Sunday, December 30, 2007

Looking to 2008

This has been an incredible year.

My training and growth in jiu jitsu has increased my health, strength, peace of mind, and overall quality of life in so many ways. Although it has been frustrating and difficult at times, it has nonetheless been extremely rewarding.

As we enter into a new year, I want to take time to focus on goals for the 2008-

1. develop a strong base of escapes
2. develop resistance/escapes to submissions
3. work on sensitivity and timing
4. continue to develop the mental game
5. top game- passing the guard
6. top game- control and submissions
7. bottom game- sweeps

These are the primary areas that I feel need to be worked on before I can reach the next level. I need to continue to train as much as possible while also immersing myself in videos while not actually on the mat.

I'd like to compete in more tournaments, and hopefully do well. I'd also like to continue to push myself and apply myself 100% during each practice session. Overall, I'd just like to maintain a good pace with my growth and training in the game.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

SH escaping the back

SH training

focus- escaping the back

techniques-

-escaping to the side opposite of choking arm (back flat)
-escaping with baseball bat grip on choking arm (duck under arm)
-escaping with baseball bat grip- pendulum legs to spin to guard (hand in bicep)

notes-
-to free bottom leg- kick leg straight and get hip over leg
-baseball bat- tension on arm, and then push into hip to control as you do the second part of move

extra techniques-
-half guard pass- sprawl leg and heel to butt move- drive crown of head into opponent's chin to flatten
-variation off same pass- they frame you with arm- hit arm across body quickly, go for arm triangle
-sprawl on butterfly hooks pass- switch to knee on shin, balance on legs, go leg across middle for the pass or whatever else comes to mind (practice on swiss ball)

reminder-
-demian maia's side control escape- duck under and spin to other side just as they pass to one side

strategy-
-learn to pass on right side, most people don't have as developed defense vs. that side
-keys to passing- pressure, tiring out the legs, destroying the legs!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Critical, critical insights

Special Sparring Class!

I've been training less and sort of concentrating more on the mental side of the game.

The book The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin has really gotten me thinking about quite a few concepts, as seen in my last few posts. Jiu Jitsu is starting to take on a much deeper meaning in my life, and I'm breaking the game down into much smaller segments.

While I do still need to expand my overall knowledge of the game and continue to collect moves, I need to actually focus in on a few specific techniques and areas. If I master these key areas and am able to perform them with excellent timing and leverage, my overall efficiency level will go up. I'd much rather be able to pendulum sweep a black belt than do a flying triangle on a second week white belt. Substance over flash. Build the foundation SOLID, and then I'll be able to start expressing and utilizing my unique attributes to full potential.

I've also been back to watching videos to supplement my learning. Demian Maia has some excellent tapes out that really focus on the technical side of the game. He has a few particular fundamental concepts that have really helped me to organize my thoughts and shed some light on some key concepts. It's really filled in the gaps and allowed me to make quite a bit of connections.

In today's sparring class, I got matched up against a brown belt than normally ruins my life. I recall a few months ago when I was able to pass his guard but couldn't maintain side control AT ALL. I felt completely off balance and was easily reversed no matter what I did. Today, the same techniques were used to try to escape my side control, but surprisingly, I was able to predict his intentions and counter them by shifting my base, controlling his arms, and getting him out of posture. Yes, I was largely using my speed to my advantage, but I was greatly surprised by how much pressure and tight control I was able to generate.

In a few key moments, I realized when I was standing to pass his guard that I wasn't leaning into him as much as I should be. I adjusted and felt a slight shift in the momentum towards my favor. Very subtle adjustment that may not even be noticeable to most people, but it's starting to open my game up and really bring me up to where I want to be. I am only 135lbs (maybe a few more since the holidays!), but I need to make my opponent feel every single ounce of it!

Overall, I was able to pass his guard over and over while completely avoiding any sort of sweep attempts and side controlling him strong. My base was great, and I felt very strong from the top. Towards the end, I even managed to sink in a Jacare n/s lapel choke, but time expired as I attempted to sink it deeper and finish. Maybe one of the best rolls I've had in awhile.

In other rolls, I realized the importance of going against aggro and out of control partners. It is unorthodox, but if I just accept it and dominate them regardless, I should be improving my game. It is a learning opportunity to work on some things that I don't normally encounter, like half guard pullers and heel hookers. Not my sort of thing, but I'm learning to deal with it. Overall, I am going to open it up and take on any and all opponents, trying to pick up as much as I can from them. Their unique styles should contrast with mine and show me the areas I could concentrate on.

I think my overall attitude has improved quite a bit, and I'm ready to take the next step up and expand my game.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Presence on the mat

"In every discipline, the ability to be clearheaded, present, cool under fire is much of what separates the best from the mediocre...Those who excel are those who maximize each moment's creative potential- for these masters of living, presence to the day to day learning process is akin to that purity of focus others dream of achieving in a rare climactic moments when everything is on the line...

The secret is that everything is always on the line. The more present we are at practice, the more present we will be in competition, in the boardroom, at the exam, the operating table, the big stage. If we have any hope of attaining excellence, let alone of showing what we've got under pressure, we have to be prepared by a lifestyle of reinforcement. Presence must be like breathing."
- The Art of Learning, pg 172

This passage really struck me.

It extends far beyond the mat, and begins to touch on how I think life ought to be lived.

I recall many moments where people haven't always "been there" with me. A non-committal hand shake that really doesn't acknowledge my being. A conversation where they seem to just be nodding along while really thinking about something else. Or even on the mat while drilling moves, they seem to just be going through the motions without any sort of awareness of their movements or the subtleties of details.

In life, many people can go through years, or sadly, their entire lives without really being aware of the present moment. They are projecting ahead or mulling about something in the past, never fully engaged in what they are doing. But they are missing so much!

On the mat, this has serious consequences. In a match, a mental block could result in your guard getting passed or being sunk deep into a submission. This spells disaster in a game where the dynamics of the situation are changing at every moment, and failure to recognize and opening or your own potential weakness could begin a chain of events that brings about your demise.

Even in training, there are so many details that can be picked up to the attuned student. An instructor might only say so much about a move, but by watching him perform it and paying attention to hip movement, hand placement, timing, etc., the game is opened up to a whole new level. They might not even be meaning to transfer that information, but it is there if you are present in the moment and receptive to it.

My goal is to be more aware of myself at all times- on and off the mat.

Gotta step up the mental part of the game.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Thoughts on the importance of quality training partners

"From one perspective the opponent is the enemy. On the other hand there is no one who knows you more intimately, no one who challenges you more profusely or pushes you to excellence and growth so relentlessly" -The Art of Learning (Josh Waitzkin, pg 52).

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."- Proverbs 27:17

I was talking with a purple belt from my school yesterday, and he mentioned something that definitely got me thinking.

He said that rolling with lower belts can make you LAZY. In other words, you take them lightly, and sometimes get caught in positions that you shouldn't be in. All of a sudden you have your back taken, and THEN you decide to turn it on when they already have their arm sunk into an RNC and you are seeing stars. This is why you have to TAKE IT TO THEM at all times. This type of training is important, because you maintain a consistent state of concentration while being able to experiment with your game. This is the time to open up the game and refine moves that you aren't able to use on higher belts.

On the other hand, rolling with higher belts can be the test for your techniques. They test you and force you to stretch yourself to the limit, which will undoubtedly help you learn if you are attentive to what happens on the mat. You have to extend yourself in order to try and elevate to their level, and over time begin to improve your game.

I used to measure myself against people at my own level, but lately I've been thinking about the game in more absolute terms. Unless I can do the pass or finish the submission on a black belt, I have more work to do.

This doesn't mean that you can't learn from rolling with lower belts. It's just a different type of learning. From working with lower belts, you begin to understand the importance of fundamental techniques and foundational theory of BJJ- you feel the difference between them and people who are applying the techniques PROPERLY and begin to understand the nuances of the game. From white belt to black belt, they are using the same techniques, it's just that the black belts can do them on world class competitors.

Friday, December 21, 2007

GB escapes

AM class

techniques-

-headlock escape- hook leg and arm over
-headlock escape #2- bridge and roll
-side control escape from position 4- arm blocking hip and crossface- come to knees and double leg takedown

notes-
-double leg takedown- can be done from head and arm control also
-headlock escape #2- you can't hook leg- clasp hands and bridge into them, hop towards them with legs, and bridge again in circle to take them in the opposite direction

rolling-

-the grip fighting is key, and opens up plenty of options
-the belt grip is dominating
-standing half guard sweep from ricardo- elevate them and make them straighten their leg- mess with balance completely, and immediately go for the sweep
-need to stay with opponents as they try to pass rapidly- attack with sweeps and subs to get them to stop or at least to slow their momentum. take advantage of the lull after the series of moves.
-something i noticed about ricardo's pressure game- he is always on his toes while driving and pulling into me. makes it much harder to do anything on the bottom
-side control- constantly change base to disrupt opponent's escape attempts.

SH escapes galore

SH training-

I did maybe 4 or 5 classes sessions in a two day period, so this is all sort of a blur.

General theme- escapes!

Mount-
-foot drag
-foot lift
-elbow/knee
-double underhook
-upa

Side control-
-bridge into opponent while clubbing head and chopping knees
-roll off previous move in opposite direction
-underhook and come to knees
-forearm in throat/bridge and snake away to replace guard
-lift crossface arm up high and sit up into them
-foot drag
-foot lift

Headlock (with underhook)
-turn to side, stuff elbow to ground, bridge and throw opponent over your head, taking back.

Headlock/modified scarf hold (no underhook)
-get on side and stuff elbow to ground, hand grabbing collar/punching throat- bridge and create space to sneak bottom knee in for half guard

North/south-
-hands in hips, use legs to pendulum and swing around

I need to practice all of these as much as possible.

