I actually have been training a lot more than you’d think by following my blog, but there have been some interruptions due to to moving and a persistent shoulder injury. Only 10.5 hours of BJJ training in the last three weeks though. I heard the guys on the BJJ Brick podcast mention a good idea–a pain journal. I may try keeping up with the little annoying things that hurt here and tag them up so I can try to figure out what is causing something and know to avoid it. I have no idea where this shoulder thing came from, but it was pretty much immobile for a couple of days. I just woke up one morning and it was stuck.
Anyway, for this session we reviewed some very basic stuff in a series of submissions and answers to the defenses. Some people may get bored learning something they already know in class, but I really love going over the basics and picking up the details that I missed the first time around or having the chance to ask a question about something I’m having trouble finishing. The Americana is a great example–I got some key points that I missed out on the first time around when I was just focused on what an Americana is.
And even though I feel like I have pretty good side control for my skill level and size, picking up some finer points never hurts. Those details come in handy when trying to keep a big guy under control.
Side Control
- Pull up near side arm by the triceps, elbow tight
- Slide knee under that shoulder and arm under head
- Elbow to knee. Gable grip with the underhook from opposite. Hand under the head goes on top.
Americana
- Side control pressure to cause reaction of reach across the face
- C-cup grip between bicep and shoulder, or post their arm to the ground with the head (my preference)
- Under head arm comes out and push face back with elbow
- C-cup grip at wrist. Two fingers on each side of the bend
- Grip forearm
- Reverse motorcycle the wrist grip first to create the angle and prevent defense
- Reverse motorcycle forearm hand to elevate elbow
- Paint the floor
Downbar From Failed Americana
- Loosen grip on wrist if needed to allow some extension
- Clamp back down when arm is out
- Slide forearm grip arm back to elbow
- Push wrist out, reverse motorcycle grip
- Reverse motorcycle grip elbow arm to elevate
Kimura From Failed Downbar
- Pull toward you to move them to their side, elbow tight
- Pin near side arm with leg and windshield wiper to switch to the other leg
- Step over head
- Establish kimura grip, assuming the defense will be a grip on their belt or lapel
- Pull hand away against the fingers–towards the front of their body
- Pull arm up so they can’t establish another grip
- Pull arm back and to opposite shoulder
Choke From Unbreakable Kimura Defense
- Open the pants and reach in to trap the defending hand. There–you can have it there forever
- Thumb in lapel grip
- Step other foot over head and drop shoulders behind their shoulders. We want them on their side until we establish choke, but not pushing them to their bellies either
- Pull lapel over and place knife of forearm on opposite carotid.
- Elbow to the ground
See, I’m already forgetting some of the details of the last couple because I seldom progress that far successfully.
Rolled with Brad (quickly becoming one of my favorite people to roll with), Dr. Dan, Ed, and Dave. I love how easily Dave can take me down. He just stands up and whips out some judo on me that works even though I’m on my knees alread–crazy. Got closer than I’ve ever been with a bow and arrow on ol’ Tuesday.
Pain Journal: right shoulder still sticky. Left thumb weak from two year old rugby smash–can feel this when reaching into lapels for grips.
