Closed Guard Training Session 6

For Tuesday night we continued with our submissions part of the closed guard month. This will only be done after we finish drill night. We always start class on Tuesdays with stretching and then straight into our drills. We have started to add a few new wrinkles to our Tuesday’s leading up to the State Tournament. We will start with grip fighting, and one foot sweep each Tuesday to help with our standup...not everyone should butt flop every time. We will have a gauntlet every Tuesday with guys rotating. We hope to get their cardio up for the tourney.

Technique - The 3 Submissions from Closed Guard would be Kimura, Omaplata, & Triangle. These would be chained together in a sequence I use when attacking.

1. Kimura
You will start out with the opponent in your closed guard. The Kimura would come from when I attempt a hip bump sweep, and they post the trapped arm on the ground. I will then keep my left arm wrapped around their arm, and use my right hand and grab their left wrist. I would then slide my left hand to grab my right wrist to form a figure four with their arms. I then make sure my guard is closed, and rock to my back. I will continue for the finish by pushing his hand to the sky, and over to his head.

2. Omaplata
We already went over the Omaplata; however we will show this from another setup. This setup is when your opponent defends the kimura by turning away, and not letting you close your guard. You have attempted the kumura, and already started rocking back....I will take my left hand and grip their left sleeve. I will use my right hand and grab the end of the opponent's pants leg. I will open/flower my legs open, and kick both legs forward. At the same time I push above my head their leg which will flatten the opponent out on the side of you. As soon as they are flat, I sit up and wrap my arm around their waist. I then turn both feet pointing to the side. This whole time I have not let go of my left arm grip. I then start to lean over to their right shoulder, like I want to whisper into their ear. This will perform the shoulder lock.

We did not have enough time to complete the third submission, so we will continue it on Thursday, but for those of you watching before open mat...here it is.

3. Triangle
I will go over the triangle submission next. Just like the omaplata we have already covered this submission, however here it is from another setup. This is a transition from the hip bump, kimura, omaplata, to triangle. Lets say the opponent blocked all the way leading to the omaplata. This time the opponent is strong with good base, and postures up. Instead of fighting for the omaplata, you will switch to the triangle. You already have the left arm trapped between your legs, and controlling his left arm. You will open your left leg that was in front of your face, and bring it around their head. You will close your feet together gaining control of the opponent. At this time if you have their posture down, you will grab your left ankle with your right hand. You will then bridge, and push their arm across to the left side of your body. You will place your right foot onto their hip, and push just like you did for the armbar, but back the other way. This will cut the angle, and tighten up the triangle. Remember not to let go of your ankle while doing this. You will then re lock your legs, by placing your right leg over your left ankle forming a figure four. Then you will pinch, and pull down their head for the finish.

Remember, this shows that there are multiple ways to set up submissions, and there is not one clear cut way that you have to go to. You could go from Kimura to Omaplata to Triangle as shown above, or you could go Kimura to Triangle to Omaplata. That is what is great about BJJ, in which you are reacting to what your opponent does...it is a true real life chess game.

Closed Guard Training Session 5

Thursday night Lesson plan. We will continue with our submissions part of the closed guard month. We always start class on Thursdays with stretching, and then straight into our Thursday night four drill warmup. This is the Butterfly rocking, Toreando type pass, Head on floor hop overs, and kimura from closed guard.



Technique - The 3 Submissions from Closed Guard would be Cross Collar Choke, Ezekiel Choke, Head and arm choke



Remember...there are different variations to submission set-ups, and different details that fit to each person's game.


1. Cross Collar Choke
The cross collar choke should be a go to staple in everyone's brazilian jiu-jitsu game. the gi is there...use it! You will have the opponent in your closed guard. You will break down your opponent's posture. You will place your right hand in for a grip on their right side collar...palm up, high and tight to their neck. You will wrench down with your elbow breaking down their posture further. With your left hand you will reach over their head to their left shoulder, and grab the gi material that is stretched out. You will then pull inwards and turning out your fists to complete the choke. This is all completed while inside your closed guard.


