BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Olympiastützpunkt Rhein-Neckar) #####, Heidelberg, Germany, 30/07/2019
Passing. Sleeve pull, groin to face, mount. Or, fake a step one way, then jump and X pass other way İf shin on shin, Windscreen wiper, backstep.
Showing posts with label Christian Graugart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Graugart. Show all posts
30 July 2019
30/07/2019 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Heidelberg 2019 | Christian Graugart, passing
Class #1174
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Olympiastützpunkt Rhein-Neckar) #####, Heidelberg, Germany, 30/07/2019
Passing. Sleeve pull, groin to face, mount. Or, fake a step one way, then jump and X pass other way İf shin on shin, Windscreen wiper, backstep.
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Olympiastützpunkt Rhein-Neckar) #####, Heidelberg, Germany, 30/07/2019
Passing. Sleeve pull, groin to face, mount. Or, fake a step one way, then jump and X pass other way İf shin on shin, Windscreen wiper, backstep.
02 January 2019
02/01/2019 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Winter Camp 2019 | Christian Graugart, side control top
Class #1093
Jugendhotel Wiederkehr, Christian Graugart, Wagrain, Austria - 02/01/2019
I was quite tired for this, but fortunately it wasn't anything supremely taxing. Essentially, this was similar to the class I teach about maintaining side control, but using different reference points. Rather than the control point framework I talk about in my lessons, Christian built his around certain movements and techniques. Keep them flat, with five points in mind. There's the head, near elbow, near knee, far elbow and far knee. Keep their head looking away.
Then, near elbow, keep it away from his ribs. Keep their knee off mat. Lift, you could also try putting your knee under, weave. Kinda like control points, but more reverse engineering their escape. So maybe you have two, they escape some others. So you adjust. Always thinking about those five points. Think about mechanics, why are you doing that? Like, weird ways to stop them getting elbow to ribs.
Jugendhotel Wiederkehr, Christian Graugart, Wagrain, Austria - 02/01/2019
I was quite tired for this, but fortunately it wasn't anything supremely taxing. Essentially, this was similar to the class I teach about maintaining side control, but using different reference points. Rather than the control point framework I talk about in my lessons, Christian built his around certain movements and techniques. Keep them flat, with five points in mind. There's the head, near elbow, near knee, far elbow and far knee. Keep their head looking away.
Then, near elbow, keep it away from his ribs. Keep their knee off mat. Lift, you could also try putting your knee under, weave. Kinda like control points, but more reverse engineering their escape. So maybe you have two, they escape some others. So you adjust. Always thinking about those five points. Think about mechanics, why are you doing that? Like, weird ways to stop them getting elbow to ribs.
15 August 2018
15/08/2018 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Heidelberg 2018 | Christian Graugart (Knee on belly)
Class #1030
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Olympiastützpunkt Rhein-Neckar) Christian Graugart, Heidelberg, Germany, 15/08/2018
Knee on belly. Grabs far gi lapel or trousers by the hip as an anchor, twist that in to get a good anchor for the arm. Then you are behind the neck already, just grab collar and pop knee up.
Head over butt as ever, switch hip grip to the trousers and pull up. From here, can try for mount by taking a grip into the neck, then fish tailing the leg over to mount and up into the elbows.
With some pressure into the stomach, they may make the mistake of pushing into your knee. Shoot your arm through the gap, pull that in tight ("victory" kind of fist pump). Keep your head in tight, so they can't bring their arm back over.
Then you're ready to pull them up and go for all the usual stuff, kimura, armbar etc. There's the leg squeeze choke too, but that's tough to get in the right spot.
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Olympiastützpunkt Rhein-Neckar) Christian Graugart, Heidelberg, Germany, 15/08/2018
Knee on belly. Grabs far gi lapel or trousers by the hip as an anchor, twist that in to get a good anchor for the arm. Then you are behind the neck already, just grab collar and pop knee up.
Head over butt as ever, switch hip grip to the trousers and pull up. From here, can try for mount by taking a grip into the neck, then fish tailing the leg over to mount and up into the elbows.
With some pressure into the stomach, they may make the mistake of pushing into your knee. Shoot your arm through the gap, pull that in tight ("victory" kind of fist pump). Keep your head in tight, so they can't bring their arm back over.