Other moves-
-foot lock sweep
-x-guard to foot lock series
-side control posture breakdown- drive crown of head into opponent's chin!

Other notes-
-starting to work on the leg on shoulder pass a lot more.

Leg on shoulder-
-they block, kill arm with knee over
-they block, kill arm with knee under
-they block, hip wiggle
-they block, go around and pass on the other side

Monday, December 17, 2007

Sweep drill

PM class

sweep drill

notes-

-game feeling very good from bottom. the grip fighting principles definitely helped me control my opponents from the guard. switching between various grips and pushing/pulling motions is very effective.

-grip 1+2- stretch out opponent like crazy- pull sleeve far across chest like a bow string

-"strumming the guitar"- very effective, takes opponent out of game. most likely some sweep options from that distraction

-new guard- de la riva/x guard variant?- like a reverse triangle half guard, but with opponent standing. hold pants cuff, not ankle (more effective vs. counter), pull opposite sleeve across and rock back for pendulum type sweep. ask ricardo in january.

-new guard passing focus- double pants toriani grip- going to work off here for a few months and develop options. this can combo back into the x-pass stance if i want to pass deeper. options- toriani, leg on shoulder, stack pass, 101 knee slide, jacare shoulder plant passes, etc.

-need to move on from 101 pass and master leg on shoulder pass. inevitably going to have to get good at triangle escapes also.

-new guard opener- bear hug guard opener- need to ask about it.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Roy Harris grip fighting workshop

grip 1-
"spiderman" grip- fold sleeve over and hold with middle and ring fingers primarily

can be used in combination with most of the other grips

grip 2-
fabric above elbow or below armpit

best used with grip 1

grip 3-
collar grip

rotate wrist to pressure on neck

use to make opponent "overshoot landing"- push and pull to mess with their balance

grip 4-

"strumming the guitar"

drive into opponent's collarbone with knuckles, they get distracted and you go back to 1+2 together

grip 5-
front belt grip

push into opponent's belt and pressure downwards.

or you can pull them into you.

combo push/pull

grip 6-
rear belt grip
can be used to push or pull

grip 7-
inside pants grip at knees

use to pass

toriani- plant opponent's feet on ground (like pushup- all weight on opponent's legs) and kill legs, walk around

or use to weave elbow underneath and drive elbow/knee to pass a number of ways

control opponent's hips- stack them up and pass, pull legs back and pass, go under legs, etc

grip 8-
inside cuff of pants grip- use to pass or prevent opponent from passing


-----------

specific moves-

-switch between grips 1+2, 3, 4
-from 1+2- kick out knee and sweep over, or kick out other knee and take back
-grip 7- use as one of primary passing control points.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Destroying the frame from side control

SH training

Anthony's side control attacks

1. destroy the frame
from position 2- both arms on opponent's farside arm
hip sprawl on wrist, adjust so weight rests on arm and pins it to ground. kick foot through for reverse kesa gatame, other foot bases to anticipate the upa.

if they stuff the arm through and try to underhook escape, switch to position 3 n/s or flow back over it and lay weight on wrist.

2. americana
from position 2
destroy the frame by sprawling on it. control arm and shift weight forward. peel wrist to ground using shoulder/elbow controls. pummel inside to pin wrist, lock up figure four, shift weight back to over nearside shoulder and finish.

other moves-

-sokoudjou's fireman carry- from armpit sleeve control- duck under and trap arm, sit and take them over. push them to get counter push and then take them over.

-sprawl sit passes-
over bf hooks- drive hooks to one side, drive knee through and pass. or keep them pinned and walk around it,.

from inside open guard- stack them, and then reach around for leg on shoulder pass

-taking the back from turtle-
secure harness, hook nearside leg and tweak knee, fall to shoulder and insert hook

Friday, December 14, 2007

Secret triangle escapes!

AM class

techniques-

-triangle escape- trapped arm posts in armpit, tight to torso, and elbow down strong. can sit here forever if it's properly applied, and then reach with other arm to lapel for the traditional leg on shoulder pass. watch for the sweep when you post the arm in armpit.

-triangle escape- xande ribiero superman punch escape. requires good timing. bring trapped arm elbow/knee together and then in one forceful motion, punch across opponent's torso while sprawling back leg, and rotating hips and torso. need to quickly put other arm inside to avoid them locking it up again. watch for the sweep once you sprawl (small window), and also omoplata once you open.

sweep drill-
-guard drill, but only with sweeps (no submissions). open guard was better for this. x-guard works well on bigger opponents, they don't have as crazy of balance as smaller and more agile guys.

rolling-
-top game is getting better- starting to be able to control while attacking. gotta refine and add as much pressure as possible.
-bottom half guard- lots of sweep options here. watch out for them.
-side mount escapes- getting much better. gotta continue to refine.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Back attack

PM class

techniques-
-ezekiel choke from back
triangle choke from back

notes-
-triangle- shoot for it if you're trying to trap arm and already have leg over shoulder. scoot back with free leg, lock it in tight and finish.

back drill-

-harness is critical. optional harness- grab under armpit through to opposite side lapel for some sort of control position until you can lock up something better.
-another harness- just lock harness over their arms and jam wrist/forearm into theirs to make it uncomfortable
-seemingly good defense- trap arm and bring head through to other side.
-best defense- fall to non-choking side, scoot and get head/shoulders on ground while getting legs beyond their hooks. elbow to the ground, turn to side control.

rolling-
-ten finger guillotine is SO good.
-kimuras and bent arm locks are getting better
-half butterfly guard seems to be the best half guard option for me. can go to x-guard or at least keep some distance.

some reminders-
-bridge and roll side control escape.
-parallel theory vs. perpendicular
-"framing" them across the throat/shoulder with stiffarm in hip while hipping out.



rolling-

Monday, December 10, 2007

Side control fundamentals

PM class

techniques-
-side control bottom posture
-side control nearside lapel choke
-side control hip out and turn to knees after they pass but before they establish position

notes-
-"rolling pin" arms to redirect weight off of chest
-stiff arm in hip w/ hip out combo

rolling-

-the key things i keep coming across- need to get better at escapes from the bottom and base/control from the top. after that comes sweeps from bottom and then attacks from the top. once those start to get decent, my game will be scary.
-need to develop another solid guard pass other than knee slide/101

Arm triangle guillotine from the back, another butterfly guard pass

techniques-

-spinning arm bar from lapel choke fake
-arm triangle guillotine from the back transition
-butterfly guard pass

notes-
-arm triangle guillotine- set up from hook in to take the back, elbow over other side of head, and crucifix crank them over to the side. shoot the arm through deep and grab other wrist, and crunch into them while choking/cranking them.

-bf guard pass- from flattened bf hooks- step leg back and lift knee while applying pressure on middle of stomach with shoulder. free hand grabs foot and pushes it to ground as you hop over and land half somersault, and replace position by driving knee underneath opponent's legs. wrap legs tight with both arms and scoop hips towards your hips. when ready, plant elbow to pin hips, and then inch up and crossface them. pressure at all times.

rolling notes-
-need to work on sprawl/takedown defense
-reminder- get hands of pants to prevent any toriani style passes
-need to practice triangle escapes
-passing strategy- keep passing to n/s and then to other side of them. counters hip escape and other things.
-reminder- sit up guillotine from half guard
-practice x-guard

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Side Mount Escapes

SH training

techniques-

-hand under foot trap to roll
-foot trap to back door escape on other side once the base
-foot trap to half guard recovery

notes-

-foot trap- tweak knee and make them roll
-step 2- they base, you underhook and grab over back to pants, push their upper thigh with your knee
-half guard recovery- trap foot and lift leg to slip in half guard, step on calf and walk up, forearm across hip to prevent getting smashed, other forearm in throat, sit up and take the over if possible

rolling notes-
-generally, it's not that my guard is getting passed, it's that i'm getting reversed from half guard or side control and ending up getting passed from there. gotta work on top game base to stay dominating.
-overall, doing very well, though.

Friday, December 7, 2007

WOD

deadlifts-

10x 95 lbs
7x 115 lbs
5x 135 lbs
4x 135 lbs
3x 135 lbs

overhead squats-

10x 45 lbs (bar) - 3 sets

front squats-

10x 75 lbs

back squats-

10x 95 lbs - 3 sets
clean and jerk to get up each set

Thursday, December 6, 2007

SH mount escapes

SH class

techniques-

-arm trap upa mount escape
-upa mount escape from arm around head
-elbow/knee cheat to bridge over from overhook

rolling-

-mount/side mount escapes are getting decent. need to wait for right time to explode and go for it.
-some trouble with aggressiveness. not attacking or committing enough. sort of just being lazy about committing to moves!
-some trouble vs. head trapped in guillotine position from side control top. my solution has been to keep rotating around to free my head.
-mike rolled over me. from his game- driving, forward pressure at all times from passing. always pulling while driving. always switching base and anticipating my counters and then shutting them down.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

WOD

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

pullups
handstand pushups (against a wall)

12:29

Monday, December 3, 2007

De la riva troubles

PM class

techniques-
-a bunch of random self defense moves
-hip bump sweep to cross choke from mount

guard drill-

-main thing- having trouble vs. tony's de la riva. sweep defense is mostly good, but i think me giving up sleeve control is allowing him to break me down much easier. gotta be more aggressive with the grip fighting and then start to work on taking out the hook/shutting down the de la riva

-reminder- brabo escape- wrestler sit out and then throw arm across opponent's body, ending in side control. another escape- trap arm hard and sprawl on it. sit out seems like the best option.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

WOD

5 minutes of Double unders
5 minutes of 95 lb Clean and Push jerk
3 minutes of Double unders
3 mintutes of 95 lb Clean and Push jerk
1 minute of Double unders
1 minute of 95 lb Clean and Push jerk

--------

did it with 2 35lb dumbells (70 lbs total)
normal jump roping

Saturday, December 1, 2007

WOD

With a continuously running clock do one pull-up the first minute, two pull-ups the second minute, three pull-ups the third minute... continuing as long as you are able.