2. Head and Arm Choke

I perform this choke when i am rolling with a larger opponent, and it is early in the match. The opponent in your closed guard puts his right arm across your body. The reason why I attempt it there is because normally I go to the armbar if they are in this position. I will push their elbow with my left hand upwards toward my head. I will then quickly cross face (My right arm will go behind opponent's head), and gable grip my hands. This will result in having my right arm against and around his head, my left arm trapping his right arm and head. I want to make sure my left arm is deep underneath his triceps. Locking my hands together, I place my head against their head. To finish, I contract my biceps and pectorals while driving my head into him to get the tap.


3. Ezekiel

This is a transition from the Head and Arm Choke if it is not finishing the opponent. Even when you are close to finishing your opponent, you need options in case your opponent can weather the storm. The oppoenent is defending by pushing out with his trapped arm. Instead of forcing the move (Trying to muscle it, which we all do occasionally), I grab the inside of my left sleeve (The one that had the arm in). I will then circle my left hand over his head until the blade of my wrist reaches his throat. To finish the Ezekiel choke, i drive my choking hand upward, and wrench down with my right arm...closing off the hole that his head is in.

Closed Guard Training Session 4

Tuesday night we began our submissions part of the closed guard month. We started the class with our warm-ups, then drills, then lined up for a few announcements.

Drills:
Tonight we changed it up a little to keep our drills from getting stale. We set the timer for 6 minutes, and had everyone pair of into a group of 3...matching up in size. We had enough for 5-3 men teams to do mini king of the hills. We started with closed guard. One person on the bottom, and the other in their guard. The bottom man is to sweep or submit, while the top man's job is to pass. If either sweep, submit, or pass is done, then the next person gets in. If it was a stale mate for 2 minutes, the fresh person comes in. This will keep one person from buffaloing and also keep people fresh for attacks. We did two sessions of 6 minutes for closed guard, then one 6 minute session for back control.

Blacklist Announcements:
*Thursday night is the first night we bring back our NoGI class. This class will begin at 6:30 which is the same time as the kids class. They will be done on the puzzle mats on the other side of the gym. Derrick Breaux will teach the class.
*Saturday morning "Crazy" Tim Credeur our Blackbelt leader, UFC Fighter, All-Around great guy will be at our Mathews, LA gym for a seminar. Everyone there is welcome, and it will be a great time. Tim breaks down the little details, and shows a ton of things...remember to take notes afterwards, because you will learn a bunch of techniques.
*May 16 Louisiana State Championships...Just a reminder

Technique - We covered 3 Closed Guard Submissions tonight...Armbar, Triangle, and Omaplata.

Remember...there are different variations to submission set-ups, and different details that fit to each person's game.

1. Armbar

This technique will be shown with you having your closed guard on opponent, and attacking his right arm. I will gain my gi grips with my right hand palm up grabbing the inside of his right shoulder's collar. My left arm has a sleeve grip. I will break his posture by using both my gi grips and legs. I will yank his right arm and place it tightly on my chest. I will then open guard, and place my left foot onto his hip. My right leg will stay in place...(this is crucial...many times people drop this leg to the floor. You have to keep your knees pinched.) I will then push with my left foot on the hip making my body swivel on the small of my back turning to where I can see his ear. You will go from straight line with opponent, and then when you push off you will form a L looking into their ear. You will then have a chance to let go of the collar if you need the room, and slide that arm down their arm to control the wrist. You will then loop the leg that was on their hip and put it over their head. You will pinch your knees, drive your feet down, arc your hips up, and pull their arm down. If this is set up tightly, you will not have to move far. Make sure their thumb is pointing towards the ceiling.

