Connecting the dots for success #9 = Save your Guard!

Imagine this..

Your hands are tired, your legs are burning, and when you decide you can't handle the pressure any more, your opponent pins your legs to the floor and passes your guard.

Keep in mind you are exhausted, that's why your guard started to fail to begin with.

Does the match get easier now that you surrendered the pass? NO!

Now, on top of being Exhausted, you get to enjoy the pressure of your opponent crushing your chest.

How can this be prevented?

One simple rule, never let your back touch the mat if your guard is compromised.

To better explain, and to keep this "Long story short", look at the pictures below.

The person on top is in the same position. However the player on bottom is doing 1 thing different that makes a night and day difference.

Note: With your back off the mat your opponent  has much to consider before attacking you because he has less control. 

The better you are at getting your back off the mat, the harder it is to pass your guard.

Even better, develop options that keep your back off the mat, for example Koala Guard. If you are not familiar with Koala Guard, please see picture below and stay dialed in for a wave of information on the way.

Connecting the dots for success #5

Negate Your Opponet's Pressure!

The Art of "Framing"

Has this happened to you?

You're stuck in your opponent's closed guard.

You accidentally leave your head too close, then suddenly your opponent overhooks your arm, grabs a cross collar grip and now your fighting for your life against a wicked cross collar choke.

You attempt to pull your head away, but this allows your opponent to attack your overhooked arm!

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?!!

First, remind yourself next time to never fall in the "Strike Zone".

And If you are not aware of the "Strike Zone", refer to Blog #3 and stay tuned for the next couple of Blogs that will be discussing this  important subject.

Now, back to the task at hand..

There are several ways a cross choke is applied. However the most common application of a cross choke involves your opponent pulling his arms outward while applying pressure with his grips.

This is where "Framing" becomes a priceless concept you need to know. Framing allows you to structurally block or withstand your opponent's pressure, or in this case his collar choke attempt.

 Framing can be described as using your arms like posts to hold up weight or block pressure.

Need an example?

Next time you are at a beach, look at the pier. Thousands of pounds are supported by the wooden posts underneath, and that same structural concept opens doorways everywhere in Jiu Jitsu.

Caught in the trap! A Cross choke with your arm overhooked.

Here are Steps to block the choke..

Post knee up.. 

Place your elbow against your knee, and your palm against your opponent's upper arm. 

Use your knee to push against your elbow and post your hand against your opponent's upper arm. With both your leg and arm working together your opponent's arm can not apply pressure for the cross choke. You have crushed the choke. 

Photo credit: Justin Agee

"Framing"  can be used in many scenarios. Below is another example of how to use a Frame against a smash pass.

Post against your hip to stop your opponent from collapsing your legs. This often provides a few more seconds for a better guard recovery.  

Never underestimate the power of "Framing".