Use as many sets each minute as needed.



--------

got to 10 mins

55 pullups total

Arm in guillotine and some top notch tips

Stronghold training

-arm in guillotine- pressure on the artery on the side of the neck closest to the trapped arm. can be done from half guard/open guard/whatever. need to block them from coming around and passing. fall to side opposite trapped arm. specific grip with thumb in artery. crunch into them (don't arch like normal guillotine), drive their head down (sort of like neck crank), and rotate wrist to pressure neck. can use to sweep very easily. can attack from all places!

-one armed guillotine from half guard top- need to wrap arm around deep and pressure neck while driving with rib on their head. can't figure it out at this point.

-n/s guillotine- setup- need to lean onto them and pressure them in the transition from side control to the guillotine.

-arm triangle- to finish- pinch elbows together and drive head to mat. doesn't matter where legs are, etc. can be done from half guard.

-chokes- patience and constant, consistent pressure when choking. moving around and adjusting pressure allows them to also adjust and survive longer. a fully locked in choke will take a few seconds for them to tap.

-brabo/darce- switch back and forth to get the submission. darce them over and then sink the brabo, darce them over again if they recover, etc.

-brabo counter- wrestler's sit out from turtle. from half guard- frame opposite side hip with trapped arm to get some space.

-half guard bottom- underhook with elbow, not with whole arm (avoid the brabo)

-half guard bottom- need to frame them with arms and use to stop progress and then recover guard.

-half guard bottom- pin their arm to wrist and they can't pass. recover once they try to free arm.

-x-guard- when they post the knee, off-balance them and try the pendulum x sweep, but ultimately shoot under the leg and try to take the back.

-sweeps- time it with the submission. example- collar choke- they move arms to block the choke, you scissor them over.

-general half guard philosophy- not a dominant position- all the sweeps cause you to get your face smashed often. need to create distance and recover guard for stronger position.

-half guard bottom when smashed- lockdown on leg alleviates some pressure, and then peel the shoulder away, get arms back in posture.

-top game- need to be driving into them more, leaning weight on them instead of just going around.

-guard strategy- overwhelm with submissions and then eventually sweep with scissor or something else. timing after flurry- pause and then sweep when they don't expect it. hard to tap someone from here.

-side control- need to work to get arms out of posture ASAP

-passing- when they grab your sleeves, grab them back and drive at the same time. messes their leverage up and puts you at the advantage. they should crumble.

-de la riva counter- point knee away to take away angle

Friday, November 30, 2007

Double underpass, straight foot lock, some x-guard issues, thoughts on a more active game

warmup- KBs for about 10 mins- swings, snatches, turkish get-ups.

AM class

techniques-
-double leg takedown from double collar control
-guard pass sequence- opening from staggered hands on collar and hip to double under pass
-straight foot lock

notes-
-guard pass- constant pressure on hip at all times, switch to double hip pressure and quickly drive back to open guard up. pummel underneath and scoop the double underpass TIGHT. detail- drive their knee to opposite side ear, grip collar with both hands and PULL in tight for maximum pressure.
-defense vs. double underpass- thumb in grip-flare out elbow, pummel leg inside and replace guard
-footlock- fall to side where you have foot locked. pressure- look over your opposite ear and arch while driving the blade of your wrist on the achilles tendon.
-toe hold- drive heel towards their butt. go towards pinky toe, not big toe- less mobility. toe hold is really an ankle lock.

takedown drill-
-need to work on hand fighting/grip fighting. overall aggressiveness needs to go up. need to learn to penetrate better.

rolling-
-need to be attacking more. don't know why i'm so passive lately. gotta shoot for those submissions like i used to, my game is slowing down for some reason. when i try for submissions, they are in my world. otherwise it's just me defending. when i try and submit, i usually do better. when i defend, i am more reactive and slow.
-x-guard- need to return to this type of open guard game. very effective, just need to practice it. having trouble with the x-guard pendulum sweep when they are based out on their knee next to my ear.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Arm in guillotine, half guard last ditch effort, anaconda escape

AM class

warmup- 10 mins kettlebells


techniques-
-side control stall to possible pendulum sit up
-side control escape to guard replace- knee penetrate
-side control escape to guard replace- butterfly lift
-half guard last ditch effort bridge escape
-half guard bridge counter

notes-
-half guard bridge escape- as they are about to pass with hip on ground, open triangle and bridge hard while chopping them with a crossface. if they don't go over, try to create space to replace guard. could also maybe bridge and roll to the other side.
-bridge counter- arm across body, hips high to isolate both arms. weight centered on chest.

other techniques-
-guillotine with arm in- requires you to turn to hip on side where you have head trapped
-arm in guillotine escape- pry arm on neck, shoot other arm across back and grab hip, plant knee to block hip and drive down on arm side to take away the angle of pressure. pry wrist and then hand to free head.
-anaconda escape- with trapped arm- grab elbow across, plant leg, shoot free arm across back, and turn and shrug to rip out to russian armbar. similar to the neck tie to russian armbar.

rolling-
-guard felt a little better today. need body to heal before i am fully back to normal.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

WOD

21-15-9

deadlift 95lbs
thrusters 75lbs

7:36

took breaks in the middle of each set. gotta get the muscle stamina UP.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Passing the guard from a broken down posture

PM class

techniques-

-self defense against punch
-passing the guard from broken down posture- head controlled

notes-
-to free head- scoot hips back, weave head out. don't go against force.
-leg on shoulder pass- can use back of pants to prop them up to stack

guard drill-
-felt better than this morning
-need to stand in proper order- from controlled arm side! always get mixed up vs. ricardo and get swept
-worked kimura sit up sweep sequence, with little success
-possible combo- hip bump sweep to pendulum sweep on other side
-guard control- weave under foream and control bicep from underneath. always do on one side and use to off-balance opponent.
-need to be more assertive with sweeps
-spinning armbars are always sitting there. need to control arm better and not let them slip it out. need to drive with opposite side leg
-refresher- standing guard break directly into x-guard sweep
-triangle choke- if they stack hard, it is very possible to just roll over your shoulder and sweep them to mount.
-x-guard- initial sweep should be the kick away, sit up and stand
-need to get better at guillotines from the guard

Single legs

AM techniques

-single leg takedown
-single leg takedown counter-sweep
-roll under takedown from russian armbar

notes-
-single leg- circle away and make them step big. shoot for the leg as they step. pressure with the head. control one hand low on the calf so they can't take it out.

-roll under takedown- from grip break on lapel- grab over back and to belt, break their posture down. roll under and stuff arm between legs, grab leg and take them over.

rolling-

holy crap, i was out of it today. got my guard passed something serious. hip mobility was down, felt really stiff. escapes weren't good. got submitted a few times. it was against a lot larger and stronger opponents, but i'm still feeling really weak and out of it.

the workouts are kicking my butt.

gotta recharge. maybe pass on class tonight.

100 pullups

100 pullups for time

14:26.

need to keep at it to increase muscle stamina.

1-50 were okay, but 51-100 were a lot more difficult.

that's the most pullups i've ever done.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Omoplatas

AM class

techniques-
-omoplata from guard
-omoplata escape to guard pass
-omoplata escape counter to armbar
-omoplata spin around escape

notes-
-omoplata- hand in collar will help break their posture down
-omoplata escape- must grab belt and throw hand across your body to roll (not through legs like normal roll- you are rolling perpendicular instead of directly forward). land on knees and throw arm under leg, plant shoulder, kick trailing foot backward and replace side control
-omoplata escape counter- they grab belt and post, you slide shin down and put knee on ground, pry hand off the belt for the straight arm bar. they can possibly roll out for a second, but you can just push them over for the sweep.
-omoplata spin around escape- when you feel them putting the move on, spin around to side control. need to be quicker than them and not let them block your hip as you come across. maybe jump high like a cartwheel almost?

guard drill-

vs. tony- very tough today. he postured strong and resisted my attacks, managed to stand and break my guard open. avoided my tripod sweep and stayed out of x-guard, and controlled my pants for the slow toriani. i replaced, he switched sides and passed. he passed a few more times similarly- very tight and slow grinding, closing my escape options. i tried to push his head away and free my legs, but wasn't able to. he did the leg on shoulder pass and i resisted but eventually got passed for a second- too much pressure. i replaced half guard and held him there. very tired, stiff, and lacking leg muscle endurance today. maybe would have done better if i was more fresh.

me passing tony's guard- he broke down my posture- i tried to maintain by setting up the log splitter guard pass with hands in armpits. i stood up even though i didn't have posture, and fought off some attacks. he tried to collar choke me, i defended. he tried to armbar me- i defended. he tried to triangle me- i defended. he tried to sweep and opened up, i got to my passing posture. he did a deep de la riva guard with cross sleeve control and ankle control. avoided the sweep, but he came to his knees and wrapped me up for the takedown. did pass to half guard, and he underhooked my leg to try to sweep. i attacked the arm and he tucked it. he shucked me over for the sweep, and i switched for the reverse half guard pass.

overall, some very tough matches. need to up my strength, stamina, and defense. definitely need to work on passing de la riva guard. need to free the sleeves first and then work on getting the ankle free. was just off balance and out of sorts today.

rolling-
-vs. tony- more of the same from the guard drill. played some spider guard and half guard. eventually was standing trying to pass his guard. don't recall the rest.

-vs. jesse- played from my guard and hit him with some spider guard sweep attempts, eventually just went back to guard and got him in rubber guard control with the arm isolated. couldn't get the omoplata or triangle from there, match ended.

notes-
-half guard top- need to not give up the leg underhook so easily. need to keep leg low and crossface them hard, put them on their back. i think i'm getting too comfortable fighting them from a favorable half guard, but i need to shut them down before they get there.
-de la riva guard with sleeve control and deep hook- gotta free the sleeve and the heel, reset to passing stance.
-gotta attack plenty of kimuras, guillotines, arm drags, etc. from the sitting butterfly guard.
-need to get the stamina and strength up. granted, i am broken down from the week's crossfit routines, but i need to get to the next level of physical fitness.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Ten Finger guillotine in action

PM no gi

techniques-

-omoplata
-guillotine escape- re-guillotine
-n/s arm triangle

notes-

-omoplata- chop down with leg on their shoulder. setup- control same side wrist, frame head/shoulder and push head with other arm. push opposite foot off hip and spin out while chopping down on shoulder. lock it up and finish. (twister possibility from here lol)
-guillotine escape- standard escape- grab high crossface on shoulder. alternate escape- re-guillotine them and escape out to side. pass guard. possible to n/s guillotine them from here.
-n/s arm triangle- setup from clearing bottom arm- isolate arm between knee and elbow. throw arm over head and shoot deep to lat. finish it like n/s guillotine, or if they turn you can lock up the brabo. sprawl and walk towards their feet to finish.

rolling-

-vs. mike s- he pulled half guard and started working on some foot locks or something. i eventually slid my knee partially over and he replaced half guard. i attacked guillotines and bent arm locks as he tried to sweep. eventually got reversed and recovered to guard. lots of the same for the rest of the match. need to work on top control.

-vs. chris- played the hand fighting/standing game. worked on combos- tried to get 2 on 1, arm drags, etc. had the strong neck tie. need to dominate clich more and work on setups to takedowns. the single leg is probably there very often, i just don't take it.

-vs. some huge guy- 100+ lb size difference, but it was interesting. he pulled guard, i passed, he bench pressed me off and fought from my guard, trying to smother me. he muscled out of everything i threw at him. eventually ended up on top and he muscled out again.

-vs. jordan- he shot and tried to ankle pick me, i fought from my open guard for a bit. he tried to pass a few ways, i replaced guard. he passed eventually and tried the arm triangle from today, but i maintained strong posture and escaped to my knees. eventually he shot again, and i sprawled back and ten finger guillotined him. the same thing happened again, and i put on the ten finger- he spinned and i let him rotate underneath me directly into a n/s guillotine for the tap. he shot a third time and i started the move and then transitioned to the RNC finish after he popped his head out.

-vs. alex- he pulled half guard and i kept trying to ten finger guillotine him. heard him gurgling a few times, but never finished it. managed to use it to float over his legs and into half guard. avoided the sweeps and x-guard, and nearly passed. settled for half guard. attacked the bent arm lock, guillotine, brabo, etc., but eventually caught him with a darce. he got hurt and then i rolled with little chris for a few mins.

overall-
-the ten finger guillotine is a great tool. need to work on the ten finger with arm-in.
-need to work on maintaining the top game. gotta work on half guard passing as well.
-hand fighting needs work also.


standup-
-overall, the defense is okay, but need to work on setting up takedowns.
-just need more practice and familiarity
-gotta stop the strong double leg takedowns
-gotta learn to finish the single leg

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Marcelo Garcia- guillotine notes

notes-

-lead with choking hand before snapping them down, but do it in a simultaneous movement
-elbows in tight, head in middle of chest, pressure on adam's apple. pulling grip up more than driving down with chest.
-from guard- throw opposite leg over, blocking arm from defending the choke
-from butterfly- use in combo with sweep- they defend sweep, attack choke once they base- or you can just sweep them over
-from side control- can finish when they turn into you- close the grip and switch base- reverse kesa gatame
-n/s- bottom hand- stuff inside so it' underhooking you. throw arm over deep, close grip, get hips low.
-combo to rnc- from standing- you catch the guillotine, they pop head out- you anticipate and spin around, shoot arm in for the RNC finish

---------------

need to figure out ten finger guillotine with arm inside.

must work on these two and master them.

Thanksgiving workout

300 workout
(adapted, no weights available)

pullups- 25
jump squat- 50
pushups- 50
24" box jumps- 50
floor wipers (hanging from monkey bars)- 50
elevated pushup- 50
pullups- 25

Jeremy- 17:10
Nico- 29:04

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

n/s guillotine

AM class

techniques-

-take the back from sprawl/takedown defense
-loop choke variant from knees
-loop choke from butterfly
-n/s guillotine
-n/s arm triangle
-jacare lapel choke from side control

notes-
-to take the back- crossface/sprawl hard and secure tight harness. roll over shoulder and insert hooks.
-look choke variant- dive and hold arm at tricep, not bicep
-loop choke from butterfly- can be used to sweep if they move around and thrash to get out of it
-n/s guillotine- plant elbow next to head and then punch arm through as deep as possible. need to figure out how to prevent them from turning. get low and scoot back, wrist up.
-n/s arm triangle- similar to guillotine, but with arm. insert arm so it's directly cutting the neck, not over the arm. cup and saucer grip to finish, or lock the arm triangle fully.
-lapel choke- might also work if you are choking low like n/s guillotine. must experiment.

rolling-
-passes are good- i'm staying upright and defending sweeps while advancing and wearing down my opponent with driving pressure.
-it's awkward to defend guard passes against someone that is so much bigger than you. got my guard passed by much larger opponents and faced the consequences.
-side control is getting better. need to open my attacks up and start to finish from there.
-need to work on guillotines
-need to work on kimuras

AM workout

warmups-
50 box jumps onto a bench- about 16"

4 rounds-
40yd sprint
12 pullups
21 jumpsquats


8x 220 yd sprints (1 mile total)

1 min rest in between each sprint

Monday, November 19, 2007

crossfit wod

crossfit with nico

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

-deadlift 95lbs
-burpees
-pullups

jeremy- 11:35
nico- 17:17

L-sits for 30 seconds- 3 sets.

more sweeps- butterfly/hook sweep off arm drag

PM class

-hook sweep from arm drag
-reverse hook sweep from arm drag
-counter to leg posting with hook sweep from arm drag
-spider guard sweep from them standing

notes-
-three part sweep series- 1. try to dump them in the normal direction if they don't post their hand. 2. get more underneath them and sweep same side as your hook/their trapped arm. 3. they post from #1 with leg and you underhook it and dump them by kicking them over.

-spider guard sweep- same side leg and arm trapped- plant foot and bridge to take them over. other leg- diagonal from trapped arm- like x-guard sweep

guard drill notes-
-got caught cuz i had my arm too high- ricardo eventually took the armbar
-vs. manny- passing all over the place and recovering all over the place. he's trying elevator sweeps now, gotta defend them. need to pass tighter and more physically. the loose passes allow him to turtle up. gotta stop the turtle. probably an exciting matchup to watch, though. capoeira kick x-guard escape!

Some sweep review

AM class

techniques-
-hook sweep
-taking the back from hook sweep
-spider guard sweep from them on knees
-spider guard sweep from them standing

notes-
-hook sweep- go deep with the clinch and get to the side for maximum effectiveness
-taking the back- pass lapel to underhooked arm for maximum control. rock them up for the sweep and then control wrist and dive head under arm (like horizontal duck under). remove hook and rock them to take back.
-spider guard sweep- full tension on one side, remove hook on other side and kick out knee or use to block leg (like scissor sweep). stuff arm inside so they can't base and bring them diagonally with the extended leg.
-spider sweep from standing- they start to pass, you keep the hook on the side they are going. spin underneath and capture leg (like x-guard) and lift as you bring them over. can be done from either leg controlled, but it changes the angle of leverage you must apply.

rolling-
-passing game is improving. the "pouring sand" model works well when they are trying to play open guards like x, butterfly, etc. must shift hips and pull into them while sprawling forward to tire them out and eventually pass.
-side mount escapes are getting better, but still need work.
-half guard recovery- better to just go to guard rather than try fancy sweeps, unless they suck.
-half guard- frame them up and don't let them settle weight. easier to recover if they don't establish.
-jacare high lapel control is good for gi standup.
-shooting- need to commit fully and follow through to the end. no backing out halfway, otherwise it won't work.
-new transition possibility- bow and arrow choke- if you miss the leg/can't grab it, keep the lapel and spin underneath them while triangling your legs.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The clinch- fake and make them react right into your next move...

AM class

techniques-

-fireman's carry from 2 on 1
-arm triangle from side control to n/s

notes-
-fireman's carry- set up from 2 on 1 or from russian armbar.
-arm triangle- clear nearside arm with leg from side control and push across face, insert arm around neck and lock up the triangle. pretty much a brabo choke, but with the nearside arm.

rolling-

-standup- must fake opponent out and get them to react and do the opposite. example- fake a shot, they sprawl, you go to trip the leg that they load their weight on.
-general attitude- aggressive and dominant
-from 2 on 1- shoot the high-c and wrap the single leg
-from neck tie- pop up elbow and duck under
-from neck tie- thrash them with your forearm- repeatedly slam them with clothesline while you make them step
-push and pull! if you see them cross their feet- push them hard, they may trip
-to set up the shot- snap them down, they resist and stand straight up, you shoot in
-snap down- don't take a knee, just force the head down

-passing- didn't have as much energy today after training standup, but i need to be putting more pressure with the passes.
-passing- remember the jacare style hip switching
-passing- 101- force the knee through!
-passing- gotta work on the single leg on shoulder now

-side control escape- establish posture first, and then work the positions from there. must get to favorable position and avoid being flattened.

-half guard bottom- need to practice more, i get flattened a bit too much. need to threaten sweeps.

-half guard top- watch out for the bridge once i lock the crossface/underhook. i shouldn't get bridged into if i'm crossfacing correctly. they might be able to trap my underhook arm and take me over the other side, though.

-half guard top kimura- remember the secret trick to getting the arm isolated!

-side control- first instinct should be to replace guard if possible, that takes the least amount of energy. second instinct- underhook and come to knees. after that, all the bridge and rolls.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Turning the corner on a double leg takedown

AM class

techniques-

-double leg from sidestep
-take back from arm drag across to trapping arm across neck
-sweep from technique above

notes-
-double leg- coming at them at an angle makes it better for you- harder to sprawl on you- you turn the corner
-dropping levels before shooting is important and makes a big difference
-from guard- rip elbow up to expose and make weaker, work lots from there

side mount escapes-
-gotta work on those specific ones. always must have plan, can't just be randomly doing stuff.
-attacking top- must be threatening submissions from top while controlling them. if they are defending submission's it's harder to be trying to escape.

rolling-
-some good combos- kimura/hip bump/guillotine/crucifix sweep. just figured that last one out today. gotta work out the kinks, but there's definitely something there.
-must always threatens sweeps from guard. can't just be sitting there. combo submissions with sweeps for most effectiveness.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Kimura from half guard, also some side control escapes

AM stronghold

kimura from half guard top-

-start in reverse kesa gatame, bait them to block your knee with their hand by trying to pass half guard. pin wrist to ground and lock up the submission. if they resist or grab, use the special grip break where you move your arm perpendicular to their wrist and pressure to break. re-pin wrist and move elbow over their head. can work a straight arm bar from there.

-the good thing about kimura and guillotine- can be done from most any position, top or bottom. can use it to sweep! start chaining this together.

side mount escapes- the bridge is the most important thing! create space and movement.

-underhook to knees- bridge into them with forearm in throat, regain underhook and come to knees. can also use shallow elbow underhook to prevent any sort of brabo tomfoolery.

-bridge and roll- 2 part move-

1. use if your arm gets trapped on their shoulder (nearest your feet). chop head with arm while bridging, also chop legs together to take out base by driving elbow to knee and take them over.

2. if they don't go over and drive into you, clasp hands and take them over the other side. must get timing/leverage down.

also, remember-
-move head to other side. bridge into their throat with forearm, push head away with extended arm, come to knees.

time to work on the side control escapes. gotta give up side control to work these.

higher level jiu jitsu- MUST be good at side mount escapes, otherwise you are toast. if they can't maintain side control, they can't score or advance on you.

gotta also learn sweeps proficiently so that i'll be able to fight from top. the bottom is a good option, but i should prefer the top game if i want to be assertive and aggressive.

reminder- ask anthony about soukodjou's fireman carry

standup game- all takedowns are about setups. if you can't get to a good setup, you can't take them down. same the other way around- if you can prevent them from setting up properly, it will be hard to take you down. that's why the handfighting and clich work is so important.

Friday, November 9, 2007

More standup practice

PM no gi

techniques-

-fireman's carry from wrist control
-fireman's carry from 2 on 1
-bicep slicer from kimura grip- side control
-bicep slicer from guard

notes-
-fireman's carries are same from this morning
-set up fireman's carry by making them step towards same side as wrist control
-bicep slicers are too hard/complicated, id rather just kimura

rolling-
-rigan machado's turtle breaker- neck tie around neck, high-c under leg- pick up leg and drive with shoulder/chest while lowering head and wiping floor with face. pivot off their head. this move also works from standing to get them down.
-standup is getting decent! the 2 on 1 is hard to deal with.
-wrestler's stance is best for standup.
-need to practice single and double legs
-if i'm lower than them, it's harder for them to take me down
-top control is getting a lot better
-ike turner half choke is good to distract them. better if their guard is open.
-must practice hand fighting.

Some standup tips from wrestlers

AM class-

techniques-

-choke from shoulder plant pass
-clock choke from turtle
-clock choke variant

notes-

-choke from shoulder plant pass- create space by hipping out and posting with hands/pushing head away. insert fingers in collar and throw leg over. put shoulder on ground to tighten.

-clock choke- bring hand in to take out base

-clock choke variant- from clock choke, but throw leg over and dive under arm. seems risky.

guard drill-
-hip bump sweep is great option
-control posture at all times, keep opponent from gaining balance.
-control sleeves if you can't control head.
-go to spider guard if they open guard up and you have sleeves.
-move between open guards.
-threaten sweeps!
-the pendulum sweep is so good!
-try to get up as high as possible once you pass.
-when passing, posture is everything. to pass, get good posture. to stop passes and set up sweeps, submissions- break down posture.

stand up-
-hand fighting refresher
-fireman's carry option- from elbow and necktie- release necktie, dive high-c, fireman's carry and dump them forward. suck in arm and leg to make it most effective.
-fireman's carry #2- from 2 on 1 (thumb to thumb grip)- or russian armbar- go over with further arm for reverse overhook, pinch elbow, step through and dive head under, shoot high-c with elbow and dump them over. follow to side control.

-tony's philosophies-
-head, knee, and toes lined up
-change levels first and you can get 'em
-if you can touch ground, you are low enough to shoot, if you can touch them you are close enough to shoot
-come at them from an angle- not squared up.
-work the ankle picks and single legs.
-control the head and you have them.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Top game- working it out some more; some counters and re-counters

AM class- techniques

-fake trip to other side over shoulder throw (from knees)
-arm bar from turtle
-spinning arm bar from opponent standing in guard

notes-
-trip- get opponent to load on one leg, and then explosively duck under lapel control shoulder to throw
-arm bar from turtle- opponent tucks arm- grab leg and bring towards you to flip them, finish from there
-spinning arm bar- control arm as they rise, foot in hip, climb up and pass shin over face. hips high, knees pinching arm, and heel to the ground on headside foot
-if you miss the arm bar- pendulum sweep!

rolling-
-gotta learn to pass lockdown halfguard with people who are good at it
-must crossface HARD once i pass side control, and then move halfway between n/s and side control. attack from there.
-don't just hang out from side control- lock that control up once you pass
-starting to put together the flowing top game. gotta switch sides/change base and control arms when they bridge.

-gotta work on escaping turtle when opponent has head and arm control
-remember 101- pin shoulder if you can't get underhook, or pin and then re-pummel
-x-pass off of 101 is great
-work on negative x pass
-de la riva with foot control- either 101 on opposite side or negative x pass

-balance and passing is getting better.
-head/lapel control prevents some x-guard options
-the standup game is getting better. improved standup game= better passing, better sweep defense. gonna be hard to take me off my feet in a few months.

-top game is more assertive and aggressive for me. at least i'm learning how to attack rather than react. gotta get my bottom game more offensively minded. sweeps are coming soon.

some passes and counters

-101 pass- general counter- hip escape away, turtle or replace open guard
-counter to hip escape- scissor pass?

-101 counter#2- same side one leg half guard, knee into space and take opponent in circle

-101 counter#3- close legs, trap foot, push knee through, and go to half guard hopefully

-101 counter #4- control sleeve and put entangled spider guard with instep control on armpit (pe de pano counter)
-counter to that spider- switch base and drive elbow into crease of knee, smash legs and pass on other side

-leg on shoulder counter- hand in hip
-counter to hand in hip- hip switch wrist lock

-counter #2 to hand in hip- knee step over to kill arm
-counter to counter #2- pants control, staple heel to butt and bridge and roll (like knee on stomach reversal)

-counter to leg on shoulder- free leg and shoot triangle
-counter to freeing leg- posture up hard and escape triangle before it's locked, get leg back, step over with shin

-counter #2 to leg on shoulder- roll to turtle
-counter to roll to turtle- grab back of pants to prevent roll, stack them up on neck

-double underhook counter- roll to turtle
-counter to rolling- grab back of pants, forearm across throat for choke

-double underhook counter#2- create space and hook butterfly hooks, control elbows

Monday, November 5, 2007

open guard tendencies

from sitting butterfly-
get hands off pants grip and attack arms- either kimuras or arm drags. look to get butterfly hooks w/double underhooks.

from butterfly hooks-
get under/over grip and sweep.
or get double underhooks, elevate opponent, either sweep them over or kick leg through and go to x-guard. sweep from there.

from heel control- opponent stands, angles, and gets out of butterfly range.
go to de la riva guard
or get sleeve control and tripod sweep.

from de la riva-
either push off leg and stand to single leg
or go to shin guard and then x-guard. sweep from there.
or they sit- go to spider guard.

from shin guard-
go to half butterfly guard, try and sweep.
or go to x-guard.

from spider guard-
try sweeps, but mainly just control opponent and move back to butterfly guard or de la riva.

from x-guard-
several sweep options here. depends on reaction. off-balance opponent and work from there.

main idea-elevate hips, hip escape, change foot position to avoid getting passed.
control sleeves/lapel with hands.
control head at all costs.
don't let opponent control legs.

things to work on-
-elevator sweep from de la riva guard.
-single leg from de la riva
-butterfly sweep
-x-guard entries
-x-guard, period.
-half guard sweeps, guard recovery

plenty of other things, but that should be good for now. main thing- need to threaten more sweeps and not just kick back.

Half guard- need to threaten sweeps!

been building my legs and core outside of class. food is up, protein is up.

PM beginner's class

techniques-
-hip throw fake to throw under opposite arm
-foot lift mount escape

notes-
-for throw- penetrate with hip to get most leverage. must be explosive with it.

guard drill notes-

-passes that work best on me- smashing passes.
-need to work on half guard sweeps. too often i'm just sitting there waiting for them to not pass. must create opportunities. mission one- block crossface/free head and hide head.
-at least need to THREATEN sweeps so they don't just sit there with perfect base.
-spider de la riva guard? maybe.
-main de la riva technique- push back to single leg. everything else is just me being a sitting duck. could also transition to shin guard and then to x-guard.
-must initiate sweeps before they start passing. gotta lift them with the butterfly hooks.
-half guard lockdown- awesome to stop them, but then what? gotta figure out how to get up from being smashed.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Side control- getting past the frame...

notes-

no gi- better to go half guard first. you start with the crossface and upper body control already. otherwise it's easy for them to move around and escape.

getting past the arm frame- rip elbow inside from the over grip- it's weaker and will help collapse the arm. for bottom arm- get hips underneath and kick leg, shifting hips to collapse the arm.

must recognize common escapes per each pass and figure out how to counter them- turtle, bridge and roll, etc.

rolling notes-

-rubber guard- from standard control- if they're just sitting there- pendulum sweep with rubber guard control locked up.
-gotta be more aggressive once i have submissions locked up. i've had a lot of submissions lately that i just sort of let go or didn't commit to even though i could've easily finished them.
-the passing is good. gotta work on not getting reversed from side control, though.

Standup- hand fighting, 2 on 1, neckties, and more...

warm ups-

-pummel- palm to elbow
-pummel- shoulder to shoulder
-pummel- neck tie

-mix up


drill- snap down resistance.

hand fighting
-the fight starts with hand fighting. once you get good here, it's hard to take you down.
-this is the distance from the beginning. from here, work inside to inside clinch.
-gotta switch between grips- break and re-grab. set up arm drags, 2 on 1, neck tie etc.
-break towards fingers
-also use their grips to set up your moves

2 on 1
-they grab same side wrist, you re-grab across, go elbow to elbow and step around, break and get 2 on 1.
-peel of their neck tie- 2 on 1
-they peel off your neck tie- 2 on 1 other side.
-this move is always sitting there!

-once you secure it, change levels and pressure shoulder low, or lift up armpit and sweep out foot.

arm drag
-don't just randomly arm drag them. gotta time it for when they stick their arm out while hand fighting.
-expose elbow with wrist control to arm drag better.

neck tie
-slam them hard, like a clothesline, when initiating the neck tie. must be physical, take them out of their game and give yourself the mental edge.
-hip pin move- cross wrist control- pin arm to hip and neck tie on open side.
-grab around crown of head to pressure head downward.
-drive their head into the floor!
-muay thai clinch is optimum. thrash them around.

keys-
-keep posture- keep back straight and head looking forward. change levels rather than getting back rounded out.
-must control the hand fighting from the start. it will be hard to take you down, and will also set up your takedowns.
-must be physically dominant and more aggressive. gotta push them around, you don't want to be on the receiving end of it.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Andre Galvao Ginastica Natural



some good drills/movements in here.

Friday, November 2, 2007

The Arm Triangle

No Gi

techniques-

-arm triangle from side control
-arm triangle escape

notes-
-arm triangle- a few ways to finish. tripod up with head on ground, drive into them, or make them sit up and walk towards their head.
-arm triangle escape- hook arm under leg and use other leg as pendulum. if they are tripoded up, you need to take them over to the side rather than straight back. similar motion to trapping the arm and rolling from turtle once you pass the midway point.
-arm triangle- certain ways to choke more than crank. must work on it/ask about later. gotta find more setups.

rolling-
-guard passing is good.
-top control is better, but needs to be worked on. getting reversed sometimes when i shouldn't. must get better at predicting bridges and countering.
-could be pressuring more from the top to set up submissions.
-brabo is good off of the 101 pass, they often turn and try and underhook right into it.
-need to work on the darce
-need to get better at guillotines
-need to get better at ten finger guillotines
-need to start side control escapes
-need to start half guard sweeps
-definitely need a good standing guillotine escape. standing back with them is good for now, but i need some more escape options if i get thrashed around.
-my no gi game is becoming very different from my gi game. some basic moves are the same, but there are stark differences- different sets of moves that i go to. gotta continue to develop both.

Top game coming together slowly

AM class

techniques-
-pull guard- foot on hip, pull guard- jump
-sequence- pull guard, sweep, opponent elbow escapes to replace guard, and sweeps, reset.
-side control- controlling opponent and setting up mount

notes-

-sweep- use leg as pendulum to help them go over
-side control- trap elbow with crossface, underhook, and head. put pressure to distract them to take mount.
-side control escape- hard forearm to throat bridge, push head away with hand.

guard drill-
-good sequence- hip bump, kimura, guillotine, sweep other side.

rolling-
-did extremely well.
-top game is getting decent.
-"pour into them like sand"- use leverage from top to pressure them
-one problem area- half guard top- susceptible to upa over shoulder. must be aware.
-rubber guard- getting decent. using rubber guard to trap arm (overhook) works well.
-overhook armbar is good.
-passes- flowing between passes is good.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

More side control- establishing position

free training class.

minor tips-

-posture in guard
-breaking the grip for straight arm bar- kimura grip and rip away from fingers

notes-

-side control- main thing- critical window once you pass guard where you must lock up control. gotta establish before they escape, reverse, or replace guard.

-side control- most common reaction- belly down. must find ways to prevent the belly-down from each guard pass. main elements- control crossface and underhook. keep shoulders on the mat.

-side control- n/s with hip to face smash.

-side control- getting past the arms- "arm drag" them and flow over arms and then readjust. can't stay there forever.

-half guard bottom- at all costs, get on side and block crossface arm. other arm can be limp so they forget about it- take out to underhook when the time is right. can also go 2 on 1 to block crossface arm.

-side control escapes- don't let them "establish" side control. keep moving and escaping away from it, never just settle into it. much harder to escape once they shut you down.

-side control- must establish control as quickly as possible. watch the weight and make sure to control the arms to prevent them from turning.

-x-pass to 101- if they cross legs to block the x-pass- just go to 101 pass and slide the knee across

-must work on pass sequence. need to get good at single leg on shoulder next.

-negative x-pass- must bring head to their body to block them from coming on top. strange motion where you shift your hip over the free leg and drop while rotating your head and torso across their body.

Leo Vieira- guard passes (from seminar dvd)

tips-
-passing this style requires two things- opponent's back on the mat and distance between you and him.
-control at inside shin grip- makes it harder to hook your arm for spider guard

toriani variant-
pressure with body weight on shins- fold opponent up and walk around legs (as opposed to straightening legs and going explosively.

torani variant 2-
shoulder and leg control, push shoulder on mat, pick up leg as you walk around

101 pass-
use grip on shoulder area- stiffarm to put back on mat as you pick up other elbow to flatten opponent. patience with this pass- if you do quickly, you can be swept during window where you are off-balance. you can sit and stabilize and then pass once it's clear.

double underpass-
grip with one arm across to opposite lapel (low, at hip) and other hand on back of pants to keep them up. tight elbows. stack them up, lifting hips off the ground, make them knee themselves in the face.

-defense vs. hand in hip-use knee to take arm out- either over or under the arm.


side control- use knee in hip, elbow to hold sleeve (controlling both sides of hips)

be aware of escape options.

defense to them pushing you up- elbow in, knee on stomach, block the guard replace. they try to shrimp out, slide back to side control.

defense to them rolling away from you- let them roll a bit, lock up ezekiel, knee to head, roll them on to you and finish the choke. (also looks like an arm triangle is there)

No Gi.

pummeling-
hold shoulder, not back- harder to pummel inside. also opens up attacks if you bring the arm high.

move- they pummel, you step back, put thumb inside and drive elbow down while twisting body. lock up harness over arm and change levels.

arm drag-

can't shoot if the hands block you. you can hold the hand. leo holds it pistol style, with your thumb facing you. twist arm to expose elbow and arm drag! step inside and take the leg or step around and take the back.

high-c-
they control wrist, you fake escape inside with arm and then open up high, bringing elbow to sky. step outside leg and shoot the high-c. can take the leg or pivot off knee and the back.


shooting principles-

grab leg and around back- harder to sprawl on you.

double leg option- hook leg and drive with opposite shoulder. you don't have to pick them up if you do this.


from back, no hooks-


trip with inside leg- big circle. can also hold leg and hip. keep chest on one side. lock up harness, get hooks.

need to have their leg between yours- get them to load more on that leg.

no gi pass-

from outside of leg- shoot arm in and lock gable grip. shin across your chest- pass like normal.

they shoot free leg across- shoot your arm across (that isn't holding leg) and over their head, pass.

sit up open guard-
hold ankles, put back on floor
they come back- drive knee through and down- but not foot (their legs are scissored). chest down. control armpits and then control underhook/crossface to pass.


defense to back harness (around hips)-
get space and hook outside hip, spin to guard.

guillotine-front head and arm control from turtle-
shoulder behind neck and hold chin to control. tighten elbows, weight down on shoulder and back of head.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Some CRITICAL side control tips

PM class

techniques-

-random takedowns
-bent armlock with one arm from side control/north south flow
-americana from hip switch move

notes-
-bent armlock variation can be done if they are defending tightly and you can't get a kimura, americana
-hip switch to clear arm and pin wrist in transition. other arm must already be hugging elbow and in position to finish the armlock.

rolling-

improving-
-the guard passing is going very well. lots of options opening up for me.

need to work on-
-chokes from back- try and finish the choke once it's sunk. had a sunken choke today but somehow didn't finish it cuz i was a bit off-balance
-side control- sometimes bringing head too high
-need to get good at quick darce from turtle
-need to get good at ten finger guillotine
-half guard- need to find options once i get solid lockdown. gotta transition from flat on back with lockdown (while crossfaced and underhooked) to on side and ready to sweep or at least replace guard.

move-specific-
-half guard bottom- lock out arm on hip on crossface side to create space
-need to dive for the brabo choke from turtle to get it deeper.
-101 pass is still the lead-in
-rnc option- darce from back
-strange "octopus half guard"- same move from yesterday- possible to sweep over by grabbing across lat (with lockdown is better)


the money tips-
-side control- try to get the crossface immediately once you pass.
-side control- hip to hip- is much better if you get off the ground with your hip- transfer weight to them.
-hip to hip- use to attack armlocks, don't stay there forever.
-reverse kesa gatame- only works if you get both arms isolated HIGH. don't try this if you're still low on the side mount.

