Teaching #872
Artemis BJJ (Easton Road), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 29/05/2019
Jeff Rockwell, who I trained with in Texas, has produced an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, published online through Artechoke Media. It fits in perfectly with the stiff arm material I've been practicing from open guard since 2013. Tonight we looked at the initial scenario for this escape, where they are just in the process of passing your legs. Set up your frames before they get fully around, arms up at right angles with your elbows in tight to your sides. One arm blocks the side of their neck, the other presses into the crook of their elbow. Make sure you are blocking with your forearm near the wrist, rather than your hand. A hand will bend, a forearm won't (unless you're sparring the Hulk, in which case you have bigger problems!). Fold your elbow-crook hand over the back of their arm, gripping their shoulder blade with your neck-hand.
Lever up their chin with your neck-arm to create some space. Sit-up into that space, quickly sliding your crook-arm to their collar bone, bringing your other elbow behind you for base. As soon as possible, sit up high, moving from your elbow to your hand. Your crook-arm should still be in the same configuration, almost at a right angle pressing into their collar bone. It's the same concept as with Ryan Hall's Defensive Guard, using your skeletal structure as a defensive barrier. Hook their leg with your foot, then pushing off your feet and basing hand, square back up to them and establish open guard.
__________________
Teaching Notes: Make sure the frames are vertical to start with, at a right angle. Maintain that right angle, don't be tempted to reach when you switch to the shoulder, that will kill the right angle. You're also beginning from the point where they have just passed guard, in order to practice blocking the crossface.
Showing posts with label teaching # Side Control: Stiff Arm Escape. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching # Side Control: Stiff Arm Escape. Show all posts
29 May 2019
27 May 2019
27/05/2019 - Teaching | Side Control | Stiff Arm Escape (Elbow Push)
Teaching #870
Artemis BJJ (Easton Road), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 27/05/2019
Jeff Rockwell, who I trained with in Texas, has produced an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, published online through Artechoke Media. When it comes to the stiff arm escape, I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) is the highest percentage option. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head.
Use your elbow to bump their arm over, bumping it up high on your head. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps: you can support this with your other arm if necessary. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base).
As Jeff Rockwell points out, you need to sit up high. Otherwise, they can just walk their legs around to the other side and re-establish side control. If your body is in the way, they can't (if your legs get stuck, Rockwell suggests a quick hip bump to free them. You might also be able to switch to the more ambitious option of driving them all the way over to their back). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
Sometimes you'll be able to combine this with the other option, which is to keep pushing into their elbow or armpit until you can roll them over. Normally it's easier to shrimp out to guard, but sometimes their weight distribution means that pushing them over makes more sense. Another handy detail from Rockwell applies if they manage to sweep their arm back. Immediately switch your arms, changing direction to push into their biceps (Rockwell calls this, appropriately enough, a biceps punch, though I think it is more of a push), shrimping out to recover guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: I had been referring to this as the sit-up escape over the last couple of weeks, but I think I'll stick to stiff arm. The main mistake was that people weren't keeping their arm locked out. They also weren't sitting up high enough, but I think the bent arm is more of a problem.
Artemis BJJ (Easton Road), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 27/05/2019
Jeff Rockwell, who I trained with in Texas, has produced an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, published online through Artechoke Media. When it comes to the stiff arm escape, I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) is the highest percentage option. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head. Use your elbow to bump their arm over, bumping it up high on your head. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps: you can support this with your other arm if necessary. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base).
As Jeff Rockwell points out, you need to sit up high. Otherwise, they can just walk their legs around to the other side and re-establish side control. If your body is in the way, they can't (if your legs get stuck, Rockwell suggests a quick hip bump to free them. You might also be able to switch to the more ambitious option of driving them all the way over to their back). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
Sometimes you'll be able to combine this with the other option, which is to keep pushing into their elbow or armpit until you can roll them over. Normally it's easier to shrimp out to guard, but sometimes their weight distribution means that pushing them over makes more sense. Another handy detail from Rockwell applies if they manage to sweep their arm back. Immediately switch your arms, changing direction to push into their biceps (Rockwell calls this, appropriately enough, a biceps punch, though I think it is more of a push), shrimping out to recover guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: I had been referring to this as the sit-up escape over the last couple of weeks, but I think I'll stick to stiff arm. The main mistake was that people weren't keeping their arm locked out. They also weren't sitting up high enough, but I think the bent arm is more of a problem.
