Feedback Loop

Feedback is most effective when provided immediately.

Learning is a constant cycle:

1. we try something,
2. we identify whether it works or not, and
3. we modify our behaviour and try again.

Learning is a constant application of the scientific method. Every time you try something new when training, you're conducting a little experiment. If you do this over and over again, learning every time from the results, you have a feedback loop.

To maximize your learning:

• you need to go through the feedback loop as many times as possible, which means...
• you need to make experiments as fast as possible, which means...
• you need to receive feedback as close to the event as possible.

The last point is especially key: feedback is more valuable when it's timely.

A powerful application of the feedback loop is the habit loop, as popularized by Charles Duhigg. The habit loop explains how we can use feedback (in this case, rewards) to reinforce the behaviour we want to create within ourselves.

The feedback loop has many applications for Jiu-Jitsu:

• As an individual, receiving feedback rapidly allows us to adapt our behaviour and learn quicker. This is true not just of Jiu-Jitsu, but of life.
• As a coach, providing feedback as soon as possible gives your students the best chance of absorbing the information and making relevant improvements.

Further study:

• Scientific Method
• How Habits Work, by Charles Duhigg
• The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg