Morning roll

things to work on-

-more awareness of the hands around the neck (be aware of chokes)
-guillotine defense
-off-balancing from deep half guard
-entry to deep half

Bits and pieces

rolled a lot today.

some tidbits-

-mobile knee on stomach game with a gi is probably where i'm headed. transition game with the option of tight control at any time.

-must work on de la riva/spider/tripod/cobrinha guard transitions in the upcoming months

-half guard single leg option is available

-deep half guard- counter to knee slide pass

-deep half- must combo together movements, get them off balance. plenty of work to do.

-de la riva to sit up/arm trap, spin under to deep half.

-work on passing sequence- knee slide, leg on shoulder, over/under, double unders, etc. been neglecting knee slide recently in favor of working other passes. gotta keep in mind the eventual goal.

-gotta roll as much as possible while i can!

knee slide

1. standard knee slide from pin arm and stand up
2. knee slide from open guard (toriani control)
3. knee slide from opponent sitting up (tiger knee)

Deep half guard troubleshooting

Phases

Entry-
-best from z-guard
-must secure quickly

Off-balancing
-must create movement, disrupt base
-get them to react, go opposite way

Sweep
-must sweep quickly. this is not a position to hang out in.


-----------

Common issues

-kimura on far arm
-stuff head?
-take back?
-jump over head

Arm locks

1. spinning arm lock
2. they stack, you tip towards shoulder, finish the lock
3. the pull arm out, you control opposite elbow, switch to triangle.

-------

after class-

omoplata counters-
1. roll to side control (give up sweep)
2. post hand, post foot, put them on back, knee on ribs, straighten arm and stand up, shake off
3. sideways roll to immediate pass

--------

focus-

1. tight pressure passing
2. loose, constant movement

seemingly paradoxical, but this is the key to my success. controlling, tight game with the option of transition madness.

Guard passing

from arm pin, stand up

1. knee slide
2. they hip escape out- go to leg on shoulder, pin leg with hand, walk around
3. they hip escape and free bottom leg- go to double under pass

Checklist

To work on-

-front turtle defense
-guillotine defense
-anaconda defense
-darce defense

-side mount escapes
-mount escapes
-back escapes

-smashing passes
-passing open guard

-finishing triangles
-mastering RNC

Conditioning

My conditioning fell off. After one round, I was tired. Thus, my technique, timing, and everything else went out the window.

My defense is getting better, though.

But I still have to step up my outside conditioning.

MMA training

got to do a bit of mma training with vince. makes a huge difference that it wasn't mike. i was able to actually work on some stuff. the game is totally different, but i can still see how i can adapt to be successful if i ever try to go that route.

------

otherwise, gotta heal up. trained as much as possible this week, and need to take a bit of time off to recover.

Defensive checklist

-side mount escapes- especially with the arm laced between the legs (elevate and scissor)
-guillotine defense***
-triangle defense***
-armlock defense***
-kimura defense
-americana defense
-arm triangle defense
-brabo/darce defense*
-anaconda defense*
-collar choke defense
-clock choke defense

i think that covers a lot of it

gotta work it out before purple belt. must put self in vulnerable positions and practice escaping

7:00 AM rolling

AM rolling

-deep half setup- from z-guard- missing part of the transition still. gotta work on it.
-darce- getting higher % lately
-n/s guillotine- must get better at this

-hand control- get double wrist control/sleeve control if they try and play elusive/fast guard passing. use to climb them like a rope and break them down
-from anthony- vs. knee through middle- sit out to side, wrap leg with inside hook, drive shoulder into knee, turn single to double leg

-practice smash passes vs. smaller people
-must practice getting guillotined and escaping

Butterfly guard with gi/boxing fundamentals

-overhook sweep to collar choke
-they adjust and come to opposite side from #1- drive forearm in throat and sweep to other side, finish choke
-they block choke with arm. stuff head with elbow, sweep over (3/4 wrestling move)
-they try to circle arm out out of overhook. catch wrist, arm drag and take back

--------

other tidbits-
-"coffee grinder" to open up other hook from turtle
-power half to bring over and control

--------

wrestling/judo-
-snap down and change levels, use to attack legs
-more confidence with shooting in, penetration
-persistence with takedowns

---------

boxing stuff!
-stance
-4 blocks- left hand blocks hook and straight, right hand catches jab and hook. defensive zone!
-footwork
-snap with jab- come straight with punch
-throw cross straight across, use shoulder to block

practice in the mirror

Some wrestling tips! High-C

I learned some critical wrestling insights that greatly improved my game.

-high-c off of clinch (transition to double leg, single leg, fireman, sit out fireman)
-double leg setup from snap (still need to step up rather than flop over)
-head placement with 2 on 1- in neck/chin
-single leg outside step takedown- tie up far leg and run through them like double leg.

generally learned quite a bit from such a short session. gotta continue to train takedowns.

Dojo quest

Maybe a year ago I decided to start checking out other gyms to get a chance to roll with other people. I finally did visit another gym today, and it was okay.

I had a few rolls, but the training partners weren't ideal. They were a lot bigger than I was, and the general tone was sort of like the finals of the world championships. These dudes really wanted to tap me out.

Anyways, I don't really recommend dojo storming if you aren't in good shape and in good health. I'm only a blue belt, but I was a huge target for a lot of the people there. I actually ended up getting kind of hurt (sprained wrist?) because the huge guys were going aggro.

However, a few holes were exposed in my game. My gi game felt sloppy, and one thing that was constant was a hand in my collar breaking my posture as I tried to pass. I was unsuccessful getting the hand out with the bigger guys, and eventually got swept and whatnot. Gotta be more persistent with breaking this, as this was probably THE cause for breakdown.

I didn't do terribly, though. My defense is feeling very good. My guard recovery is very good. Aside from a black belt, my guard didn't get passed. Actually, even the black belt didn't pass- he reversed me from side control and took top position.

Gotta work on my gi game, regardless. Perhaps a few lessons can come out of this. I do need to constantly challenge myself and match up against other people that I am not familiar with. It would be much better if they were my size, however, as the risk of injury increases when I'm just rolling with randoms.

In the next few weeks, I'd like to visit a few gyms. Maybe I'll even go back to the gym for next week's open mat. Gotta expand my game and not get complacent.

The moment I am satisfied with my game is the moment I fall off! Gotta always look for areas to improve.

Butterfly series

butterfly sweep series-

-standard butterfly sweep
-head stuff from #1 when they base off leg
-anthony head pinch
-anthony head pinch to shoulder lock sweep

Cobrinha flow

lately i've been trying to figure out cobrinha's guard system.

some major features-

-starting position- de la riva/tripod guard position. from here, he does a number of things-

-wraps around leg like a standing knee bar (outside foot looped around hip)
-de la riva underneath sweep (towards back and underneath them with sleeve control)
-inside footlock guard? not sure what to call it, but he and frazzatto do it all the time to each other.
-de la riva to opposite side inside footlock guard
-de la riva/tripod with sleeve control to omoplata
-inside footlock guard to either tripod variation OR spin underneath and sweep.

very very shifty guard!

gotta work on some stuff. it's coming slowly. i'm starting to see a map of it in my mind.

Side control escapes

i worked on the hip pendulum stuff more today. the escapes were a bit better, and i was able to create more movement that allowed my hands to get in posture and begin escaping. still have some way to go, but my escapes are becoming more comfortable and a lot more solid.

Hip flip counters, some side control escape fundamentals

hip flip counters-

1. lockdown, get up on elbow, hip bump
2. gi sweep variation- as they drop hip, push elbow/armpit away, underhook leg, shoulder roll over farside shoulder (was getting me every time)
3. butterfly hook variation- use free hand to lift butt, lift leg with butterfly hook, get hip out, switch to opposite leg, take back. twister is available possibly. works even if they have you in a kimura.

-------

side control escape stuff-

-from completely flattened and dominated side control bottom- if they are overcommitting, pendulum legs away and briefly get them off balance to regain hand posture. similarly, if they are scooted back and stalling out, pendulum legs towards them to fix posture and get on side.

--------

brabo entry-
rise up out of side control, they try and pop up on side, you shoot the brabo. they try to go back down flat, you go to n/s guillotine or shoot the no arm brabo (n/s rear naked?)

--------

main holes- side control escapes! leg lock defense.

my game is more effective when the pace is fast. when the game is slow and they can methodically inch past my guard, i have less of an advantage, as my shiftiness is negated. gotta create scrambles and control the pace.

Thursday rolling

got to roll with spencer today.

worked on some judo stuff and the regular groundwork.

trying to incorporate a flawless passing game lately- quick yet powerful (jacare).

the judo 2 on 1 series seems to work well. the grip fighting is clutch. i was able to hit an uchi mata to hip toss as well as a few other things we were working on- tani otoshi, etc.

gotta get some more rolling in!

Knee on stomach series

-over/under pass to cradle
-pass to knee on stomach, baseball choke
-they block, transition to shin in armpit, armbar
-scoop head, collar choke

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

it felt great to get back on the mat!

my guard passing felt great, my open guard felt great, and my transitions were solid.

generally feeling great. there's a few things i want to work on such as the open guard transitions, but i'm back on track.