Then you're ready to pull them up and go for all the usual stuff, kimura, armbar etc. There's the leg squeeze choke too, but that's tough to get in the right spot.
27 July 2017
27/07/2017 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Leuven 2017 | Defend Everything (Christian Graugart)
Class #862
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 27/07/2017
This was another classic Graugart conceputal lesson. He may well have taught it at one of the previous camps I've attended, but either way, loads of good stuff, made simple. Graugart called this 'defending everything', boiling that down to a few memorable phrases.
The first was 'head over butt', by which he means always keeping your head higher than your bum. Sounds simple, but a lot of people start sticking their bum in the air when passing. Indeed, some passes rely on it (like the half guard pressure pass). There aren't many 100% rules, but based on the examples he went through, it's a fairly good rule to keep in mind, particularly when passing.
If you get into a scramble, throw everything else out of the window and just get your hips higher than theirs. Graugart said this is what he goes for with younger, athletic opponents. Getting the hips higher might mean you can get ahead of their attributes, though timing and technique.
When you've almost been swept and are about to get passed, mounted or whatever. It's too late to get your hips higher than theirs. They need both your feet on the same side of your hip. So, you want to get at least one knee or foot behind your hip. If you have a free foot, get it behind you.
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 27/07/2017
This was another classic Graugart conceputal lesson. He may well have taught it at one of the previous camps I've attended, but either way, loads of good stuff, made simple. Graugart called this 'defending everything', boiling that down to a few memorable phrases.
The first was 'head over butt', by which he means always keeping your head higher than your bum. Sounds simple, but a lot of people start sticking their bum in the air when passing. Indeed, some passes rely on it (like the half guard pressure pass). There aren't many 100% rules, but based on the examples he went through, it's a fairly good rule to keep in mind, particularly when passing.
If you get into a scramble, throw everything else out of the window and just get your hips higher than theirs. Graugart said this is what he goes for with younger, athletic opponents. Getting the hips higher might mean you can get ahead of their attributes, though timing and technique.
When you've almost been swept and are about to get passed, mounted or whatever. It's too late to get your hips higher than theirs. They need both your feet on the same side of your hip. So, you want to get at least one knee or foot behind your hip. If you have a free foot, get it behind you.
24 July 2017
24/07/2017 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Leuven 2017 | BJJ Fundamentals (Christian Graugart)
Class #849
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 24/07/2017
This is a session Christian often teaches, providing a general introduction to both the camp and a helpful concept for jiu jitsu in general. That concept is the importance of controlling the space between your chest and knees. On top, you're trying to insert something into that space in order to get the pass or maintain control, while on the bottom, you're trying to either prevent them getting into that space (as when defending your guard), or reclaim that space (like when you are attempting to escape side control etc).
Christian had a new name for it this time, 'bellybutton touching competition', to emphasise the area you're both trying to control. Other than that, it was a repeat of last time, where after introducing the idea, Christian then had us do a bunch of light resistance drills to emphasise the idea. There was one part I didn't remember from 2016, which is having us commentate the roll, to get you thinking about what you're doing. I like the thought behind that, getting into that technical mindset when rolling. The difference is that normally you'd have that commentary running inside your head, rather than speaking it out loud. ;)
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 24/07/2017
This is a session Christian often teaches, providing a general introduction to both the camp and a helpful concept for jiu jitsu in general. That concept is the importance of controlling the space between your chest and knees. On top, you're trying to insert something into that space in order to get the pass or maintain control, while on the bottom, you're trying to either prevent them getting into that space (as when defending your guard), or reclaim that space (like when you are attempting to escape side control etc).
