Friday, January 27, 2006

Leg and Arm Work Needs Work

On Wednesday we focused on control and transitions for Side Mount and I realised that my ground work across the board is pretty sloppy. I am still amazed when I see Professor get a top control position and keep it, even with a much larger opponent.

My understanding of what my arms and legs need to be doing needs dramatic improvement if I am going to get better at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Some things I need to remember are:

  • Make better use of my weight to counter the escape actions of my opponent. Weigh down at the right place, at the right time, and with the right amount of pressure.

  • Remember that I have legs and knees and should use them. Use knees as door stops; close in tight. Use legs as tripods or kick stands to distribute weight to prevent opponent from sitting up or rolling over. Be ready to get mobile and shift quickly.

  • Use top arm to control head loosely when on my side, pushing my shoulder down on side of opponent's head. If I can control where my opponent is looking, I will know he will have great difficulty moving in the other direction.

  • It is easier to use my entire body to pull or push an opponents arm. I can use my elbow to knee to gather up an arm and a head and pinch for control.

  • An opponent can not push what is not there. Shift or roll to deflect and get out of the way of their push. Have a next step ready and when they are extended, my will be done.
I am going to start to concentrate on what my knees and legs are doing over the next few classes until I have a better understanding of how I can make better use of them. That, I think, is a good next step...

Ous.