spelling in English today. Here's an explanation of the origins and variations:

  1. Etymology and original Japanese term: The term comes from the Japanese words "jū" (柔) meaning "gentle" and "jutsu" (術) meaning "art" or "technique"[2]. In Japanese, it is written as 柔術 and pronounced "jūjutsu"[8].

  2. Romanization and spelling variations: When transliterating the Japanese term to the Roman alphabet, several spellings emerged:

  • Jujutsu: This is considered the most accurate romanization using the Hepburn system[8].
  • Jiu-jitsu: This became a common spelling, especially in Brazil and the West[1][8].
  • Ju-jitsu: Another variant used in some countries like France, Canada, and the UK[1].
  1. Reasons for different spellings: The variations arose due to:
  • Differences in how non-Japanese speakers heard and interpreted the sounds[1].
  • Lack of standardization in early romanization methods[3].
  • Regional preferences and historical usage[1][8].

  1. Modern usage: While "jujutsu" is technically the most accurate romanization, "jiu-jitsu" has become the most widely used spelling, especially in the context of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[1][2][8]. This is largely due to its popularization in Brazil and subsequent global spread.

  2. Pronunciation: Despite spelling differences, in English it is usually pronounced as "joo-JIT-soo"[8].

Techniques

Here are some placeholder pages for techniques:

  1. Guard Passes
  2. Submissions
  3. Sweeps

README

Tools Used

  • Descript
  • Claude Sonnet 3.5 is my favorite as of 8.1.24 via web app, iOS and API
  • Gemini Pro's 2 million token context window via their AI studio (for large transcripts)
  • IDE - Cursor.com
  • GitHub
  • Vercel

Process

  1. Upload all the videos to Descript and string them together in one project. Generate the transcript.
  2. Generate Show notes (prompt below).
  3. Export video to local machine (this will take some time).
  4. Upload video to Private YouTube channel.
  5. Generate based YouTube URL, available immediately upon starting the upload.
  6. Take the show notes and base URL and have LLM format the timestamping on the links and output a new formatted Video Sections section.
  7. Use the transcript to generate the following sections: Overview, Key Points, Technique Catalog, and Concept Catalog.
  8. Copy in the transcript into the transcript section.
  9. Each Technique and Concept in their respective catalogs becomes its own MDX file using the Zettlekasten format.

Show Notes Template

This is the prompt for the Descript underlord (yes that's really what they named it)

  1. Brief episode summary (2-3 sentences)
  2. Guest info: name, title, background
  3. Timestamped outline of major topics
  4. 3-5 key quotes with timestamps
  5. Detailed breakdown of discussion points, including:
    • Main ideas and arguments
    • Examples, anecdotes, and case studies
    • Statistics, research findings, and expert opinions
    • Recommended resources (books, tools, etc.)
  6. List of all mentioned external resources with links
  7. Any call-to-action for listeners
  8. Podcast and guest contact information

Use clear headings, bullet points, and formatting for easy readability. Ensure accuracy in names, titles, and technical terms. The final notes should serve both as a summary for new listeners and a detailed reference for topic review.

Template for Materials Section (8.1.24)

[Title]: [Subtitle]

Overview

[EXAMPLE: This video, "Power Ride: The Ultimate Control System," presents a comprehensive approach to maintaining dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling. Instructor John Danaher explains the principles and techniques of the Power Ride system, which combines wrestling-inspired rides with BJJ concepts.]

Key Points

  • [EXAMPLE: Power Ride emphasizes constant pressure and hip control]
  • [EXAMPLE: The system integrates leg entanglements for enhanced control]
  • [EXAMPLE: Transitions between positions are smooth and maintain dominance]

Video Sections

details
  1. Introduction to Power Ride Concept (opens in a new tab) (00:00)
  2. Leg Staple Technique Breakdown (opens in a new tab) (15:23)
  3. Crab Ride and Its Variations (opens in a new tab) (32:47)
  4. Submission Setups from Power Ride Positions (opens in a new tab) (48:32)

Technique Catalog

details

  1. Leg Staple Control (opens in a new tab) (28:37)

    a. Start in a smash pass position with opponent on their back b. Step over opponent's knee with your inside leg c. Apply weight to pin opponent's leg to the ground d. Reinforce the staple with your other leg if needed e. Key Point: This position prevents the opponent from using their legs effectively for escapes or explosions f. Can be used to set up arm triangles and other submissions

  2. Crab Hook Control (opens in a new tab) (39:40)

    a. From turtle position, use your feet to hook inside opponent's thighs b. Flare your knees outward to create pressure and prevent opponent from sitting up c. Can be used with one or both hooks d. Key Point: This technique makes it difficult for the opponent to generate height with their hips e. Useful for transitioning to back control or flattening out the opponent

Concept Catalog

details

  1. Rethinking Traditional Control Positions (opens in a new tab) (01:35)

    a. Critique of side control, mount, and back control in modern MMA context b. Limitations of IBJJF point-based scoring system in real combat scenarios c. Shift focus from scoring points to effective control and submission setups d. Importance of adapting BJJ techniques for MMA and self-defense situations

  2. Leg Control as Primary Control Method (opens in a new tab) (13:03)

    a. Preventing opponents from putting feet on the ground b. Limiting explosive movements and escape attempts c. Using leg control to fatigue opponents more effectively d. Transitioning between different leg control positions for sustained dominance

  3. Pinning Concept in BJJ (opens in a new tab) (28:37)

    a. Redefining what constitutes a "pin" in grappling contexts b. Creating positions where opponents cannot move without conceding something worse c. Using pinning pressure to force opponents into vulnerable positions d. Combining leg and upper body control for maximum effectiveness

Transcript

details

[EXAMPLE:

[00:00:00] "Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Power Ride system. I'm John Danaher, and today we'll explore how this control method can revolutionize your grappling game. The Power Ride is not just a single technique, but a philosophy of control that emphasizes constant pressure and strategic positioning."

[00:01:30] "Let's begin by discussing the core principles of the Power Ride. First and foremost is the concept of constant pressure. Unlike traditional pin positions, the Power Ride keeps your opponent under continuous stress, making it difficult for them to mount any offense..."

(Transcript continues with time stamps and detailed explanations of techniques and concepts)

]