Monday, October 29, 2007

The Great Escape

PM class

beginner-

techniques-
-self defense throw
-scissor sweep
-collar choke from guard

notes-
-scissor sweep- knee diagonally across, but when you're ready to sweep, it goes across the belt line. tension with the leg, like spider guard. pull them onto your leg and sweep 'em.
-collar choke- climb guard up and hips up to help finish.

rolling-
-guard drill- try to just play top as much as possible.
-tripod sweep is golden.

advanced-

techniques-

-same side arm bar
-jacare lapel choke
-arm lock from n/s

notes-
-same side arm bar- turn them on side using leg and also shoulder
-lapel choke- tripod up prevents them from blocking you with the arm
-arm lock from n/s- scoop both arms like double underpass to get it tight.

rolling-
-half guard bottom- paragon guard is a good last ditch effort
-101 pass is money. that's the first step in the pass sequence.
-101 pass counter- hip escape out and replace open guard
-x-pass is very good. nice addition to the arsenal.
-gotta work the negative x-pass
-bent armlock setup- using shoulders/head/pulling on elbows, etc. to get in position!
-de la riva breaker is great
-back control to straight arm lock is a good setup
-side control- reverse kesa gatame- requires you to get their arms up high using elbow and hips to back them up. otherwise they can lock out arms potentially escape.
-passing philosophy- against certain people, you know you may have to try a few passes. don't fully commit to first pass or so, just use it as a jab to fake them out and go the other direction.

-side control escape- get on side and isolate crossface arm (2 on 1), lock out arms if needed. dive under that arm at the right moment and grab lat across back. replace guard and sweep over to mount like hip bump. if their weight is committed over your head, you can also just push them in the armpit and bridge over.

Need to work on base and balance from top game

AM class

techniques-

-free takedown drill
-loop choke/roll variation
-side control jacare lapel choke
-side control same side arm lock

notes-

-lapel choke- elevate elbow at end to finish better
-lapel choke- main obstacle- arm blocking your hip- you can pick it up or just smash it down

rolling-

-the log splitter guard pass if becoming my favorite against larger opponents
-once i almost pass the guard, i am susceptible to being double legged from turtle by stronger opponents
-side control- right away in the transition- must flatten them by controlling underhook, crossface, nearside arm, legs, etc
-must find way to stand in guard if i can't control arms. is it even possible to do it safely?

-movement is good from top, but balance and base need to be worked out
-defense to arm drag butterfly sweep- post out leg HIGH on side they are trying to sweep towards, push head away to create space and re-pummel for underhook
-jacare style passes are good! i'm starting to mess around with them.
-the saulo x-passes are good, but need to be practiced a lot.
-it's hard to pass a black belt's guard. lol.
-a really good double underhook pass is hard to defend. need to defend before they get it sunk in.
-need to keep nearside elbow to the ground at all costs when in side control. otherwise a whole lot of escapes go out the window.
-kesa gatame escape- push head towards legs and try and hook head
-other kesa gatame escape- depends on if they have underhook or not, but you can hook the leg and duck under to take the back
-double leg from turtle- tripod up and keep head low. more leverage and easier to do.
-darce to brabo choke is good.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Sunday workout

warmup-
5 mins bike

workout-

deadlifts- 3 sets of 10x 95lbs
squats- 3 sets of 10x 95lbs
lunges- 3 sets of 20x 70 lbs

military press- 3 sets of 10x 45lbs
miltary press- 3 sets of 5x 70 lbs
military press- 1 set of 10x 40lbs
miltary press- 2 sets of 10x 50lbs

dips- 3 sets of 20

pullups- 6 sets of 5

shoulder rotations- 3 sets of 10 rotations (5 rotations each direction)x 25 lbs

---------------

workout rotation-

Sunday- gym workout
Monday- BJJ
Tuesday- gym workout
Wednesday- BJJ morning possibly, otherwise rest
Thursday- gym workout
Friday- BJJ
Saturday- BJJ, gym workout

My BJJ technique is good, just need to supplement it with some increased fitness and strength. The schedule allows for more gym workouts than BJJ classes at this point, so it makes sense to do it like this.

Jacare guard pass

Jacare guard pass



He does this one quite a bit. There's a lot of elements to this pass that are similar to Saulo's "negative x-pass."

The grips are different, though. The opponent has a cross sleeve grip, and Jacare re-grips the collar on that side. With his free hand, he controls the knee on the side he is going to pass to (side with opponent's arm occupied with your sleeve grip).

On second viewing, I realize that the grip is almost the same as Saulo's x-pass grip. Hand #1 grips the lapel on the opposite side collar (rather than the same side collar), and hand #2 grips the opponent's knee on the same side (rather than near the foot). After I learn the x-pass decently, I'd like to master this one as well.

---------------------------------------

From the first section of the video- Jacare passing-
If the opponent has normal open guard with their leg outside yours, you post up on your leg, shift your hips and push the knee down, jump over the knee, shift your hips once you pass, and prevent opponent from turning by pressuring with the collar grip/your body.

From the second section of the video- Jacare on bottom-
If the opponent has de la riva guard with outside and inside hook control, you post the leg (pointing your toe out) and drop your knee underneath their knee line and then follow through with the other foot.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Saulo Ribiero- Jiu Jitsu Revolution- The X-Pass

developed to update his jiu jitsu game.

the game is changing so fast.

how to break the guard

opening from the knees- circling with leg outside
common problem- bending upper body/torso down to open guard
keep upright, good posture

what opens the guard- the angle that is created by the hip circling outward

as soon as they start to break your base- you move, create gap to open up guard

tip- if opponent locks one side, try other side- be flexibile

x-pass
blocking one side with knee/elbow

x-pass is not a difficult pass- very quick move, need to pay attention to timing

posture- from elbow/knee with knee pressure
grab lapel

stay diagonal

other hand grips on outside pants near ankle

you wait for reaction- when they push back on your leg- you kick back with leg

shuck other leg like toriani
come to knee on stomach (more like shin on stomach-without knee down fully), but keep grip

transition point- depends what they do
you can go to ground, go to mount, attack arms, etc. many options.

if he tries to do a de la riva hook, he helps you actually

x-pass details
unique- diagonal grip

variation from cross-knee pass
they switch hips and block 101 pass- you can go into it.

keys to success- you block leg and upper body- lock them down so they can't escape out

pass knee slide
if leg is outside of your hip, you can't go

detail- x-pass- you don't have to back up! foot stays planted- only leg kicks back

they push back on shin- you switch to other leg and pin it down
explosively slide over it, not like 101 pass
almost kicking his leg
fast and smooth motion
not digging for pass like 101

you can pull a bit on leg to fake them out to react properly

negative x-pass
hips flat from open guard- easy to x-pass
if they shift hips to side, they kill your angle and space

keep same grip- kick opposite leg back, sit on hip to side, over leg
shift leg and collar with grip (lock out arm on leg)
head/shoulder drives on body
turn back and put weight down
lock up side control

key- lock out other arm- keep leg as far away as possible
takes away power and leverage

if both legs aren't free, you can't scoop your hips
hand on collar blocks you from turtling

butterfly to x-pass
first thing- don't let them close distance and get underhooks
kills your arms!

stop them with hand in collar
grip outside leg
use head also to block them from coming at you

if they hold your belt with the correct side, you can x-pass (same side where you have leg controlled)
otherwise, must go negative x-pass

difference- knee drives under knee, not on belly (adapted for ground)

key- don't let them close the gap
keep hips far away for this pass

butterfly x-pass 2
same setup as before, but they grip other side

you can switch hands if you want
but some people don't have ambidextrous passes

collar grip- elbow- grip INSIDE- you still have power
shift head- head stays low

body turns away to take sweep angle away
note- this is very similar to jacare's butterfly pass

butterfly x-pass 3
saulo's favorite variation

from knee/elbow posture
you move back, they sit

RIGHT AWAY- grab the collar and leg

mini step back, cross hands, very quickly pass

you can also just step right over the leg

the grip makes this pass effective

if they sit and take away your angle, go negative x-pass

the grips are the key! the rest of the stuff can be improvised if needed

need to be sensitive for where/when they shift their body

need to drill this

de la riva x-pass

solution to common guard

big problem with de la riva hook- they try to force the wrong leg

common solution- turn knee outside
if guy has long leg or strong hook, it's hard to get away

first thing- keep the base

secret- how you approach other leg, not the hook leg

put elbow inside thigh
shrug foot off hip
step inside, make them spread leg
automatically takes away hook!

legs and hips even on floor

de la riva hook requires them to be on their side

approaching diagonally- takes away de la riva options

their posture- spread, but leg outside yours
gotta do the negative x-pass

de la riva with outside/inside hooks-
control knee, shift your knee/shin over the inside hook, pinning it (all your hips shift here, you need to change your base- simultaneously pointing outside hooked leg outside)
kick leg and do normal x-pass

other side is open! always another option

important- negative x-pass- fall to SIDE
not diagonally!

heel control to x-pass
de la riva hook with trapped ankle!

this changes the whole scenario

biggest thing that's trapping you- hand and the ankle

everything you do can expose yourself to more sweeps and attacks

point your knee outside, shift your knee to the side-hooked leg (not towards them)- like a lunge

key-you want to go below his knee line, not over his knee line

drop your knee- smashes his shin against his hand, the grip is broken!
first thing that touches the ground- your knee, not your hip

follow through with the pass- kick over and shift base back

you bring their leg back with you- gives you more base

if they have a high hook- use elbow to wedge and push knee down
do the same pass

tripod sweep killer- knee drives the leg

key- your head comes to his body!

the key to this is the ankle. you must clear the ankle, otherwise nothing will work out.