2. Triangle

This technique we will show in connection to the armbar above. Lets say the person stacked you while you attempted the armbar, and pulls out his arm. You will then focus on the other arm that is between your legs. You will open your left leg that was in front of your face, and bring it around their head. You will close your feet together gaining control of the opponent. At this time if you have their posture down, you will grab your left ankle with your right hand. You will then bridge, and push their arm across to the left side of your body. You will place your right foot onto their hip, and push just like you did for the armbar, but back the other way. This will cut the angle, and tighten up the triangle. Remember not to let go of your ankle while doing this. You will then re lock your legs, by placing your right leg over your left ankle forming a figure four. Then you will pinch, and pull down their head for the finish.


3. Omaplata

This technique we will show in connection to the armbar/triangle above. Lets say the person stacked you while you attempted the armbar, and has a wrap lock around your leg with his left arm. You have the option of going to the omaplata. This is how I like to do this move. I will then switch my grips...I will take my left hand and grip their left elbow which is locked around my leg. I will use my right hand and grab the end of the opponent's pants leg. I will open/flower my legs open, and kick both legs forward. At the same time I push above my head their leg which will flatten the opponent out on the side of you. As soon as they are flat, I sit up and wrap my arm around their waist. I then turn both feet pointing to the side. This whole time I have not let go of my left arm grip. I then start to lean over to their right shoulder, like I want to whisper into their ear. This will perform the shoulder lock.

All in all we had a great group of guys in class last night working hard, and everyone trying to tighten up their game. Remember, its the little details that make these techniques work.

Here is a movie made in 1987...comment back if you see the submission used at the end of the fight...lol

Closed Guard Training Session 3

Thursday we continued on our monthly Closed Guard techniques. We started the class with our Thursday night warm-ups, then lined up for a few announcements.

Blacklist Announcements:
*Starting next Thursday March 19th, we will have a nogi class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:30. This will go on the same time as the kids class, but will be on mat area 2. Derrick will teach the Thursday nights, and Buddy will also instruct on Tuesdays. We are starting this up because we feel it is a part of the game, defense that will help everyone. All students are encouraged to participate. Also if you would like to come and help with the kids class that is welcome also. Teaching a technique helps you better understand the little details involved.

*Tim Credeur will have his seminar on March 21, in the Mathews Gym. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Should be a great seminar like all of the ones Tim has done for us.

*Judo tournament at the end of April...If anyone is interested in competing in a Judo tournament let Derrick know, and he will get with Josh in Lafayette.

*Keeping up with training...I spoke on the importance taking notes and a journal. This has helped my game tremendously, and helps me remember the little details.

Technique - We covered Guard Passes tonight...Double Under/Stack Pass, and the Knee cross Staple Pass.

Remember...there are different variations to sweeps, and different details that fit to each person's game.

Double Under/Stack Pass...

Sitting inside your opponent's guard you will get the samurai grip on his lapel. With your opposite hand you will grab your opponents gi at the inside knee. You will then shift over placing your knee under his butt, and spread your other leg forming an L with your legs on your knees. By pushing your body back you will open their closed guard...as soon as it opens bring your knee that is under their butt up, and foot flat on the floor to what is called "Combat Base."

I paused here, because this should be a staple move for any pass attempt...getting to Combat Base you are in an advantage on position...they won't be able to close their guard, and you are determining how you want to pass.

You will then swim both arms at the same time underneath their legs...dropping your knees back to the ground. It is crucial to swim both arms at the same time. You will wrap your arms around their legs deep...where the thigh and hip meet. you will then drag him up onto your lap, and grab your hands together with a gable grip. You will then sprawl out putting the pressure on top of your opponent...kinda like folding him over. You will then grab with the thumb in their cross collar. Keep your arm and grip in tight...putting a lot of pressure on them. You will then walk around them slowly...do not move your head...the pressure of your chest on their legs, and turning will force their legs off you, and give you side control.


Knee Cross/Staple Pass...

Sitting inside your opponent's guard you will get the samurai grip on his lapel. With your opposite hand you will grab your opponents gi at the inside knee. You will then shift over placing your knee under his butt, and spread your other leg forming an L with your legs on your knees. By pushing your body back you will open their closed guard...as soon as it opens bring your knee that is under their butt up, and foot flat on the floor to what is called "Combat Base."

