Academy

Greg Souders is one of the most well-known advocates of ecological training in jiu-jitsu, drawing on the principles of Rob Gray’s ecological dynamics research to develop an approach that is gaining momentum worldwide. His system is a strong example of how the Constraint-Led Approach can be applied consistently to create a training environment that is both engaging and effective.

You may have heard the term Constraint-Led Approach (CLA) mentioned in discussions about modern jiu-jitsu training. Although it may sound complex, the concept is straightforward once you see it in action.

The way grappling is taught and practiced has undergone significant evolution over the last decade. For many years, instruction focused on breaking techniques into discrete steps, drilling them in isolation, and later trying to apply them in live sparring. While this approach can be practical, it often leaves students struggling to bridge the gap between static drills and the unpredictability of real grappling exchanges.