Robert Drysdale Dismisses ECO Training
Former BJJ world champion Robert Drysdale recently appeared on the FightersAdvice podcast, discussing various issues currently affecting the Jiu-Jitsu community, including the importance of standardization in the martial art and the surrounding controversy regarding Derek Moneyberg.
One significant topic Robert addressed was the often-debated concept of ecological (ECO) training. Drysdale noted that many veteran BJJ practitioners view ECO training as an old concept rather than something new.
“Ecological training is basically how Brazilians have been training forever. It’s nothing new; they just put a name to it,” said Robert Drysdale.
For those who have practiced Jiu-Jitsu or grappling for many years, this type of training has traditionally been referred to as “specific” or “positional” training, long before the term “ecological training” was introduced.
Drysdale expressed that those promoting this training ideology seem to be motivated by a desire to monetize the concept. He believes that by labeling specific or positional training as ECO training, academies are essentially repackaging old ideas to sell them to the public as new.
He further explained that the discussion around ECO training often stems from a segment of the population seeking an immediate system that promises to enhance their performance in a specific discipline. This demand creates a market for individuals looking to sell a particular training style, such as the ecological approach.
“You can easily monetize a system. You can say, ‘I have a system from A to Z that will teach you how to be a champion,’ and people are drawn to that. If I told you, ‘Hey, listen, you just have to be accountable, show up, and learn,’ you can’t sell that. It’s too simple and not a product,” Robert Drysdale concluded.
This part of the podcast linked below goes from the 13 to 20 minute mark, but the entire podcast is good and we recommend you check it out.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.