I then switch to grabbing both gi's knees while in combat base. I then pass my right knee over the opponent's right knee. I make sure to stay close to the hip with my leg stapling his right leg to the ground...the ideal placement is having your right knee touching the ground about his leg, and your foot touching the ground below his leg...which is where the staple comes in...it is like your leg is stapling his leg down. You will then take your left arm and grab his right sleeve...take your right arm and get the far side under hook. You will then pull his right arm, and pass to side control. Remember posture is key, and having that staple enables your opponent to regain guard. You pass your left leg before letting the staple go...then into side control.

Hopefully this broke it down a little, and you can print this and add them to your notebook/binder for jiu-jitsu. If you didn't make it to class, and it is confusing feel free to comment. I will try to answer any questions.

Closed Guard Training Session 2.5

Tonight we continued on our monthly schedule of sweeps from the closed guard. Tonight was also drill night, so we had to allot enough time to complete our normal drills. However, we ran class real smoothly through warm-ups, and was able to get in our techniques for the class.

Warm-ups - We did our normal stretching, shrimps, forward rolls, bear crawls, and then we went into drills

Drill Night - We do drill night every Tuesday. Tonight we started with Closed Guard. One person starts on their back with closed guard on another person. They have eight minutes to submit or sweep the person they are controlling. The person inside closed guard has to pass. If there is a submission, sweep, or pass, then they switch, and do the same but in their new role. The second drill we went into was back control, using the same principles as above. The final drill was side control...same as above.

Technique - We covered 2 sweeps tonight...Leg Push/Pull Sweep, and the Hip Bump Sweep or Kimura Sweep.

For position understanding I will attack the opponents right side.

Leg Push/Pull Sweep...

In the guard position, you are on the floor facing your opponent with your legs wrapped around his sides. Place your left hand on the opponent's sleeve and the right hand in the collar of his uniform. You want a firm grip, so that you can gain leverage over your competitor. Unlock your guard, and place your feet onto your opponents' hips. You will then push your opponent away from you. As you do this, you will pull your opponents right arm with your left and at the same time push your left foot into their right thigh/hip. This will break down their balance, causing them to look like they are really stretching to reach something. While continuing to pull their arm and pushing their thigh/hip you will start to roll over towards your left. This will eventually lead you into the sweep ending up in a high mount. Who doesn't love to sit in the high mount?

Tournament points if this technique is used... 6 points...2 for the sweep & 4 for mount.


Hip Bump or Kimura Sweep...In the guard position, you are on the floor facing your opponent with your legs wrapped around his sides. You will want to break down your opponent's posture. If he has his hands on your hips, and has strong posture...monkey grip the inside of opponent's wrists, and pull outward...this will break his base on posture. Your opponent normally reacts by posturing back up. This is when the sweep begins. Open your guard, and place your left foot on the mat. You will post onto your right hand...notice I said hand and not elbow...this isn't lazy man's jiu-jitsu. Take your left arm and swing it over your opponent's left shoulder, placing your left armpit on top of opponent's left shoulder. You will reach with your left arm down his left arm grabbing his left tricep. Key detail...you are posted on your left leg and right arm...your butt should not be on the floor...you should be up on his lap. You will now push off of your left leg, and turn your body right, swinging his left arm over...landing you into mount.

Tournament points if this technique is used... 6 points...2 for the sweep & 4 for mount.


Hopefully this broke it down a little, and you can print this and add them to your notebook/binder for jiu-jitsu. If you didn't make it to class, and it is confusing feel free to comment. I will try to answer any questions.

Thursday Night's Closed Guard Training

Last night we had the honor of Gabe Barahonna and Derrick come in to teach the Adult class. Gabe went over a choke sequence that he prefers to use when attempting the scissor sweep, and the opponent counters. The choke happens when you attempt the sweep. The opponent counters by posting out. You still have your collar grip on him, then you take your left hand...(right hand is on his collar)...take your left hand and go over their head threading your hand under your right arm. You finish the choke by pulling up with your right arm, and pushing down with your left elbow...you will also try to push your left hand/fingers up.

