The Art of Note-Taking in Martial Arts: From Techniques to Strategies

How Combining Written and Visual Notes Can Transform Your Martial Arts Practice

Nov 30, 2024

In a previous article, we explored the various ways to take notes to grow as martial artists. Today, we’re diving deeper into the challenging task of taking notes on techniques—arguably the most difficult aspect of note-taking for Martial Arts. Let’s get started.

Writing detailed notes on a technique can be tricky, especially since movements and their sensations are hard to describe in writing. It becomes even more challenging if you haven’t practiced the technique enough to fully understand it. Remember, the goal of note-taking is to learn from the past. If you can’t clearly explain a technique, how will your future self improve?

For this reason, video often seems like the better option for recording techniques. However, video also has its own limitations. You can’t see every angle in a single take unless you film from multiple angles — something that requires either several cameras or repetitive filming. Not very practical, and certainly time-consuming.

Your instructor might occasionally film techniques for you, but it’s unlikely they’ll do so for every technique in every class.

There’s also the matter of “hidden” movements. Rickson Gracie once described the concept of “invisible Jiu-Jitsu”—subtle aspects you can feel but may not see. These are difficult to capture in both video and written notes.

Furthermore, some movements can’t be taught; they must be discovered through personal exploration, influenced by your body type and natural movement patterns.

What’s the Solution?

I say: do both.

Use video for dynamic, visual records and written notes for the deeper, more personal aspects—how a technique feels, insights you’ve discovered, or reminders for improvement.

Here’s how to make it work:

Take Detailed Notes: Record step-by-step instructions: hand placement, foot positioning, weight distribution, etc. Even if your notes are incomplete at first, that’s okay. Sketches or flow diagrams can be helpful, too.
Record Video: If possible, capture your instructor demonstrating the technique or record yourself practicing it after class. Don’t forget to note down the little tips you remember.
Supplement with Online Resources: Watch tutorial videos and write down any additional insights. There are so many options nowadays online.
Review and Refine: As you practice, revisit your notes and add new information based on your new understanding. This approach, called scaffolding, builds knowledge incrementally.

This scaffold you are building will elevate your own understanding and experience and soon, you’ll start recognizing recurring concepts across techniques and begin internalizing them. Eventually, you’ll shift from focusing on technical steps to applying broader concepts, leading to strategies and game plans.

A Practical Example: Ippon Seoi Nage

Let’s break down one of my favorite throws, the ippon seoi nage (one-arm shoulder throw):

Grip your opponent’s sleeve above the elbow with your left hand.
Grip their lapel with your right hand.
Raise your left hand high while pulling their arm upward.
Release your right-hand grip and move under their raised arm.
Turn your back to your opponent.
Stay close for better control.
Bend forward to tip them over your back.

Even as I write this, I’m sure I’ve missed some details—but it’s enough to illustrate the process.

Next, study a video. For example, Shintaro Higashi’s video on this throw offers excellent additional insights. Take notes on what you missed and refine your understanding.

From Techniques to Concepts

As you continue practicing, concepts will emerge. For example, I learned from Ryan Hurst the concept of “create a hole, fill the hole”, which certainly applies to this throw: you create an opening between your opponent’s arm and body, then fill it with your own arm and body.

This concept repeats across disciplines. In karate, you might create an opening by drawing your opponent into overcommitting, then exploiting their exposed area. In grappling, the concept applies for chokes as well as a series of different movements.

This reminds me of the “head, body, head” strategy that was explained in the movie The Fighter, with Mark Wahlberg.

Now, that one particular concept became a fighting strategy, a game plan he excelled at.

At this stage, your martial art becomes personal: your karate, your jiu-jitsu, your wrestling. You’ll think more strategically, viewing fights like chess matches, where tactics serve a larger game plan.

Effective note-taking helps you study, refine, and grow into a formidable martial artist, as long as you continue training and practicing. Even if your only opponent is your playful 12-year-old son wanting to ruffle and tumble with you on Saturday mornings.