Many years ago, I was watching a Raptors-Clippers at a friend’s house, and referring to Vince Carter, my friend said, “His game is ugly. Other than his dunks.” He meant how he looked dribbling, shooting, even playing defense. Something about how he moves was just not nice to watch to him. I didn’t agree completely, but I understood what he meant.

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, they had aesthetically pleasing games. I think about LeBron James, who’s going to retire with the best statistics, and I’d rather watch Scottie Pippen.

I’ve always been attracted to things that are not just good, but look nice too. I think of the jump shot of Ray Allen, and compare it to a jump shot like Shawn Marion’s (48.4% FG, not bad!). Are they playing the same game?

It doesn’t mean your game can’t be unorthodox. Steve Nash, for example, does some things a little odd, but his game was pleasing to watch.

In boxing, I think of Roy Jones, Jr. His style is definitely not classic, but it’s not ugly and he was definitely fun to watch.

In jiu-jitsu, I like watching Marcelo Garcia the most. He does things in a unique way that’s not always reproducible. There are Roger Gracie and Gordon Ryan, who are the most technical, and also most successful champions of the last several years. They’re fun to watch.

Be a snob with your technique. Make your jiu-jitsu pretty. On one hand, maybe it’s enough to just submit your partner. But I think of some training partners, and their games are ugly, but effective. Some of them kick my butt.

And I think of others, and I like rolling with them and watching them roll with others. Their games are just smooth. No grunting, not spazzing, no over-reliance on speed or strength. It’s just good technique.

How you win might be more important than if you win. For you, is this true in jiu-jitsu? Is it true in life?