Christian had a new name for it this time, 'bellybutton touching competition', to emphasise the area you're both trying to control. Other than that, it was a repeat of last time, where after introducing the idea, Christian then had us do a bunch of light resistance drills to emphasise the idea. There was one part I didn't remember from 2016, which is having us commentate the roll, to get you thinking about what you're doing. I like the thought behind that, getting into that technical mindset when rolling. The difference is that normally you'd have that commentary running inside your head, rather than speaking it out loud. ;)
18 July 2016
18/07/2016 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Bournemouth 2016 | Posture Inside Closed Guard (Christian Graugart)
Class #757
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Phoenix MMA), Christian Graugart, Bournemouth, UK, 18/07/2016
For my last class of the inaugural UK BJJ Globetrotters camp, it was Christian heading things up, this time covering posture inside closed guard. In his introduction, he talked about how this was one of the fundamental classes he would teach to kids. He also make the important point that frequently in a competition (especially early on), you will get stuck in closed guard as your equally nervous opponent clamps down and barely moves.
They generally want to do one of three things: sit up to get close to your chest, pull you down to achieve the same, or climb their legs up your back to again dominate your posture. You are fighting for that space. Christian's grip is different to the chest and hip control I'm used to.
Instead, he concentrates on the chest, grabbing the collars as normal (rolling them over if you can), but then putting his other hand directly underneath (like you're holding a sword, or a baseball bat to use the typical US simile).
Keep your arms straight: a good comparison is a press-up, where you can hold yourself a long time with straight arms, not very long with bent arms. Have your chest out, head up (don't look at them), sitting low on your heels. Your head stays over your bum: I often say keep your head behind your knees, but this is more specific.
They will eventually break your strips. Simply regrip, aiming to get back to your previous posture whenever they are able to bring you out of it. An effective way to prevent them pulling you down is to shove your arm into their throat, though that's rather unpleasant. I preferred Christian's second option, which was to thrust your hips forward, like you're in a rodeo.
Should they climb their legs up your back, swim your shoulders through. You don't want them to have that control of your chest. You may also need to push your chest forward too and come forward. At some point, you will get broken down. If you can catch yourself before you're all the way down, one hand slides slightly forward, your other hand is on the wrist to support it, elbows tight. You want to get back to your previous posture.
Alternatively, gable grip, elbows into their knees and your head down. It is very static, but fairly safe as they have to open you up in order to attack. Again, you are always looking to get back to your original posture. If they get an overhook, block their other arm. Turn, reaching back and twisting your arm so your hand is palm up, then fire your arm out elbow first.
If they've wrapped up your head and pulled you down, use 'squirrel hands' to retreat out of that position to regain your posture. You're hooking your fingers over their armpits, knees into their bum. Pull your head back, being careful not to extend your arms, as that leaves them vulnerable to attack.
Sadly that was to be my last class of the UK Camp 2016, but I'm hoping to be back for longer next year. I'll have to see how my holiday allowance works out at work, but hopefully I can manage two or three days. If not, then a Monday full of classes is still gives me loads of technique to take back to the Artemis BJJ mats. :)
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Phoenix MMA), Christian Graugart, Bournemouth, UK, 18/07/2016
For my last class of the inaugural UK BJJ Globetrotters camp, it was Christian heading things up, this time covering posture inside closed guard. In his introduction, he talked about how this was one of the fundamental classes he would teach to kids. He also make the important point that frequently in a competition (especially early on), you will get stuck in closed guard as your equally nervous opponent clamps down and barely moves.
They generally want to do one of three things: sit up to get close to your chest, pull you down to achieve the same, or climb their legs up your back to again dominate your posture. You are fighting for that space. Christian's grip is different to the chest and hip control I'm used to.
Instead, he concentrates on the chest, grabbing the collars as normal (rolling them over if you can), but then putting his other hand directly underneath (like you're holding a sword, or a baseball bat to use the typical US simile).
They will eventually break your strips. Simply regrip, aiming to get back to your previous posture whenever they are able to bring you out of it. An effective way to prevent them pulling you down is to shove your arm into their throat, though that's rather unpleasant. I preferred Christian's second option, which was to thrust your hips forward, like you're in a rodeo.
Should they climb their legs up your back, swim your shoulders through. You don't want them to have that control of your chest. You may also need to push your chest forward too and come forward. At some point, you will get broken down. If you can catch yourself before you're all the way down, one hand slides slightly forward, your other hand is on the wrist to support it, elbows tight. You want to get back to your previous posture.