Judo grip fighting

pre-grip fighting-
-hand fight- slap away hands before they can grip
-rhadi ferguson move- cross grip bottom of lapel to open, feed to strong hand

before they establish a strong grip-
-marcelo- rotate wrist away, forearm strike
-two hands underneath, step back and shake off (jacare)

from basic collar, sleeve-
-break sleeve first with forearm strike (collar arm); use knee if grip is too strong
-for collar hand- cross grab bottom of wrist fabric, turn out. same side hand on top, pulling hand into you (wristlocking them). pull down. pump if needed.
-go directly to lapel grip or 2 on 1 over back.

options from 2 on 1-
-tani otoshi
-reverse kimura sweep
-sacrifice sit throw sweep thing

-roll underneath wwf pin? (stuff arm between legs)

some basic combos-
-off of them doing collar grip break- go directly into 2 on 1
-from 2 on 1- step in, break grip, go to underhook

gotta work on this stuff. lots of variables, but have to practice and get a step ahead of most.

Rolling with Spencer

finally got around to rolling with spencer. got to put on a gi and roll for the first time in weeks. felt good.

i figured out that my style matchup is pretty good against other people i haven't rolled with before. my leg attacks/open guard can be pretty unpredictable, so my sweeps and back taking are working out nicely. my transitions and combo attacks are also working nice as well.

i finally figured out some deep half guard stuff. also finally figured out cobrinha's de la riva sweep where he rotates underneath them (worlds 06).

gotta roll some more!

Deep half guard tidbits

-opponent smashing face from half guard top- you need to alleviate pressure with free hand on shoulder, use hips and hand to hike them up (swing left and right) and bury your head deep in half guard.

-deep half entry- need to immediately tuck arm inside to avoid kimura

-deep half mechanics- need to constantly be using hips to off-balance them

-deep half to x-guard- from deep half with hand grasping hip near head, other arm underhooking leg (kimura defense). come up like a butterfly sweep, but switch to x-guard on opposite side. clean transition.

-deep half if they jump your head- bad position, but possible to do a butterfly guard type sweep and get up/create a scramble

-guillotine defense- rock them towards cross shoulder, and they will need to break guillotine to maintain base.

RNC details

1. rnc series- hand fight, hands to hands, hit hand off, hands to hands, finish.
2. rnc counter counter- they put bicep next to ear, you can't insert choke. grab across to armpit, pull elbow back with other arm to make enough room. easier if they are on their side.
3. baseball bat counter- use free hand to suck in opponent's arm. hands to hands, rotate wrist up (wristlocking them), and they'll let go. finish.
4. opponent's grip of choking arm is too strong- instead of going directly up towards choke, walk hand laterally towards pec and then shoulder. drive head into back of their head, and inch up hand to finish the choke.

-------

other- jiggle slice knife hand under jawline to bring up chin.

Been sick

been out for the past few weeks due to illness.

the sd bjj championships were great last weekend. i was very inspired by glover and cooper, and plan to implement a lot of their stuff in my game.

gotta rewatch the videos of the matches, but i picked up on some key points.

can't wait to get back on the mat.

Judo class

judo class

techniques-

-tani otoshi
-osoto gari

-------

-keys- TO-step and grab leg at same time. also can step back and yank opponent into your zone
-osoto gari- shoulder to shoulder entry, swing leg, sweep out. need to go shoulder to shoulder and swing leg in same direction- towards opponent, not at an angle

need to do repetitions and practice. need to get more comfortable

other stuff-
-walk opponent around, use gi to manipulate their balance. timing with throws

Tripod series

tripod series

1. basic tripod sweep
2. opponent balances and hops around- you throw leg over arm and pinch elbow, sweeping backwards
3. from #2- weave knee in and take back if he exposes back too much

-----------

tripod series working very well.

spider series connecting nicely.

deep half also working well.

cobrinha guard working well as well.

Half Guard and open guard with Andrew

addressing some holes in Andrew's game before the tournament.

half guard-
2 sweeps- head chop bridge towards them, underhook trap arm and roll over shoulder

principle- stay on side, get posture back, use leg as either z-guard or half butterfly

open guard-
tripod sweep details
transition to de la riva
de la riva positions- 1. at knee 2. upper thigh 3. opposite thigh
de la riva sweeps- push off to single leg, stretch leg out to take back

----------

things to work on with Andrew-
arm drags, back control, RNC

defense for major submissions

point awareness

X-guard review

been out for a week due to a cold!

-----------

techniques-

-x-guard from them standing- pull self in, shooting one leg in, to footlock position. adjust and sweep.
-x-guard from one knee up- shoot in, set it up, sweep
-x-guard from butterfly- rock up, kick leg straight, push armpit, adjust, sweep.

sticking point- knee control. transition from footlock to x-must control knee and keep it tight.

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

cobrina guard-
from de la riva, spin underneath and attack other leg! the next evolution.
to think about- de la riva with sleeve- spin underneath, stuff their arm between legs?

gotta work on it.


deep half guard- working out a lot better. haven't tried it on high level people, though.

reminder- spider guard stuff- steering wheel, stand up sweep, interlaced arm

Headlock escapes

headlock escapes-

swing legs and get elbow on ground, get on side

1. hook leg, come to s-mount, break lock
2. you can't hook leg- walk away from legs, pull shoulder down
3. you can't pull shoulder down- walk towards legs, jump over, break lock

finish all with an armlock

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

deep half guard is starting to work out for me. gotta get it set and go right away with the sweep- no hesitation.

arm-in guillotine is clutch. back attacks and RNC has been good lately.

Deep half guard

setups-

1. from knee slide
2. from mount escape- foot drag

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

sweeps-

they base hands in front-
-back door

they base on top of you-
-butterfly sweep directly to double under pass
-homer simpson sweep- walk away, torque knee and switch over, pass right away

other-
-nearside hand in bend of knee (forearm), far hand on ankle. pop leg up, spin underneath to x-guard

----------

principles-
-off-balance them and destroy base
-pinch knees together
-inside or outside hook depending on what they're doing
-arm inside to prevent underhook/kimura
-best escape- jump over their head. if you feel them going for it, pin leg tighter with shoulder/ear.

return after a week off- collar chokes, takedowns

pm class-

techniques-
-pu/pd cross choke from guard
-loop choke from butterfly guard
-loop choke follow up if they place head to other side (grab belt, lean weigh on head and rip)
-loop choke follow up if they jump to cross side- dive hand underneath and walk n/s, finish. roll them if necessary.

--------

takedowns with andrew-

fundamentals- stance, circling, duck walk, shot, hand fighting, pummelling, inside control, collar tie.

things to work on-
rnc finish from back, deep half guard!, takedown setups and general movement

spinning arm lock counters

spinning arm lock counters

-last ditch effort- they throw leg over your face and begin to extend- grab head with both hands, stack up and prop lower back with posted leg. knee comes next to head, sandwiching between knee and hand. pull arm out, sprawl chest. counter- flower sweep; spin underneath

-block the leg- as they try to swing the leg- block with forearm. rnc grip. counter- flower sweep; omoplata

-elbow to floor- drop elbow to floor, pinch elbow to knee. counter- bump hip up, get elbow across

-------

to drill-

stand up pummeling- inside control, double underhooks, thai clinch

concepts with andrew

guard control-
-posture breaking
-staying at an angle, getting hips out
-shawn williams guard

passing-
-4 on 2
-shoulders on ground
-infinite hip escaping

-knee slide details

-cross side arm attacks- americana, arm triangle

de la riva evolutions

some tidbits

de la riva options-

-control arm, sit up, spin underneath and hand off arm to other hand (like deep half guard)
-push away, stand up to single leg
-cobrina outside and under sweep

-sit up, elevator sweep (opponent kneeling)
-switch to reverse butterfly, take back

-transition to tripod
-transition to shin and then x-guard

-switch hands, post off hip with left foot, thread right foot around and underneath to heelhook position/sweep



de la riva is the next evolution to the open guard game

half guard passing again

this was the third time i went over a particular series of moves in a week, so by now i've developed a better grasp on the moves and how to teach them.



rolling-

-felt particularly strong and dominant
-passing was excellent
-submission setups were quick
-finishes were on point

kids class/adult class

kids class-

-guard control
-tripod sweep
-tripod to de la riva
-de la riva to single leg
-de la riva to taking the back

overall, decent class. i'm hoping the kids develop fundamental open guard skills, and are at least able to control someone and prevent them from passing. if they can sweep, even better.

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

adult class

half guard pass series

-face smash pass
-knee slide opposite side
-double underhook knee slide

half guard drill was worthwhile. must practice more of that on my own. must practice side control stuff.

puzzle mats!

got puzzle mats in the backyard now.

----------

techniques with andrew-

-spinning armlock from guard

Arm Triangles

techniques

-arm triangle finish 1- grabbing own bend of arm, hand on head
-arm triangle finish 2- gable grip

-arm triangle entry- from forearm in neck- raise up and pop elbow, lock it up
-arm triangle entry 2- from americana- they straighten arm- bring arm over and lock it up

-arm triangle counter counter- they put hand next to head to alleviate pressure- americana
-arm triangle counter counter 2- they try to spin away- change grips and take back

----------

rolling-

breakdown with mike-
-happens on top when i try to pass and he turns to knees
-happens on bottom when he drives forward from standing and takes away my open guard attacks. also happens in closed guard when his posture is too good and can't be broken down. i'm getting passed with the marcelo walrus pass to half guard every time.

Passing Half Guard

techniques-

warm ups

toriani
knee on stomach switches
spinning arm locks
kimuras
triangles

double leg takedown setup
arm drag
sit out from double overhook sprawl on knees

------------
half guard passing
-shoulder in face, walk foot up, drive knee to ground, peel off thigh with free leg
-from first one, they pinch knees together- tripod up, switch their knees to other side, knee slide
-from first one, get double underhooks, knee slide across (can be done either side)

----------

rolling-

-fast, aggressive pace seemed to suit me today
-still must control and have shut down game when needed
-open guard feels good
-passing feels good

keys-
stringing together combos
beating them in the transition
linking subs to sweeps
linking subs to passes
linking subs to subs

gotta find ways to train despite my schedule changing

kid's class open guard

techniques-

-guard control
-tripod sweep
-feet placement
-double ankle sweep

Subtle new things added to the arsenal recently

starting to fill in more gaps as i train more with mike.

-posture breaking- driving forward/diagonally and using shoulders/head to isolate arm
-hip switching under nearside arm to isolate
-kimura off of underhook
-more clean with knee on stomach switches as they try to recover
-bent knee as they try to scoop leg into half guard
-americana to arm triangle

-cobra arm trap from mount
-return of spinning arm lock from mount

-marcelo half guard reverse kesa pass
-extraordinary shoulder in face pressure
-coming off the knees more and angling hips for additional pressure

-spinning arm lock from guard has returned
-taking the back off of arm lock stack
-cobra arm trap from spinning arm lock in guard
-triangle off of them coming to knees
-immediate sweep if they step up to stack
-flower sweeps

-triangle defense




generally, control is getting much better. must step up the pressure, bridging and squeezing. next comes the finishes!

-----------

gotta work on the fancy open guard/half guard as well. for now, the basics are filling in and are at a much higher level.

Arm locks day 3

arm locks day 3

(didn't practice these, just watched from a distnace)

-spinning arm lock
-modified flower sweep (grab leg as they stand)
-wristlock possible
-kick out to take back if they swing up to knees

--------

rolling-

-felt very good vs. anthony and mike. knee on stomach switches and passes felt good. base felt good. guard was pretty good.

spinning arm locks 2

techniques-

-spinning arm lock from guard
-flower sweep
-bicep curl counter- kick leg out and arm drag, taking back

----------

kimuras felt good today

spinning arm lock series

arm locks

-spinning arm lock from guard
-flower sweep counter to stack
-reverse arm bar counter to grabbing the head

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

reminder-
-takedowns- club the head and move them, use to set up takedowns

A judo tidbit

when locking up and gripfighting, try and test out opponent to see where they step as you push/pull. use that knowledge to set them up for sweeps, throws, etc.

-------

reminder- steering wheel to get them to load on one foot, and then sweep it out.

SMEs day 3

this morning-

judo with mike
-grip fighting
-double hand break right away
-rotate forearm over, forearm strike

rolling with rene
-overhooks half guard- drive deeper and flatten with underhook
-omoplata escape- stand up instead of rolling out

-----------

side mount escapes

1. basic hip escape
2. off of #1- insert hook in, sit up and underhook, snatch wrist and push into stomach, butterfly sweep over to mount
3. off of #1- cross arm grabs over elbow, rotate and lock up kimura. hook comes out and blocks back from rolling. keep arm bent, elbow pressure on shoulder.
4. off of kimura- opponent drives forward. take out hook, pendulum up, lock up the guillotine. hip out and get on side before falling.

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

rolling notes-

-exposing neck too much
-need to develop guillotine squeezing power
-need to develop good guillotine defense

-need to go back to marcelo pass to half guard
-need to work on triple pass series

-need to work on deep half guard entry, finish

SMEs day 2

with gi

1. basic forearm in throat, hip out, replace guard
2. from #1- they baseball slide- grab nearside lapel and punch into throat, hip out and slide knee in (or try to sit up and take them over)
3. from #2- you can't get knee in- stiffarm and weave underneath for underhook. bridge into them and come out back door.
4. from position 3 hold down- bicep to bicep, pendulum legs

----------

worked on today-
-guillotines earlier
-deep half guard entries, finishes

-spider guard, de la riva guard


-judo with jonathon

-felt very strong with passing and general gi control

SMEs

pm class

techniques-

-SME 1-bridge and hip escape to guard- posture forearm in throat and elbow in hip
-SME 2-from #1- opponent walks legs forward and you can't hook. wing elbow in armpit, switch to underhook, step foot out and weave leg through, coming to knees. immediately cup around heel with outside arm, go shoulder to thigh and trap with other arm. walk around to back and put them on back.
-SME 3-from position 3 hold down- go bicep to bicep, pendulum legs towards legs and then away, spinning underneath to knees or guard.

-----------

some things i'm working on-
-takedowns (general aggressiveness and setups)
-guillotine series
-getting better at brabos
-staying abreast with back taking and rnc finish
-deep half guard entries and finishes
-pressure on top
-breaking down the frame- drive forward and collapse arms with chest/hips

-x-guard entry- push torso away (mike guillotines me here, stopping everything)

i realized that i probably need to go more n/s in tournaments. i've been practicing half guard top so much that i don't care if they get half guard back after i pass, but in a tournament i can't let them get an inch.

Grappling X

i've been on a tear lately, so i decided to compete again this weekend.

we had a number of competitors from the gym go out, and we all did very well.

----


match 1- vs. sergio from undisputed

the match begins with me jumping guard or trying to pull x-guard, i don't recall. either way, i sweep with x-guard and get on top. i work to pass as he works to get me in some rubber guard triangle stuff. i eventually pass, i believe, and he recovers. i take his back a few minutes in and finish with the rnc.

match 2- vs. someone i don't remember

i begin again by jumping guard or pulling butterfly guard, and he works to pass. i recover, get to closed guard, and start attacking. i attack an armlock and he tries to pass again. i try to sweep and eventually catch him in a triangle.

match 3. (finals)- vs. some guy with gi pants

i jump guard again and break the guy's posture down. i get the 2 on 1 and almost take his back, and he spins around a few times before i land in mount and stabilize. he gets back to half guard, and i pass. i'm up 9 now. he sweeps me from half guard at one point, but i recover guard. only a minute or so left, and i just rubber guard him until the bell. GOLD.

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

overall, i did pretty well. didn't try and takedowns due to my foot being hurt, but i didn't feel very threatened during the tournament. gotta sharpen a few aspects of my game and continue to get better. the closed guard was my bread and butter today.

Takedowns (list to work on)

list of moves to work on-

fundamentals-

-stance
-circling
-movement
-sprawling
-sit out

-hand fighting
-inside fighting
-clinch fighting
-head control

-breaking opponent's balance

wrestling

setups-
-snap down
-arm drag

finishes-
-ankle pick
-single leg
-double leg

judo

-back step
-loading opponent's weight

-various foot sweeps
-seionage
-o goshi
-uchi mata

defense-

-single leg defense!
-double leg defense
-dominating tie ups
-dominant guillotine off of sprawled shot

Nagging injuries

The ankle I hurt a few weeks back got hurt again tonight. I was on someone's back and as they were trying to spin out, my ankle got pinned to the floor and all their weight rolled over it. I laid on the floor screaming for about a minute before I buttscooted off the mat and dragged myself into a chair.

I have another tournament this weekend, so my goal is to rehab before then.

In other news, I'm doing a lot of crossfit lately. Gotta up my strength and endurance.

For now, gotta rest and heal.

The Subtle Things

After Mike ran me over a few times, I asked him where the breakdown was happening. He showed me how some of the stuff I was doing wasn't as effective as it could be, such as an underhook, forearm in throat, etc.

I then did some situational rolling with him where he paused me where ever he felt I could be applying more effective pressure. I should be focusing all my weight on one spot instead of spreading it around. I should also be using my hips, knees, shoulders, chest, etc. to drive and gain control. Example- z-guard counter- you must feel where the frame is and sprawl your hip back, down, etc. in whatever direction you feel the weakness is while also using your hands, other body parts to gain other control.

From a distance, it doesn't look like anything special is happening, but when you are getting smashed, you feel 100x more pressure.

Gotta work on sensitivity in my control. Also must switch up speeds- remember what Roy said last week with the situational use of speed and attributes.

Also must work on the following-

-armlock escapes
-back escapes
-triangle escapes
-guillotine escapes
-side control escapes
-smashed half guard escapes
-mount escapes
-north/south escapes

-single leg defense
-general takedown stuff

-passing

-dominating on top

OTM Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship/US Open of Submission Grappling

the day before-

After eating clean and cutting the day of, I was still almost two pounds over. I hopped off the scale and put on my running shoes and jogged along the beach for awhile. I then put on my thermals, sweatshirt, beanie, and gi and sat in my car with the windows rolled up and heat on for about 20 mins. I also put my seat down and began doing crunches to help me sweat out more. I then made weight easily.

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

OTM BJJ Championships-

I fought much later in the day, so I mostly relaxed and cheered on teammates.

Ended up fighting someone who beat me in the finals of GQ a few months back, and I felt that gave him a mental edge.

We start out, he grips my collar and sleeve and starts yanking, and we stand for a few seconds before he goes for a single. I try and guillotine but don't do much, and hop around before he spins underneath and goes to deep half guard. I don't think I get swept here, but I somehow end up on my back (maybe got taken down?). He works to pass with outside passes, staying outside of my range (can't get to x-guard cleanly) and maintaining good posture. I have a hard time breaking him down, but manage to continually replace guard. I attempt a few sweep attempts, almost take his back with a de la riva sweep, but we both end up standing again. He goes to the single, steps outside, and sweeps my posted foot. I think I'm down 4 at that point. I work to sweep again, and end up getting to closed guard. He maintains good posture and I can't break him down, and he starts working to pass again. I turtle away from him like a dumbass (same thing happened last time, wtf) and he gets one hook and half a collar. He works to get the second hook in, but I defend. I spin underneath the bow and arrow choke as he goes for it, and he tries to set up other stuff. He eventually gets another hook sunk in and gets the RNC finish. Had some lapses, but I have some stuff I need to work on. Those CK boys always go to the back. Gotta avoid getting 1)taken down and 2) my back taken.

bronze match-
I face off with another CK grappler, and right away I pull guard. I get x-guard, sweep cleanly, and have him stacked up before he tries to x-guard sweep me. I push his head down and hop my leg over, and end up in side control. I hold for points and check with the ref, and pop up to knee on stomach and then mount. I grab his collar and hit the bow and arrow choke finish. Bronze medal. I feel like I could have run over everyone in the division except for the gold medalist.

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

US Open of Submission Grappling

It's the same story with the waiting game- I don't fight until maybe 5 o'clock.

My name gets called and I barely warm up. I end up getting a first round bye due to an odd number of competitors in my bracket. I watch the first match and see that the guy I will face is a strong wrestler, and start developing a strategy.

Second round, I face the wrestler. Right away I engage and jump guard and clinch. I work a front body triangle, and he gets out. I work for a guillotine and some other openings, and eventually he puts me down on my back. I work to sweep with x-guard, and he frees himself and stands back up. I jump guard again, and break him down to guard. I control his posture with rubber guard, and try for omoplata, gogoplata, etc. I see his other arm open and sort of neglected, so I attack a kimura. I rip it out, and also lock a triangle over his other arm in the process. I rip up and over, and get the kimura finish.

Finals.

I lock up with the CK grappler I faced yesterday, and he sits to butterfly. Three months of wrestling practice, and that's all I used this weekend lol. I work to pass his open guard as he tries to sweep, maintaining forward hips while destroying his legs. I nearly pass, and he tries to sweep, but I spin out. He goes for a footlock, and I kick out and spin around, somehow ending up in half guard (almost mount) in the perfect position for the darce. I sink it in deep, and he taps. GOLD.

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

We brought 3 competitors, and we took home 6 medals- 2 gold, a silver, and 3 bronze.

I made some technical mistakes, but now I have a better idea of where to direct my training and work on areas of my game that can be improved.

A great moral victory, and a nice transition to my new life in San Diego.

flowing

pm class

techniques-
-seionage to arm bar
-arm bar escape- control own lapel, control opponent's knee, scoot out underneath, get on top, bridge into them and get up, pass
-arm bar escape- post hand on ground, wrap legs around head, do awkward somersalt and land in arm bar?

----------

rolling-

good-
-flowed fluidly and quickly. sick transitions
-top game solid
-bottom game also solid
-escape worked when i tried it

to work on-
-continue to flow like terere/cobrinha style on some days. open it up and test balance, get creative.
-develop good arm bar defense

conditioning

been eating extremely clean.

jogged to the gym, did deadlifts, squats, and pullups. swam 10 laps, walked home.

was at weight after the workout. doing good!

knee on stomach

am class

techniques-

-kos entry- hip pocket and high collar from side control- hips forward like deadlift for maximum pressure
-kos entry- spider sweep from magid hage
-kimura finish- they push on knee- slam arm to ground and control wedge elbow next to ribs (so they can't grab gi). control should be right at wrist and right under elbow. pull elbow as high as possible and then rotate.

------

rolling-

good-
-open guard control until i got caught in a triangle setup
-triangle escape (fully locked almost)
-bow and arrow escape
-back defense until i got collar and arm choked
-side control defense/escapes

to work on-
-leg stamina (weak lately due to excessive workouts)
-back escapes

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

takedowns

good-
-good with grip breaks
-active with the collar yanking
-some judo throw attempts initially
-active with foot sweep attempts
-single leg defense

to work on-
-more collar punching
-strength
-setups
-timing

---------

made weight after class according to my scale!

single leg details

pm no gi

techniques-

-single leg setup- shoot like double, move head to ribs, drive into them, (arms rnc grip), step forward with outside leg, clear heel to outside, raise up heel and sweep other foot (foward). if they bounce around, sweep as they land (timing).

-single leg alternate finish- same as before, but step outside, change heel grip to underneath (like x-guard almost), trip heel, grab shoulder, trip backwards.

-first line of defense- push head away (maybe crossface?), get strong overhook, grab own thigh (or possibly their wrist like kimura grip), heavy on their shoulder, foot outside, step down hard and drive foot to ground while sprawling hip forward and bringing whizzer up.

-alternate defense- you can't get leg out- get parallel to them, use free hand to grab heel. drop to butt. possible kneebar. also possible to end up on bottom. maybe go with uchi mata defense instead?

---------

rolling-

good-
-strong guard from all angles
-top game coming together very nicely
-arm drag much better, back attacks much better
-rnc hand fighting much better
-guillotine much better

to work on-
-bottom game- give up side control voluntarily and work escapes more often.
-control explosive people better
-timing, sensitivity, precision, details

----------

takedowns

good-
-inside control
-head control
-setups were attempted at least
-tried ankle pick
-tried single leg
-shot mechanics better- dropping levels before shooting
-attempting snaps now
-attempting to make them step
-duck under guillotine defense?

-defense to double and single leg
-guillotines

to work on-
-setups
-finishing takedowns
-continue to work on defense
-more arm drags, more 2 on 1

----------

after class- weighed myself with no clothes- at least in range of 135. about 137 (down from solid 140 this morning) or so, depending on my shoddy scale's accuracy. went jogging after class for good measure.

cutting

for the longest time, i was walking around at 135 solid. i recently gained 5 lbs of muscle, so now i'm at 140. i need to make 135 before next week if i want to compete at the tournament, so i decided to use this as a log as well as a training journal for the time being.

i've been eating clean (for the most part) for the past week, and managed to drop about 1 lb of excess. this is addition to doing a cleanse, which likely helped my progress.

if i'm close to 135 by next wednesday, i'll register and compete.

going to work out now.

deadlifts, pullups, swimming.

steve and paul's blue belt test

went to harris international to help out with steve's blue belt test.

trying to stay as motivated as possible and involve myself in as many bjj related things as possible.

some notes-

1. concept
2. technique
3. details

focus on DETAILS. details are how you will eventually be setting people up. ploy (don't know reaction, trying to feel them out), and bait (you KNOW reaction- setting them up).

focus on precision. then timing, sensitivity, spacing. attributes are the last piece of the puzzle. speed used in short bursts at key moments to be most effective.

escapes- stay on SIDE, never flat. push with elbows, not hands.

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

gotta ponder these things for a bit.

must continue to develop my attributes, but also build bulletproof FOUNDATION.

Gracie Barra tv commercial day- 5 black belts on the mat!

pm class

gracie barra temecula commercial film shoot!

lots of hoopla- full mat- from the window to the wall.

5 black belts- ricardo, nelson montiero, rafael ramos, magid hage, dominic.

techniques-
-spider guard shin across belly variation- arm heavy on elbow (half loaded leg on shoulder)- swing over head, swing back and hit in neck, dump over. transition to arm bar.
-taking back from guard stack.

---------

rolling-

rafael ramos-
-guard drill- i fake break with saulo opener, control sleeve as he reaches, open, and go to passing posture. he puts in de la riva hook on right side, i rotate knee out and force it out. i try and pass to the right side, and he hip escapes. he sweep attempts, i base. i try and pass again. eventually he turtles, i try and attack something, and he spins back to guard. i think he de la riva sweeps to single leg, which forces me to bounce around and eventually go to my knees. we stop here. mostly flowing and not trying to go too crazy.
-session #2- i open, he puts in de la riva hook on left side, elevates me and sweeps me. i try and base with my face, which fails. lol.

nelson montiero-
-guard drill- i break with saulo opener and begin passing series on left side with driving knee. i get underhook and nearly pass with knee slide (or perhaps the scissor pass at one point), and he loop chokes me. almost passed, but am losing consciousness to loop choke. i flop over and he gets on top.
-guard drill #2- aware of the loop choke, i try the same thing but keep my head high. i break again with the same opener and try to go marcelo pass to half guard. doesn't pan out as well as i'd like, and we're back to passing posture. he tries to z-guard, and i break the lock and try to scissor pass. i get the underhook and try to knee slide, keeping my head high this time to avoid loop choke. he recovers to butterfly guard, and i try and flatten him, but get elevator swept as he capitalizes on my half second of being off-balance.

quick training

pm beginner's class

techniques-

-rapist choke escape
-pull open guard
-tripod sweep

---------

rolling-

good-
-top base
-direction switching
-guard game
-generally great vs. newbies
-insight affirmed- if you stand up with someone and dominate them with grip fighting, they will eventually just sit down if they don't know what they're doing

to work on-
-defense vs. shutdown passes (ricardo)
-shutdown passes with no space
-clean up arm bar finish.

scissor pass sequence, arm bar detail from side control

pm class

techniques-

-saulo guard opener (bait) to grab sleeve- stand up, shake, circle step back and open. scissor pass, grab collar, drive with head in chest. alternate- grab sleeve and lift, switch to collar or crossface. also use arm weave in legs to flatten legs (remember sim seminar)

-off of #1- opponent hooks with top leg. sit through, control sleeve, step leg up and place knee next to head. transition to mount.

-from side control- control arm on nearside shoulder (arm triangle setup). get deep for best effect. switch to n/s, rotate underneath and bite into armpit, tripod up and put more pressure. nearside knee comes over opposite arm, other knee comes into armpit. transition to the clean armlock.

-from above- from n/s- insert thumb in collar for possible choke.

----------

guard drill from before-

good-
-clean sweeps and submissions
-control and transitions good
-spider guard w/shins- best to go toriani with planted feet. get inside control asap.

to work on-
-timing, sensitivity
-dexterity on BOTH sides. not just the good side. work bad side vs. lower belts.

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

rolling-

good-
-passing posture/patience. opening holes and taking advantage, transitioning to different passes.
-top pressure at times
-top mobility at times (knee on stomach sequence)
-arm-in guillotine getting better
-head placement- driving in chin. can possibly crossface with head if needed.

to work on-
-maintaining side control, finishing the pass. not allowing them to power out.
-attacking and breaking arm posture right away from side control
-remember guillotine option from half guard top. combo with pass series- kimura, etc.



generally felt okay today. eating clean, enthusiasm slowly returning.

guard openers

sh training-

guard openers-
-standard saulo opener
-donkey kick opener
-standing saulo opener
-log splitter

rolling-

-good-
-top game
-takedowns
-guard control
-sweeps

to work on-
-even better top game
-submission finishes

--------

takedowns-

good-
-comfort level
-pulling setups off of collar tie
-ankle pick
-uchi mata single leg counter

to work on-
-everything

butterfly passes, triangle and arm triangle

pm no gi

techniques-

-arm triangle from side control- knee slide across with far side knee first
-triangle from side control
-bf guard pass #1- sprawl, pin leg, step up and switch hips
-bf guard pass #2- clasp over/under and clamp at ankle- sprawl and pass opposite clamp side

----------

rolling-

good-
-top base
-general top composure
-sweep defense
-guillotine from top half guard

-sweeps on bottom

to work on-
-finishing submissions aggressively. not being so passive when i have them.
-rolling assertively again. was lazy today, but still did okay.

-overall drive. lately haven't been in the mood to go to class, but gotta get back on track.

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

takedowns-

good-
-head control
-inside control
-imposing will on opponent to some degree
-aggressive and physical

-sit out vs. head and arm control- no longer getting stuck where i used to

-uchi mata counter- single leg setup?

to work on-
-setups
-arm control/elbow control
-arm drag to single leg

worked vs. a 60 lb weight difference and did pretty well. gotta continue to work on it.

uchi mata

pm class

setup-
-cross step, back step (hip to hip)
-elbow down and fist drives up like uppercut, other arm drags elbow across body
-kick up high, head down

alternate finishes-
1. diagonal hop towards posted foot
2. switch from leg reap to block foot for ankle pick

possible combo off of #2-
-jacare's ko uchi gari. they bounce around with ankle pick- run over them with no mercy.

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

other techniques-
-2 on 1 to take the back from the guard
-sweep to mount from half back turtle (reach to posted arm and hip bump in circle)

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

rolling-

good-
-speed and strength are finding good medium
-attacking aggressively still
-sweeps from open guard
-guard recovery/defense

-guard passing pressure
-base on top/sweep defense
-starting to combo guard passes better- setup for leg on shoulder is better.

-to pass stolin's half guard footlock attempts- sprawl and drive knee to ground, crossface.
-other option (great move!)- get underhook on same side and knee slide across


to work on-
-getting stuck at point of side control domination. must begin finishing people every time
-get dominant at attacking turtle
-roll at full capacity (no more easy rolls) to develop maximum stamina

-specific guard passes- the trio- knee slide, leg on shoulder, over/under.

-revelation- x-pass is really an over/under pass mixed with toriani. combo into trio pass series when rest is solid.

-continue to work on marcelo pass to half guard

wod

gotta get back in fighting form.

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

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

pullups
handstand pushups (against a wall)

timer malfunction!

didn't get accurate time read

brabos

sh training

techniques

-brabo from side mount
-brabo from sprawled shot- head and arm control with pinched elbows (keep tight)- snap them down and switch to darce, finish choke on side.
-brabo setup on same side arm- use hip on ground- leg move pin to face to set up.

----------

rolling-

good-
-passing, half guard top
-defense vs. open guard sweeps

-attack combos

-stand up comfort

-controlling and dominating larger opponent
-sweeps in general

to work on-
-more pressure and control at all times
-timing
-sensitivity
-finishing off of control positions. more aggressiveness with submissions.
-standup/takedowns
-snap down from front head and arm control. remember to do this- very disorienting

feeling very good lately!

omoplatas, takedowns coming together more

pm no gi

techniques

-omoplata setup from guard
-omoplata- perpendicular variation
-omoplata footlock counter
-omoplata footlock counter #2

other entries- rubber guard, shawn williams guard, overhooks

--------

rolling-

good-
-sweep prevention/base
-getting to back from turtle roll
-open guard recovery


to work on-
-aggressiveness when submission is in grasp
-taking the back from rolling turtle'

-not adapting to my opponent's gameplan. smashing and destroying at all times.
-guillotine escapes from all the way locked in

-----------

takedowns

good-
-getting dominant in clinch. slamming the crap out of opponents and dominating the head
-setups from dominant clinch are starting to reveal themselves
-outside footsweep from underhooked opponent- uchimata?!
-sit out from sprawled shot/body lock or anaconda

-sprawl is better since takedown tips from thursday
-guillotine off of sprawl
-combos off of takedowns- sweeping single, arm drag, single, take the back, etc. lots of stuff to flow with.

to work on-
-sit out finish
-specific throws- judo step in stuff- uchimata, seinoage, o goshi, etc.
-hand fighting domination
-elbow control
-recognizing windows of opportunity and executing on time
-off-balancing opponent more
-making opponent step- push/pull setups
-foot sweeps

Takedown class- double leg, sprawl, counters, and reversals

Am takedown class

Techniques-

-double leg from wrist control- rotate wrists and open elbows, squat, penetrate, drop knee, head in ribs, chop far leg, drive to side. Other setups- from collar tie/snap, head touch. Shoot with mirror stance.

-sprawl- crossface and grab tricep, circle to back

-3/4 half- from sprawl- plant face into ground with hand on back of neck, thread arm under tricep and over neck (like kimura on head). Circle them and take them over.


-from referee’s position- reversal- sit out- hand on lock, post leg, sit out, switch hands and grab inside thigh, leg drag them past you and take referee’s position.

-roll reversal- from sit out- reach to pick own pocket (nearside arm), bridge over shoulder, roll and face them

-stand up- from referee’s position- stand up, hands on lock, break lock, turn and face them. Not as good for no gi.

-from sit out- they suck you up and get back on mat- bridge into them and push off head, ducking other elbow inside. Face them.

-dj throw- from front head lock (head and arm guillotine)- switch to underhook, weave through and grab lat on opposite side, step up, circle and take them over


-----------
Drills-

-sit out drill

-sprawl drill- from ear to hip, about to take them down- fight for sprawl and takedown

-circle drill- from turtle- circle around without hands- push head down each time you circle

de la riva sweeps

pm class

-self defense- seionage from standing rnc
-self defense- outside reaping throw from arching rnc

-de la riva sweep- cross sleeve w/ ankle control- arch towards back (like bj penn sweep), come back and take them towards trapped arm
-sitting de la riva elevator- sit up all the way, rock them, sweep over diagonally from posted foot in hip

gotta work on some de la riva setups and concepts

reminders- 1. single leg from de la riva, 2. take the back from de la riva

---------

rolling

good-
-top game control was good once guard was passed
-pressure seemed decent from top
-sweeps were effective when needed
-combo attacks were good

-passing with pressure was decent
-base was okay
-z-guard passing- must suddenly square up and get hip to hip, passing by shin. also uncross legs

-speed was good
-pace was relentless, but must also be precise and fast. vs. a black belt, that's the main advantage i feel i have- speed.

to work on-
-not adapting to the game of my opponents. imposing will on them
-x-guard sweeps- secure leg, don't allow them to get it back. stand up right away and run them down if they do running man escape.

-leg stamina/endurance
-leg on shoulder defense- roll if it gets to point of no return

-must work on de la riva setups. natural evolution of x-guard, tripod, deep half, de la riva, reverse de la riva, butterfly, half butterfly, etc.

bag of tricks

random moves

-hip bump counter (late)- recover half guard as they sweep, hip out and take back. choke.
-hip bump counter- hips up- take back- collar choke to arm lock
-rolling arm collar choke- from clock choke setup- insert hook, knee on back, roll
-butterfly counter choke- grab around head to lapel, roll, keep rolling to belly, insert arm over arm and under head.

