Here's a question for you and I want you to really think about it before reading the rest of this article. What could a mislabeled package and a failed armbar attempt have in common?

Well, the answer is the D-word, but can you figure out what the D-word is by reading these two scenarios:

Scenario 1: Grappler X takes a package to the post office to have it express mail to a destination. While filling out the shipping form, GX doesn't really read the form because he done this before and knows how to do it, and writes in his own address in the "To" box on the form. A few days later, GX is surprised when he receives a notice that he has a package and can't figure out who would be sending him something in the mail. It took him a few minutes to realize that the package that he received was the one he mailed a few days earlier.

Scenario 2: Grappler Y has been practicing the Armbar from the mount for a while now, but can't seem to execute it on partners while sparring. He asks his instructor why the move isn't working for him and after watching him perform it, the instructor tells him to reap his opponent's arm while trying to execute the Armbar instead of grabbing his arm and to squeeze his knees together when he's in the final position to keep his opponent from escaping. GY listens to the suggestion, but he doesn't see how those minor suggestions could make such a difference since he's had success doing it his way in the past, even though it was against less experienced grapplers.

Have you figured out what the "D-word" is? If not, it's really simple. The D-word stands for "detail" in both scenarios.

In both cases, a lack of attention to detail is the root cause for both grapplers' problems. If Grappler X (me) would've read the label instead of thinking that it was done the same way that you address an envelope for mail (paying attention to detail by reading the instructions on the form), he wouldn't have mailed the package back to himself. In scenario 2, if Grappler Y would've listened to his instructor (me) and reaped the arm that he was trying to Armbar instead of trying to grab it while moving into position, he would've spent less time worrying about securing the arm before applying the lock. And that would've provided him more time to focus on keeping his knees pinched together; making it more difficult for his opponent to resist the lock and escape.

Both scenarios show how a small (and what may appear to be a somewhat insignificant) detail can alter the entire outcome of a situation. Details are what some grappling experts consider "the sauce" of a technique. And if "the sauce" is missing, the technique probably won't be applied with any level of success.

So, the lesson for us all is to always pay attention to those small details, whether it's a mailing label or your hands being in the wrong position while executing a technique. Cause if "the sauce" ain't right, you can be sure that disaster is right around the corner!

Paul M. Greenhill, "The Wise Grappler", is the creator of The Wise Grappler System and author of The Wise Grappler Ezine, a weekly ezine that provides grappling and mental mindset training tips for the older (over 35) and non-traditional/non-competitive martial artists. To learn more about "The Wise Grappler" and to sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit his site at http://www.thewisegrappler.com or paul@thewisegrappler.com