Alternatively, gable grip, elbows into their knees and your head down. It is very static, but fairly safe as they have to open you up in order to attack. Again, you are always looking to get back to your original posture. If they get an overhook, block their other arm. Turn, reaching back and twisting your arm so your hand is palm up, then fire your arm out elbow first.
If they've wrapped up your head and pulled you down, use 'squirrel hands' to retreat out of that position to regain your posture. You're hooking your fingers over their armpits, knees into their bum. Pull your head back, being careful not to extend your arms, as that leaves them vulnerable to attack.
Sadly that was to be my last class of the UK Camp 2016, but I'm hoping to be back for longer next year. I'll have to see how my holiday allowance works out at work, but hopefully I can manage two or three days. If not, then a Monday full of classes is still gives me loads of technique to take back to the Artemis BJJ mats. :)
21 June 2016
21/06/2016 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Leuven 2016 | Retaining Open Guard (Christian Graugart)
Class #729
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 21/06/2016
Christian continued with his concepts-led approach to teaching, with most of the class spent doing drills. The details built upon his opening session. This time, he fleshed it out more, in the context of maintaining your open guard. I have been focusing on maintaining open guard for several years, so this was ideal for me. Any more details I can glean on basic open guard are very welcome: I’m not interested in flipping around or weird leg grips, just simple ways to stop my guard getting passed. This class was directly related, giving a broad overview of how to retain that guard.
The class followed a pattern of Christian elucidating the concept a little further, then going off to specific spar on that point (essentially, increasing levels of resistance in specific open guard sparring, but with no sweeps or submissions). First up, he re-emphasised that importance of controlling the space between your knees and chest. Whenever they are passing your guard, it is because they have managed to get your knees away from your chest.
Therefore, your goal is to return to that tight position, whether you're in sitting guard or on your back, with wide knees close to your chest. If your knees are close together, it narrows your guard, making it easier for them to move your legs around and pass. If they pull your leg, you pull it back: Graugart calls this the 'rubber band' principle. It should be difficult for them to break your posture. Some people will even grab their own knees for that reason.
There are exceptions: if you have control, you can straighten the leg, such as in spider guard. As soon as they manage to break that, you need to return to the knees-to-chest guard. Don't reach with your legs, as that opens up your posture without that requisite control. When there is distance, just wait for them to come to you. If you're determined to chase them, make sure you sit up, as then you can stay tight as you move forward.
Christian has a simple approach to grip-fighting: if they grip you, grip them back (grabbing whatever they're gripping you with). For example, if they grip your leg, grab their sleeve. Another big point is to use all four limbs. Make sure that your hands and feet are always engaged, there shouldn't be fresh air under your feet or hands.
Finally, if they are starting to pass, create a frame and get back to your posture. That's the same idea as the stiff arm escape. For example, if they get a double underhook, push up into their arm to try and scoot away. Build a frame, break their posture. The drill this time was to let them pass part of the way, then escape.
All that drilling meant this was the first bit of 'sparring' I got at the camp, though I was holding off on 'proper' sparring until later in the week. My thinking was that if I got banged up from sparring later on, it didn't matter so much, as I already had plenty of classes under my belt. The fact that most of the classes I was looking forward to were earlier in the week anyway helped on that too.
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 21/06/2016
Christian continued with his concepts-led approach to teaching, with most of the class spent doing drills. The details built upon his opening session. This time, he fleshed it out more, in the context of maintaining your open guard. I have been focusing on maintaining open guard for several years, so this was ideal for me. Any more details I can glean on basic open guard are very welcome: I’m not interested in flipping around or weird leg grips, just simple ways to stop my guard getting passed. This class was directly related, giving a broad overview of how to retain that guard.
The class followed a pattern of Christian elucidating the concept a little further, then going off to specific spar on that point (essentially, increasing levels of resistance in specific open guard sparring, but with no sweeps or submissions). First up, he re-emphasised that importance of controlling the space between your knees and chest. Whenever they are passing your guard, it is because they have managed to get your knees away from your chest.
Therefore, your goal is to return to that tight position, whether you're in sitting guard or on your back, with wide knees close to your chest. If your knees are close together, it narrows your guard, making it easier for them to move your legs around and pass. If they pull your leg, you pull it back: Graugart calls this the 'rubber band' principle. It should be difficult for them to break your posture. Some people will even grab their own knees for that reason.