--------

rolling-

good-
-passing series- using knee slide in conjunction with leg on shoulder. need to set up over/under as well.
-balance/base
-turtle roll to guard

-guard control- high guard, rubber guard, shawn williams guard, etc. work something out from there.
-defense from near-mount- deep half guard- watch for ezekiels, though

-bf guard sweeps
-open guard sweep/control- x-guard, de la riva, tripod, heel hook, etc.
-passing
-top control/base
-top pressure


to work on-
-deep half bottom
-guillotine series from the other day
-guard passing series
-marcelo pass to half guard
-arm trap shoulder to wrist from top

-----------

takedowns

good-
-head control much better- moving the head and using to set things up
-hand control okay
-starting to see openings for shots
-double leg defense okay
-single leg defense better
-double leg switch to opposite side!
-getting to clinch

to work on-
-more push/pull off-balancing
-more foot sweeps, ankle picks, sweeping singles
-more arm drags, 2 on 1, etc
-more snap downs
-develop dominating single leg
-work on moves in clinch. have to get there first and recognize openings/setups
-hip to hip on underhook side, head on underhook side
-sprawling/crossfacing- double leg counters

overall, wrestling getting much better. must continue to develop and study.

guillotine series

sh class

yoga in am

--------

techniques-

-guillotine from guard- all the way over, down, and around
-100 percent crucifix sweep off of them grabbing at wrist
-leg up finish from them going to wrong side
-chin strap sweep from them jumping over cross side

----------

rolling-

good-
-speed and technique
-sweeps
-taking the back

to work on-
-more taking the back
-power, leverage
-timing
-sensitivity

SH rolling

sh training

rolling-

good-
-pressure on jonathan
-finally got butterfly to half guard pass

to work on-
-open guard setups- push with elbow, not arm (leaving arm open to underhooks)
-keep arm tight vs. underhooks/kimuras in open guard (x-guard mainly)

-------

stand up-

good-
-head control better
-defense decent

to work on-
-single leg control/finish
-more arm drags

saulo guard opener/leg on shoulder pass

pm class

techniques

-saulo guard opener to leg on shoulder pass
-leg on shoulder defense- stiff leg to shoulder roll- follow up w/ butterfly sweep

--------

rolling-

good-
-killer instinct remains
-continue to be aggressive
-sweeps are good
-guard recovery is good
-passing is good

to work on-
-timing
-sensitivity
-setups
-stand up
-pressure
-leverage

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

stand up

good-
-overall awareness is better
-inside control
-moving the head w/ collar tie
-starting to work on making them step w/ collar tie and clinch
-sprawl is okay

to work on-
-defending vs. double leg- turning the corner
-set ups
-dominating the clinch
-elbow control
-hand fighting- when they break away, go for setups

neglected (but solid) half guard moves

pm class

techniques-

-half guard crossface/bridge- when opponent has hip on ground and is crossfacing you
-half guard lift/replace- when opponent is chest to chest (grab over back to belt, control knee, insert hook, lift, replace)
-half guard bridge/hip escape to bf guard sweep- insert forearm in throat, hand on hip, proceed with replacement, and move into bf guard sweep.
-bf guard farside bridge- when opponent is crossfacing and underhooking- trap elbow, switch legs, point hips towards direction bridging, bridge and go.

--------

rolling

good-
-persistence
-speed
-leverage from top
-overall base/balance
-passing
-sweeps

to work on-
-strength
-healing foot
-stand up
-timing
-sensitivity
-pressure

staying sharp

pm class

techniques

-put self in a triangle pass (could be disaster if you do it wrong)
-hip bump sweep to high mount
-mount to collar choke w/arm at back of neck off of upa


--------

rolling

good-
-very aggressive
-thinking progress and finish
-sweeps were clean
-passes were good- fast and tight intermixed.
-top control was suffocating
-strong from top and bottom. didn't get passed, swept, or tapped all night (all blue and white belts, though).
-knee on stomach setups
-variety of submissions- spinning arm lock, triangle, kimura, collar choke, bow and arrow, arm lock from top, arm triangle, baseball bat choke, etc.
-spider guard used to set up x-guard- if you spider, they will likely stand
-the little stand up i did. good clinch control. causing them to step. aggressive ankle pick, but didn't finish it.

to work on-
-healing foot
-stand up
-takedown defense
-continue to be aggressive
-timing
-sensitivity

Dan Gable: Standing Position (Wrestling Essentials Series)

vid notes-

key-
-stance
-leg attacks
-go behinds
-push/pull- snaps
-various finishes from all moves
-key move list (see bottom)

overall- lots of good ideas, but my wrestling skills aren't good enough to incorporate all the variations. gotta work on the fundamentals.





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



wrestling on feet

good stance and setups, form are important

wrestler must also be prepared to fend off and score off of attacks

------

setups

stance, position, movement, faking

key to all offensive/defensive skills is stance
hips under, legs under them
hands down
heads fairly up
using own position to feel comfortable

european stance- more bent over at head, staggered more, hips bent over more (think cobrinha)

greco roman stance- more upright- using hips (can't attack lower body in greco)

stance in motion drill
circling, stalking, backing up, body faking
combine with knock out (sprawl on one side)
hip heist (sit through)

good stance with fake and motion opens up numerous opportunities while limiting opponent's scoring attempts

pummeling
good pummeler makes scoring look easy

speed, power, and motion

hand fighting
sumo drill-move opponent out of circle or snap them to mat

ties and snaps
good tie can create snapping and go-behind opportunities
collar inside tie- strong push/pull
underhook/wrist- pushes in, reaches in, snaps, go behind
sort penetration with tie arm is important
front headlock tie-push in, snap, go behind
tight elbow important

2 on 1 tie
push in, snap, go behind
keep good angle to keep opponent off legs

double inside tie
push, snap, go-behind
most commonly used

use when opponent is pushing in hard
if they aren't pushing in, you push first, then pull and snap down

go behind circle drill
biggest mistake on go behind- only a little weight on near arm ad they can turn

defense
whip-over

common mistake in shooting- miss shot, reach up (can get whipped over)
correct way- keep arm down, circle out

sprawling and clearing hands
incorporate go-behind drill

sprawl far enough before you go-behind
common error- clear hand before go-behind
hit angle off opponent's shot- don't stop and tie up and then go-around for most part
push in and elongate opponent- snap down

counter to front headlock- 2 on 1 (especially on feet)
also can do quick duck before they get tight
commiting hips to back arch is important to duck under
once front headlock is tight- grab elbow and bend knees to release pressure

need to learn to clear front headlocks from knees
drive into them, slide head out
short drag action is used here
duck from knees also
don't let opponent solidify tie up position

body lock duck drill

double leg attacks
requires penetration and driving
cutting corners
driving leg tackle

setups-
1. body faking - get opponent to react
2. elbow post- clears opponent's arms
3. collar and inside tie snap- clear opponent's head out of position
4. underhook and elbow post- opens up legs

finishes-
-head to one side, leg on other
-lift opponent into air, circle down- get swing in action
-twist to butt with shoulder in, cover hips
-slide by when opponent sprawls

double jolt drill- when opponent reaches for shoulders- come in and jolt every time
gives opportunity to know we are penetrating

use landing pad for safety


single leg attacks

high single finishes-
-head drive finish
-far knee barzigar finish
-low ankle lift finish
-far knee behind finish
-lift finish

in-out drill
back and forth

knee positions determine where you take opponent

corner cutting drills
pick ankle up as you come around

can also be done from feet

sweep single finishes
-far knee finish- pivot all the way behind
-lift and finish- lift opponent's leg off head
-head drive finish- get caught, come across and leg drive
-limp arm- out of whizzer

lift drill

head to outside shot
finish- cutting corner

lift finish

low single attacks (john smith)
cut across finish
low single lift
catching heel is a must

go-behind drill when they go low single
hand peel


near arm-far leg - from inside control

also sweep single
fake at knee, head snap

tosses

backstep drill-seionage
opponent must push into partner

hip toss- o goshi

headlock hip toss

more key moves
deep penetration and back arch- duck under

high-c
duck under
arm drag- swivel at hips
fireman's carry
ankle pick

butterfly

sh am class

yoga

-------

techniques-
-arm drag reps
-rock up to take back
-overhook bf sweep
-overhook bf sweep to overhook arm lock
-overhook bf sweep to head kimura to sweep

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

rolling-

good-
-overall defense vs. mike. still got worked, but not as bad as normal. put up some counters to kimura, guillotine, and other things that normally wreck me.
-guard recovery vs. mike

to work on-
-take downs. feel much better than a few months ago, but have to continue to get better.

Arm drag and RNC day

been out of training since monday because of a sprained ankle. strangely enough, i felt way better after the break. the increased stand up and clinch knowledge worked very well for butterfly guard, which is sort of a sitting clinch position.

pm no gi

techniques-
-arm drag to taking the back from bf guard
-bf sweep from collar tie and wrist control- bring on top, kick out post, sweep over
-brabo from half guard- (finishing detail- sprawl leg close to head)
-brabo counter- trap arm, underhook leg, pendulum legs and sweep over

----------

rolling-

good-
-bf guard passing
-general top game base

-bf guard control
-x-guard sweep
-side control game
-choke combo- n/s guillotine/brabo/etc

-hand fighting and inside clinch fighting!
-defense from arm triangle
-passing posture from standing/top game base

-arm drags to taking the back
-back control
-rnc series
-10+ RNC finishes during sparring today
-strong bf sweep

-overall aggressiveness is up
-taking control of matches well and applying pressure (mental and literal)


to work on-
-different paths to the back. practice the back again.
-stand up (when foot is better)
-continue to stay aggressive and execute moves when in position
-work on timing and sensitivity on techniques already comfortable with.
-work on bad sides on people you can dominate
-work on escapes with people who don't pose a threat? maybe after the aggressive streak naturally changes to something else.