The next choke was a triangle from the same position...instead of letting go with your left hand on their sleeve, you keep it there, and pass your left knee through the hole. Then you complete the triangle choke.

until next week...have fun, and keep training.

Gabe instructed, so that is why i don't have as many details into it. I will add to this post, as I understand and drill this a little more.

Closed Guard Training Session 1

We started our session of the Closed Guard for March on Tuesday. Tuesday is penciled in for our drill night, and we do not have a lot of technique involved on this day. However, we ran class real smoothly through warm-ups, and was able to get in our techniques for the class.

Warm-ups - We did our normal stretching, and added in a few sit-out drills, and threading the needle drills. We then went straight into Drill night

Drill Night - We do drill night every Tuesday. Tonight we started with back control. One person starts with back control of another person. They only have their feet (hooks) in, and begin the drill. They have five minutes to submit the person they are controlling. The person that has their back taken has to escape. After the five minutes is up, then they switch, and do the same but in their new role. The second drill we went into was closed guard. The person on the bottom can sweep or submit. The person on top (In the other person's guard) has to pass. It has to be a full pass; passing to half guard does not count.

Technique - We covered 3 sweeps tonight...Scissor Sweep, Push or Kickstand Sweep, and the flower sweep.

For position understanding I will attack the opponents right side.

Scissor Sweep... In the guard position, you are on the floor facing your opponent with your legs wrapped around his sides. Place your left hand on the opponent's sleeve and the right hand in the collar of his uniform. You want a firm grip, so that you can gain leverage over your competitor. Unlock your guard, and place your feet onto your opponents' hips. You will then push your opponent away from your and slightly roll to your side. As you do this, your right knee is going to move across the torso area of the competitor. Your right leg should look like a seatbelt draped accross your opponent's torso. The left leg will stay on the opponent's hip until you are ready for the sweep. When you are ready you will drop your left leg onto the ground near your opponents right leg, and then move your legs in a scissor formation. Use your arms to assist you in turning your opponent onto his back. As your legs guide him onto his back, your arms must move in the same direction.

Push Sweep or Kick Stand Sweep...(I use this as a second sweep in my chain of sweeps if the scissor sweep does not work)... In the guard position, you are on the floor facing your opponent with your legs wrapped around his sides. Place your left hand on the opponent's sleeve and the right hand in the collar of his uniform. You want a firm grip, so that you can gain leverage over your competitor. Unlock your guard, and place your feet onto your opponents' hips. You will then push your opponent away from your and slightly roll to your side. As you do this, your right knee is going to move across the torso area of the competitor. Your right leg should look like a seatbelt draped accross your opponent's torso. The left leg will stay on the opponent's hip until you are ready for the sweep. When you are ready you will drop your left leg onto the ground near your opponents right leg, and then move your legs in a scissor formation. Here is where the difference is put in. The opponent drops his base, and you are unsuccessful in the scissor sweep. Place your left foot on your opponents right knee. You may need to push away to create more space by using your right knee on your opponents stomach. Push your opponents right knee with your left foot to destroy their base. Then move your right leg over pushing your opponent onto their back.


Modified Flower Sweep...(Buddy showed us a sweep that he uses from time to time when the person blocks both sweeps, and post out on their right hand)... You set up the entire sweep as shown above. Once you get to the push sweep, and the opponent breaks your sleeve grip and posts his hand out for balance. You will then swim you arm under his posted arm, and push it accross your body. Very quickly you will then hug the side of your opponent, and reach over their back to grab their lats. The next step is to open you hips back to the left, and pull with your left arm, and push with the rest of your body. You should sweep the opponent over to your left.

Hopefully this broke it down a little, and you print this and add them to your notebook/binder for jiu-jitsu. If you didn't make it to class, and it is confusing feel free to comment. I will try to answer any questions.