There are exceptions: if you have control, you can straighten the leg, such as in spider guard. As soon as they manage to break that, you need to return to the knees-to-chest guard. Don't reach with your legs, as that opens up your posture without that requisite control. When there is distance, just wait for them to come to you. If you're determined to chase them, make sure you sit up, as then you can stay tight as you move forward.
Christian has a simple approach to grip-fighting: if they grip you, grip them back (grabbing whatever they're gripping you with). For example, if they grip your leg, grab their sleeve. Another big point is to use all four limbs. Make sure that your hands and feet are always engaged, there shouldn't be fresh air under your feet or hands.
Finally, if they are starting to pass, create a frame and get back to your posture. That's the same idea as the stiff arm escape. For example, if they get a double underhook, push up into their arm to try and scoot away. Build a frame, break their posture. The drill this time was to let them pass part of the way, then escape.
All that drilling meant this was the first bit of 'sparring' I got at the camp, though I was holding off on 'proper' sparring until later in the week. My thinking was that if I got banged up from sparring later on, it didn't matter so much, as I already had plenty of classes under my belt. The fact that most of the classes I was looking forward to were earlier in the week anyway helped on that too.
20 June 2016
20/06/2016 - BJJ Globetrotter Camp | Leuven 2016 | BJJ Fundamentals (Christian Graugart)
Class #724
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 20/06/2016
After a big general introduction, the first class was taken by the BJJ Globetrotter himself, Christian Graugart. His approach was simple, a single concept that he feels applies to everything in jiu jitsu. That concept is controlling the space between the knees and chest. If you’re on top, you are looking to put whatever you can into that space to attain your controlling position. That might be reaching an arm across to the far hip, sticking your knee in before they can recover guard, or even stepping through their legs and placing your foot there.
Underneath, you are looking to recover that space between your knees and chest. This looks more complex, especially as it is liable to involve tricky motions like inverting. I am always very wary of that, due to the strain it can put on your neck and back. I look forward to Graugart’s next class, where he said he is going to go into more detail on defending the guard pass, the area I’ve been trying to develop for the last few years.
After he had shown us that concept, there wasn’t much else for him to say beyond answering a few questions. The main challenges to the concept were footlocks, though Graugart felt that you still control that middle space to apply those effectively. The other big question is submissions, which can be applied without attaining a good position first, but it is a lot more difficult. Drilling was unusual, as we were just practicing staying on top by spinning around, then the same underneath. It was made a lot more difficult by the enormous numbers present at the first class. I am assuming pretty much all 250 people are on the mats, meaning that space is at a real premium. Judging by last year, when I only popped down on the Thursday, those numbers drop considerably during the week.
BJJ Globetrotter Camp (Sportoase Leuven), Christian Graugart, Leuven, Belgium, 20/06/2016
After a big general introduction, the first class was taken by the BJJ Globetrotter himself, Christian Graugart. His approach was simple, a single concept that he feels applies to everything in jiu jitsu. That concept is controlling the space between the knees and chest. If you’re on top, you are looking to put whatever you can into that space to attain your controlling position. That might be reaching an arm across to the far hip, sticking your knee in before they can recover guard, or even stepping through their legs and placing your foot there.
Underneath, you are looking to recover that space between your knees and chest. This looks more complex, especially as it is liable to involve tricky motions like inverting. I am always very wary of that, due to the strain it can put on your neck and back. I look forward to Graugart’s next class, where he said he is going to go into more detail on defending the guard pass, the area I’ve been trying to develop for the last few years.
After he had shown us that concept, there wasn’t much else for him to say beyond answering a few questions. The main challenges to the concept were footlocks, though Graugart felt that you still control that middle space to apply those effectively. The other big question is submissions, which can be applied without attaining a good position first, but it is a lot more difficult. Drilling was unusual, as we were just practicing staying on top by spinning around, then the same underneath. It was made a lot more difficult by the enormous numbers present at the first class. I am assuming pretty much all 250 people are on the mats, meaning that space is at a real premium. Judging by last year, when I only popped down on the Thursday, those numbers drop considerably during the week.
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