Randy Couture: Closing the Distance

vid notes

key ideas
-controlling distance- using footwork
-underhook
-level changes- head up, hips in
-duck under, slide by, arm drag
-cooperative state of mind

--------

basic pummeling
drills to establish dominant positions

establish the underhook
control opponent's arms and lines of defense
set up attacks

swimming drill
chest to chest
close proximity
use legs and hips

drill- as they re-pummel, change levels and duck head under arm
redirect elbow, create space for head, change levels with knees (slide down from elbow to wrist)
exaggerate head movement- go through them, not around them
not a real position, just a drill for timing
change levels
timing
be able to attack opponent's body
you can predict what opponent will do
knowledge of how they react in a certain situation

duck under
level change
bending the knees
keeping head up, hips in
moving through opponent's body

slide by
as they re-pummel, redirect arm and trap it to slide
slide head by and trap arm with head
drive ear/head through body
grab behind knee
drive through!

arm drag
as they re-pummel, redirect hand and arm drag
drag and step through opponent

cooperative partners
develop timing, sensitivity, and technique
3 techniques in a row generally

Randy Couture- Clinch Takedowns: dominant positions

vid notes

main ideas
-clinch takedowns
-dominant positions
-establish inside control and manipulate opponent
-make opponent move, step


key things to integrate-
-inside control
-strong underhooks
-double underhooks- high or low
-using dominant control to make them step
-foot sweep as you make them step
-counter tension- push and pull with upper body


---------

dominant positions

establish inside control-
eliminate lines of defense that opponent has to prevent you from attacking hips and body
eliminate elbow and hand- opponent can use to control you and prevent takedowns
control head- can also prevent you

single underhook
can work and set up opponent from here

not shallow underhook- isolate upper arm
come all the way up and grab with palm on front deltoid (handle)
pull elbow down and into you
eliminates some torquing
can pull them and steer them where you want or create tension in body so they resist-
you use this to open up your techniques

important- your hips and their hips
control that space between you- between hips and leg- danger zone
less important to control if you're pulling, but CRITICAL if you're pushing

once you close the range, hold on to that position

double underhook
want to be either high or low- at neck so they can't bring arms down and lock- stretch them out
or low- capture hips
lock arms on upper back or lower back, avoid the middle back- you will get overhooked

head position becomes important depending on which technique
for most part, you want head close to hand on underhook side
remember to control danger zone
block wrist or inside control- block bicep
counter pressure- pushing on bicep and pulling on underhook

far side duck under
opponent will be trying to free arm- use that energy to duck under
drive head through body, as you come around corner- attack hip
don't pick up LEG, pick up HIPS- their center
level change with knees, not bending at waist
explode and pull with underhook- pull with shoulder and rotate back to floor
come to cross side
can possibly slam the crap out of them

near side duck under-
raise elbow and create space on underhook side
level change- bend at knees
rotate head through hole you've created
drive up and in to opponent- go THROUGH them, not around them
grab shoulder and pull

slide by (double leg setup)
create tension- jack underhook up and lean them over
most people- when you push in to them, they will push back
use momentum to execute this technique
head away from underhook- like bf sweep
steer them up- as they resist and steer back upright, release pressure
time slide by with release of pressure
put ear where hand was
underhook hand drops to far knee
drive head laterally though body- not straight back
-create tension, release, level change, drive head laterally through body, straighten bottom arm and drive shoulder into stomach

simple techniques- if you miss it, you're not in a lot of danger
low risk techniques!

foot sweep
low risk is the key
pulling and circling opponent
make them step how you want them to step, react how you want them to react
circle away, they step to keep you in front of them
as you see the leg step, foot sweep at the ankle
timing is key
catch foot BEFORE it's planted

high single leg
make them step towards you
level change, shrug shoulder up over head (like shot put)
change levels and squat
pick up hip, not leg
head up, hips in
lift, head drives into chest, back leg cuts back of thigh
they topple over backwards- counter pressure of head and knee
shrug backwards

inside trip (one of basic judo trips)
make them step towards underhook
take head towards foot
make triangle with thigh, lower leg, and underhook hand

knee block
make them step with far leg (not underhook side)
force step, level change, block knee, drive arm laterally
as you knee block, toriani to the ground
may take you a few tries
explosive- drive through

body lock
50/50
capture hips and body lock them to mat
foot comes around on underhook side- knee digs into back of knee- push them over
rotate back leg around (like uchi mata step)
establishing position and executing technique before they do

over under twist
pull with underhook and push on side with overhook hand
coordinate off-balance with hips
step into danger zone for power
twist- rotate them 180 degrees
explode and pop

double underhook twist
lock high
use hips to twist them
step into danger zone, twist and load them onto hips, spin

inside trip can be done from double or single underhook

clinch takedowns
dominant positions

establish inside control and manipulate opponent
make opponent move, step

Randy Couture- Clinch Fighting

vid notes

main ideas-
-collar tie and underhook is one of best control positions
-always stay in their face- don't let them recover or get balance back
-intensity

key ideas to integrate-
-dynamic control- move and off-balance opponent at all times
-switching sides
-hendo knee bump
-underhook snap down

-------------------------------
important concepts-
-dominant positions
-single underhook
-double underhook
-single collar tie

collar tie + underhook is good

stay in their face, don't give them chance to breathe- they are constantly on defense

collar tie-
try to create angles
forward pressure- elbow down and in, pull head in, move hip towards his hip- create an angle
keep opponent off-balance
the more they try to resist, the more tired they get
more unpredictable
changing sides as they adjust and try to square up
short, intense bursts, get back to control (more striking based tip)
move opponent, keep them off-balance

wrestlers bring a lot of intensity
conditioning

modify the underhook-
underhook and lock the face
counter pressure from collar tie
pull body into you, push face away from you
cover nose and mouth (not sure if legal in bjj/grappling)
they go to peel hand off- bump and shrug- get to back- ride them to ground

off-balance move
hips in
control danger zone
plant foot right inside his foot
knee against thigh
bump the leg out at an angle (like hendo move)
as you bump the leg out, take a half a step back and snap them down with underhook
bump leg out and pound upper body forward, take half a step back
can do from overhook/outside control as well
they push to get underhook- bump knee out, snap down move
don't wait until they get underhook deep at shoulder

also bump and pound opposite leg
once you get timing and feel of it, it happens pretty frequently

countering double collar tie-
bump elbow block to underhook- come across and bump, shrug shoulder and get under
keep head up, hips in
move in to close space
turtle your neck, bring hips in, stand up straight

also, can grab and pinch elbows together, crowd them

grab neck and force hips into body
reach around and grab far ear, pop hip into their hip, pop hand off

shoulder punch
bring shoulder back and forward (is this legal?)
don't use as strike in grappling- use to off-balance and move them

Dan Henderson: The Clinch

vid notes

main ideas-
-strong clinch is a good position to dominate and take down opponent
-familiarity with positioning will put you at a great advantage

key ideas to integrate-
-strong underhook
-hips in, chest to chest
-controlling mid zone, circling to off-balance opponent
-knee bump move

-----------------------
closing the gap-
grab wrist into underhook
stay tight, hips in

pummeling drill
work to get guy off balance

don't have hips out
keep them in
control underhook and wrist

establish good underhook-
reach all the way over and grab shoulder from top
keep arm in bend of your arm
suck it in tight
pinch ear over or chin to trap arm

good overhook

clearing the underhook-
take other hand and pop in chest
swim arm over- up by ear and under

leg positioning-
control the middle zone
foot inside instep

knee bumps- knee next to knee
bend knee and bump- use underhook to snap them down
from overhook- bring out and bump shoulder

step to the outside to make him move
get him off balance

double underhook
keep hips tight to opponent
control middle area
step outside leg to make him off-balance
don't just push on them
if they get double over hooks- knee bump and take out one underhook

takedowns from the clinch
double underhook twist
step one leg in heel to heel, hips tight, chest to chest
explode and twist
step and explode off step
unlock hands and grab back- pull them into you

under and overhook twist
get used to where weight is
move them a bit
step and pull towards underhook
key to move- chest to chest
step out to finish

body lock- drop to knee
circle them to you on overhook side
big step around leg on overhook side
turn foot at angle
put all weight on that leg
take other leg and step behind- like uchi mata step
take knee with outside leg
common mistake- not putting weight on stepping leg
move body and get him off balance
make him carry your weight

can do move to either side- but better to overhook- you land in better position
good to combo- if they step away from overhook side, go to underhook side
add explosive hip pop for added effect
almost like a throw

pinch head lock
get their head on side of underhook
palm up- free hand clasps underhook hand
pinch everything tight- use head to help
pull head down- steering wheel
outside knee pivot out (knee slide pass in air as you land)
if you don't pivot foot correctly, you end up in half or full guard

if head on other side-
keep foot stepped in
deep underhook
reach over head and touch ear on other side
pull head tight to chest- turns them towards you- keep tight!
throw shoulder over head
lock headlock/arm triangle
finish like previous move

cross knee pick
circle opponent over and pick knee, run them down
change levels a bit as they step
hop step back with rear leg
grab leg right behind knee
run through body and block leg so they don't step
walk around like toriani
keep hand on knee until you pass to side control

outside duck
on underhook side-
knee bump
slide arm down to tricep, walk backwards- your elbow pointing straight to mat
neck on arm- circle around
insert head through armpit
control wrist
pop shoulder and transition to back
they often try and pull guard as you get behind them
keep ahold of far hip and walk legs around

regular duck under
on underhook side
get them to push into you a bit
step back, change levels, elevate arm, duck under
reach above neck if you want to trap head- arm triangle
otherwise grab around and control wrist

can also go towards wrist control side

stay tight- control and get opponent off-balance

John Smith- set ups and tie ups: being effective from your feet

video notes-

main ideas-
-elbow control and inside control can be used both offensively and defensively for setups
-set up before takedown
-don't penetrate unless you feel comfortable
-you will get controlled by a good opponent at some time during the match. the key is getting out and being able to develop setups from there

key ideas to integrate-
-strong elbow control, manipulations
-shoulder roll/thumb break
-alternative ways to get out of neck tie and 2 on 1 (hip to hip)
-alternative underhook re-pummel
-head control- always move the head- no stagnant neck tie