----------------

this changes the whole game!

gotta work this into the pass flow.

Fundamnetal Technique flow

AM class

technique flow-
-side control to mount
-mount to americana
-americana to upa escape
-standing guard break
-guard pass
-side control
-repeat

notes-
-side control- clear arm before advancing
-americana escape- push in armpit and upa
-guard break- pin same side arm, step, look UP, hips forward
-open guard- prevent the de la riva hook by turning your toe outward
-elbow/knee together when in passing posture
-don't open and push leg to ground- only as much as you need to open- you'll get too low if you push down

rolling
-x-pass- study and learn- seems like a logical flow off the 101 pass
-open guard vs. stronger opponents- really hard to not get overpowered. probably just a strength issue
-possible setup to arm triangle in guard- trap arm like spinning armlock and push it over while rocking them forward in guard
-lots of the guard passes i do require strength and pressure. real hard to do today when my body is feeling BEAT UP from the workouts lol.
-me in open guard with them on knees- spider guard options aplenty
-standup game with gi- lots of grip fighting. my main game- take the back from here.
-jacare hip switch- key movement in his passing game
-triangle defense- stack them up and put pressure.
-other triangle defense- posture up and turn, knee on ribs.

main objectives for the next month-November
-need to get STRONGER. workouts with squats, deadlifts, pullups, etc.
-solid nutrition with increased food intake.
-continue to work on guard passing, half guard passing, and side control
-continue to defend and resist submissions
-begin study of clinch work and standup- study tapes, etc
-begin study of sweeps and escapes next month?

Friday, October 26, 2007

Progress Report-Top Game

Top Game

Closed guard-6.5/10
pretty good. good defense, good arsenal of guard openers, decent sweep defense.

need to work on- sweep defense.

Open guard-6/10
improving.

need to work on- sweep defense, submission defense, pressure

Passing the guard-6.5/10
getting a lot better. top area of focus lately.

need to work on- everything- pressure, balance, submission defense, etc.

Half guard top-7/10
actually pretty good. able to submit people from here and pass a lot of the time.

need to work on- not getting swept, smashing opponent more, pressure, base.

Side control-5/10
okay. improved from before, but needs a ton of work.

need to work on- controlling opponent, maintaining position, not getting reversed, submissions, pressure, base.

Mount-6.5/10
okay. get reversed too often. finishing percentage could be higher.

need to work on- not getting upa'ed, finishing.

Turtle-8/10
strong. many attack options, good transition point to back.

need to work on- not getting taken down from here, single leg transition.

Back-8.5/10
strong. good control, good at re-taking, good at finishing.

need to work on- finishing percentage.

Progress Report- Bottom Game

Bottom Game

Closed guard- 8.5/10

probably my strongest area.

need to work on- sweeps!

Open guard- 7.5/10

becoming one of my stronger areas.

need to work on- sweeps!

Half guard- 6.5/10
decent. could use some attention.

need to work on- sweeps! also recovering full guard from here.

Side Control Escapes-2/10
needs plenty of work. top area of focus.

need to work on- escapes, bridging.

Mount Escapes-5/10
decent. able to recover half guard okay.

need to work on- upa escape

Turtle Guard-5/10
decent.

need to work on- trap and roll, defending the back!

No Gi- things to work on

no gi

small class because of the fires. just rolled all class.

notes-

-i'm getting better at surviving, defending the pass, and defending submissions vs. higher level opponents. feeling good about that.

-need to practice double underhook pass defense
-n/s guillotine defense- turn into them, wedge arm to alleviate- "combing the hair" position
-lockdown from half guard is a good way to stop them from passing while buying you some time
-need to figure out the transition from lockdown flat on back to sitting on side, ready to sweep
-need to practice upside down guard
-need to work on more stand up- switching levels and shooting, pummeling inside to body lock, takedown defense, arm drags, etc.
-need to turtle more when they get ready to pass guard
-need to practice escaping back more
-must tend to choke before hooks
-need to sweep more from guard
-need to off-balance them and attempt sweeps from half guard

-it's a lot harder to tap someone with no gi.
-half guard is better for no gi because it takes away a lot of top game submissions- collar chokes, ezekiel, etc.
-possible half guard top submissions- guillotine, bent arm locks, straight arm locks, arm triangles. must be aware of these.
-brabo defense- don't keep that arm in too deep. when you feel the arm coming around, remove the underhook.
-need to review open guard more. sweeps are necessary.

-mount escape- upa
-mount escape- elbow/knee
-mount escape- foot drag- get on side completely, use frame to alleviate weight, post foot drag foot close to other leg to get ready to come over. if you trap the foot, they don't get mount points in a tournament.
-mount escape- foot drag variant- tyrone glover from paragon dvd
-mount escape- to butterfly- once you bridge hips up, weight transfers to hands and hips get light. must be done quickly/explosively.

-certain escapes work better vs. different types of opponents. i.e. weight discrepancies, etc.

-taking advantage of the transition- beginning escapes before they settle. once they establish solid control, your job is 10x harder. gotta read, react, and explode.

-next area of study- takedowns, clinch.
-after that- sweeps, escapes, reversals.

Back to the gym

The fires have kept me off the mat. The air quality is too bad to roll.

I decided to hit the gym as an alternative.

workout-

warmup-
100 pushups
100 situps

workout-
3 sets of 3x deadlifts- 135lbs
1 set of 10x deadlifts- 95 lbs

3 sets of 10x squats- 95 lbs

3 sets of 20x lunges- curl bar with 50lbs (dunno how much that is)

about 100 dips

30 pullups
10 L sit pullups

2 sets of 10x military press- 40 lbs
1 set of 10x military press- 50 lbs

cool down-
12 mins rows- 4000 meters

Clinch notes

very short and condensed, but a few important points-

-"read, react, explode"
-"touch and go"
-making them load on one foot and then capitalizing
-"where the head goes, the body goes"
-lines of defense before the sprawl-forearms w/level change, hip bump, then sprawl and follow them in case they turn the corner
-turning the corner!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Jacare standup

preliminary thoughts-

-his main grip- sleeve and back of collar grip. he uses it to snap them down, set up ankle picks, or do flying triangles. main attitude- aggressive and dominant.

-he'll break grips quickly and then re-grip for dominant position.

-if he gets shot on, he likes to sprawl hard and try and take the back

more to come

Saulo Ribiero- Freestyle Revolution- Escapes

double underhook escape
first reaction- don't try to pummel, they will take you down

step both feet back, lock overhooks

don't let them go hip to hip!

block hips with hand, hold head over ear, push to side, step back circle outside (like guard break)

all at the same time

double underhooks from behind

don't want to stay there forever- kimura is coming!
step inside on same side they're kimura'ing
hips down, drive low (elbow DOWN), take the leg, take them down
don't stay on back!
go against his angle

single leg on ground
crossface- against a good wrestler, they will keep going around and still take you down

put hips on shoulder
hand holds own leg (you have sem-overhook)
turn knee
turn to face them- get parallel
break grip, hand shoots to control

guillotine escape

first thing- hold the wrist

arm in guillotine- if they bring your elbow high, you get choked
bring arm low and base (can also block them from taking back)

walk towards the guillotine, drive head through, head up, control arm, sit diagonally, throw them over, turn and come to side control

another guillotine escape
you move and they follow
extend leg on side where they aren't guillotining (arm in side)
wrestler sit out (make sure you wrap the arm strong)

guillotine from guard

first reaction- protect your neck

drive forward, reach arm around to his back (shoulder heavy)
must angle your legs, turn your body
start to come around to the side
slide over and pass guard

once you go to side control- switch arm to other side of headd, go to n/s

arm in guillotine from guard
arm in side- swing arm back and drive shoulder to middle of chest- solar plexus
angle legs, start to come around and open guard
note- trapped arm blocks hip to prevent them from following you

best way to avoid guillotine- don't let them get it!
don't put your head to the side
stay in center

you need to make a mistake for them to get it

mount escape
submission wrestling- about your first reactions
the game is quick, you need to initiate the right sequence of moves

elbows tight to you- don't let them raise knees
don't grab double underhooks- all weight comes on to you
don't push- you'll get armlocked

don't stay flat- hip escape and TURN your body before they mount, elbow to ground
make frame, regain half guard, regain guard
tip- head stays on ground- don't let them wrap it up

back position- with hooks but without harness
elbows have to be inside!

scoop down and pull your elbows in (defend the neck!)
creates angle, space for escape

don't put weight on them like you do with gi

turn to guard

back escape with hooks and double underhook harness
scoop hips, fall to side
elbow to knee, clear the leg, turn to side control

certain angle- you have to go lower on the leg- below the knee line
otherwise they still have control

cross body
don't push, you give them too much

elbows in, hands protecting neck

starts with the BRIDGE

arm blocks the crossface

if they lift up the arm, don't follow- you allow them to establish cross-side

bump to create space, hip escape and replace guard or go turtle if they're blocking hip