What is Ecological Training and why is it important?

There are tons of different training methods out there: drilling, situational live, games, etc. But there are only two major sects of training: Drilling and Ecological.

Drilling is back-and-forth practicing of techniques in a sequential manner. Ecological, on the other hand, is the exact opposite, strict constraint-based training via live matches, games, and dynamic scenarios.

They exist on opposite ends of a spectrum. Today, we’re going to go deep into what Ecological Training is, why it’s important, and where it should fit into your routine.

What is Ecological Training?

Ecological training, by definition, is strict constraint-based training. As stated before, it exists on a spectrum. Certain methods, like situational live, are closer to ecological than drilling, but are not purely ecological.

An example of pure ecological training would look like this:

• Starting Position: Smash half guard

• Top Player
 Win Condition: Pass the guard using a leg pommel or knee slice while maintaining upper body control
 → If the top player loses upper body control, reset.
• Bottom Player Win Condition: Get to full guard or sweep from the bottom

Switching on win

In this scenario, you have strict rules in place: the top player can only pass using two specific techniques and must maintain upper body control. This training format would be very close to, if not entirely, pure ecological training.

What is the Benefit of Ecological Training?

Ecological training is powerful for many reasons:

• Increase in problem-solving ability
• Increase in general grappling ability
• Development of “soft skills” or grappling instincts
• More fun than the other end of the spectrum, pure drilling

These attributes are hard to develop through drilling alone. However, like most things in life, ecological training is best in moderation. You can’t rely on it exclusively, because it also comes with some downsides:

• Lack of technical refinement
• Requires more mental effort
• Requires more physical effort
• Harder to recover from on a day-to-day basis

You cannot train ecologically every day without consequences. There needs to be a sprinkle of drilling in your routine.

So What Should You Choose? Drilling or Ecological?

The answer: You need both.

Both are valuable, reliable ways to improve, each with unique benefits and limitations. They complement each other perfectly.

Our recommendation is to balance your Drilling and Ecological training based on your current skill level with the position or move you're working on.

• If you aren’t very confident with armbars, drill them more than you train them ecologically.
• If you’re already proficient with the D’arce choke and want to refine it further, lean more into ecological training.

Conclusion

Ecological training is strict constraint-based training done through situational live matches, games, and other dynamic formats. It has significant strengths and weaknesses, just like drilling. The amount of each that you do should depend on your skill level with the technique or position you're focusing on.

Moderation is key. Balance your training style based on context.

See you on the mats!