John Smith- Set ups and Tie ups: Being effective from your feet

Elbow control-
Opponent grabs your head
Use tie up to set up shots and attacks

Control above elbow- really low tricep
Roll wrist under and grip
- takes away penetration
- your elbow takes arm in- wrist over top of shoulder

on opposite side- control inside bicep

if opponent snaps you down, come inside and crowd them

develop power- lat pulls and dumbbell rows- elbow inside (remember Demian Maia)


Two elbow control
Same as one

Vs. inside bicep post- can prevent you from shooting
“break the thumb” – roll shoulder and pop thumb off by pulling arm in
Switching head to opposite side gives you more space to clear thumb off


Set ups-
Come off the elbow
Make sure you post on opposite side
Pull elbow and roll- Penetrate and rotate underneath half turn- high-c or double leg

Drop and pass the elbow-
Change levels and pass elbow over head
Opens up the shot
Often there when people are heavy on the head

Elbow hyperextension-
Drive it in- they pull it back out
You react and set up the takedown
Can go to duck under- but change other side to thumb over tricep

Back and pass the elbow- from arm post
Small step back and extend arm across (like arm drag)- drive elbow across

Vs. over the top- from arm post to tricep control over top
Pull elbow to you- roll shoulder and break thumb

Head control-
Go to when opponent on inside control
Always go wrist deep- move head and pull down- don’t just sit there
Come down and roll wrist over top of head- they need to re-route out other side-
Penetrate and shoot

All set ups should be quick!


Steering wheel-
Club and pinch his head to own elbow
They pull back up- you penetrate and shoot- duck under is good here

Duck under- pull up and roll elbow- other side goes monkey grip over tricep and pulls down

When you go to the head, always move it!


Vs. inside control-
Slap down drag
Switch quickly to forearm over wrist- slap wrist down and arm drag



Inside control-
Thumb inside or rotating thumb over top
Usually thumb inside- block position
Thumb outside- monkey grip- more pulling

Work the head-
Pull the arm across and pass- like snap down on arm
Circle towards side you’re penetrating
Can also steering wheel from here

Vs. an inside post- bump up with elbow and penetrate high-c or double

Two inside control-
Hard to penetrate from here
Pull and penetrate to single
Or pull, pass, and double

From two inside- switch to wrist
Watch arm drag! React right away
Roll under and drive wrist past leg- snatch single
Can also switch to snap down- like basketball pivot step


Counter defense

A good opponent will take control at some point

Vs. and underhook-
Do not get stood up- unless you are good at throws

Put pressure on underhook- pinch elbow to body
Get inside control on opposite side
Bury head in- jam to shoulder/jaw
Jam hand in to leg-karate chop- back hips away, pummel back inside and get underhook

Don’t penetrate unless you feel comfortable
Build setups and confidence
If you don’t have that, you don’t shoot

Vs. 2 on 1
Don’t try and run and circle
Close the gap, Control far elbow and hyperextend out, drive wrist to chest and down

Digging inside- close gap and dig inside- pry arm off

Have to clear dominant positions and get back into position to score

stepping up the intensity

pm class

techniques-
-high kos arm lock from overhook (sitting mount?)
-gimmicky kimura bicep slicer
-arm drag to butterfly sweep; follow up to leg post counter
-arm drag to underneath butterfly sweep on either side (ricardo special)

rolling-

good-
-higher intensity rolls today. nothing lazy at all. looking to sweep, pass, control, finish. no more lazy rolling.
-gotta start running over people.
-guillotine from half guard is good- they will often leave the neck out
-x-guard was generally good
-knee slide to over/under variation
-almost got arm-in guillotine on a high level person

to work on-
-footlock defense
-sweeps from arm-in guillotine
-getting underneath crossface from x-guard and footlock x-guard

sh butterfly, taking the back

sh training

techniques-
-arm drag to the back
-butterfly guard sweep
-butterfly rock up to take the back
-rnc entry


---------

notes-
-practice perfect rnc entry

-x-guard generally good

-reminder- kimura, americana, arm triangle escapes
-sweeps- pendulum, scissor, hip bump

brabo from side control

pm no gi

technique-

-from side control- clear arm, use hip to pin to head. insert arm like n/s guillotine, rotate around and cup elbow to prevent from coming out. adjust and lock the triangle, finish from side control on opposite side.

------

rolling-

good-
-attacks from butterfly guard
-arm-in guillotine
-rubber guard to omoplata
-overall guard control

-passing series to some extent
-marcelo pass to half guard
-kimura from half guard- palm grip
-sweep prevention?

-back control

to work on-
-more control when passing
-more pressure when passing
-finishing RNCs on larger and stronger opponents
-aggressiveness? sort of just waiting and reacting. gotta have killer instinct and consistently finish people.

roll day

pm class

good-

-guard recovery
-tripod to de la riva to either deep half or x-guard, depending how they react

-rani passing posture- if you get swept from half guard, you land in x-guard pretty much.
-knee slide to over/under variation


to work on-
-passing pressure
-from passing posture- getting the leg on shoulder pass when they go to z-guard
-flattening them in butterfly- pulling up the legs before trying to pass

reminder to rest

too often i'll end up overtraining and burning out.

i made a deliberate decision to rest today. no conditioning, no rolling.

since it's the middle of the week, it falls nicely as a midway point to break up the intensive training.

gotta remember to rest and take breaks, otherwise training may be counterproductive.

kimura tricks (gimmicky)

pm class

techniques-

-kimura to bicep slicer
-kimura to guard bicep slicer

--------

rolling-

good-
-x-guard entries were nice
-x-guard sweeps were nice as well
-top game was decent part of the time
-knee slide pass on left side is one of my best passes

to work on-
-shutting down open guard- pick a side and shut down right away
-don't allow them to dominate grips
-sweep awareness- dump one way or switch to something else
-find ways to secure underhooks from butterfly guard

---------
stand up

good-
-2 on 1 to single leg
-driving head pressure in temple
-snap down pressure was better
-attempted arm drag to single leg
-outside sweeping single leg
-hit a double leg from my knees!
-foot sweeps are good to help setups

to work on-
-more pressure on crown of head
-more physical with neck tie
-work clinch in somehow
-work on off-balancing opponent and getting them to load weight
-work on ankle pick

am conditioning

10 laps in pool

conditioning this morning

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

kb swings
pull ups

10 laps swimming

nice way to ease into it. gotta do some conditioning each morning this summer.

GB butterfly sweeps/some good stand up tips

coincidentally the same thing at SH

pm class
------

techniques-

-bf sweep- lapel and overhook- pull opponent on top and kick out knee
-overhead bf sweep
-overhead bf sweep- switch to kick out sweep in air

-bf pass- like jacare- drive knee down on underhooked side, kick far leg out, switch hips, and pass

keys- flare out opponent's elbows

reminder- duck under from rock up bf from sim

---------

rolling

good-
-no more mental lapses
-"finish" mantra in head as soon as passed to side control. constantly repeating "finish," which is helping me focus on getting the sub vs. just positionally jacking them
-aggressiveness is up

-sweep defense is okay
-guard passing defense is good

to work on-
-aggressiveness with control
-pressure and breakdowns
-more finishes from side control

-combo attacks with guard pass defense- guillotines, kimuras, arm drags, sweeps, etc.

-arm lock defense- push up on leg over face to ease pressure, and then pendulum legs and technical stand to stack.

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

stand up-

-foot sweeps are working in nicely to keep it unpredictable

tips-

2 on 1-
-hold at opposite ends of arm- at wrist and at armpit for more pressure
-sometimes just control wrist and duck head out instead of always shrug away to 2 on 1- less chances for singles
-as before- if they pull out of 2 on 1, shoot the single


neck tie-
-snap down pressure, but also look for them to step
-low sweeping single leg away from neck tie hand
-make them step with neck tie and ankle pick towards neck tie hand

-vs. high collar grab-
-collar grab underneath and flare out elbow
-high c? must get good to do them

-it's all angles with a lot of these things

Butterfly sweeps

sh training

butterfly sweeps

-arm drag
-butterfly elevator (note difference in underhook- deep and pinching over hand with chin)
-butterfly elevator 2- they counter by posting with foot- you bring knee to chest and trip basing food with free leg
-butterfly crucifix- they counter elevator and have head next to your arm- take arm off wrist and guillotine crucifix over neck, driving head through and finish the sweep
-shoulder crank elevator- from underhook position- pinch elbows together and torque shoulder- get bicep to bicep

-----------

rolling-

-butterfly sweeps are coming better after the drills and reps
-finding a place for deep half

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

stand up-

-starting to attack combos off the 2 on 1
-utilizing lots of foot sweeps in setups

-need to dominate opponent more in clinch
-more snap downs
-driving crown of head into temple
-must drive opponent off-balance before attempting takedowns- otherwise they have 100% of defense available