31 May 2017
31/05/2017 - Teaching | Side Control | Stiff Arm Escape (Collar Tie)
Teaching #668
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 31/05/2017
Jeff Rockwell, who I trained with in Texas, has produced an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, published online through Artechoke Media. It fits in perfectly with the stiff arm material I've been practicing from open guard since 2013. Tonight we looked at the initial scenario for this escape, where they are just in the process of passing your legs. Set up your frames before they get fully around, arms up at right angles with your elbows in tight to your sides. One arm blocks the side of their neck, the other presses into the crook of their elbow. Make sure you are blocking with your forearm near the wrist, rather than your hand. A hand will bend, a forearm won't (unless you're sparring the Hulk, in which case you have bigger problems!). Fold your elbow-crook hand over the back of their arm, gripping their shoulder blade with your neck-hand.
Lever up their chin with your neck-arm to create some space. Sit-up into that space, quickly sliding your crook-arm to their collar bone, bringing your other elbow behind you for base. As soon as possible, sit up high, moving from your elbow to your hand. Your crook-arm should still be in the same configuration, almost at a right angle pressing into their collar bone. It's the same concept as with Ryan Hall's Defensive Guard, using your skeletal structure as a defensive barrier. Hook their leg with your foot, then pushing off your feet and basing hand, square back up to them and establish open guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: The toughest part is switching those hands across. It's worth pointing out that it is the arm on the side they would be passing, along with the configuration of the arm. A few people ended up grabbing the head in progressive resistance, moving to the side and the like. It might be worth teaching the basic option of pushing the back of the elbow, which combines with this one. Teaching them in a series could help to drive it home? Either way, it's one I want to get better at myself, so I should try teaching the full sequence next time side control month comes along.
This particular one should fit well with teaching sitting guard next month, if I get the chance to do much of that. I'll try teaching a session on that on Friday, to connect it up (assuming some of the same people show up on Friday? We'll see). So, emphasise you're using the arm to press, not grip.
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 31/05/2017
Jeff Rockwell, who I trained with in Texas, has produced an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, published online through Artechoke Media. It fits in perfectly with the stiff arm material I've been practicing from open guard since 2013. Tonight we looked at the initial scenario for this escape, where they are just in the process of passing your legs. Set up your frames before they get fully around, arms up at right angles with your elbows in tight to your sides. One arm blocks the side of their neck, the other presses into the crook of their elbow. Make sure you are blocking with your forearm near the wrist, rather than your hand. A hand will bend, a forearm won't (unless you're sparring the Hulk, in which case you have bigger problems!). Fold your elbow-crook hand over the back of their arm, gripping their shoulder blade with your neck-hand.
Lever up their chin with your neck-arm to create some space. Sit-up into that space, quickly sliding your crook-arm to their collar bone, bringing your other elbow behind you for base. As soon as possible, sit up high, moving from your elbow to your hand. Your crook-arm should still be in the same configuration, almost at a right angle pressing into their collar bone. It's the same concept as with Ryan Hall's Defensive Guard, using your skeletal structure as a defensive barrier. Hook their leg with your foot, then pushing off your feet and basing hand, square back up to them and establish open guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: The toughest part is switching those hands across. It's worth pointing out that it is the arm on the side they would be passing, along with the configuration of the arm. A few people ended up grabbing the head in progressive resistance, moving to the side and the like. It might be worth teaching the basic option of pushing the back of the elbow, which combines with this one. Teaching them in a series could help to drive it home? Either way, it's one I want to get better at myself, so I should try teaching the full sequence next time side control month comes along.
This particular one should fit well with teaching sitting guard next month, if I get the chance to do much of that. I'll try teaching a session on that on Friday, to connect it up (assuming some of the same people show up on Friday? We'll see). So, emphasise you're using the arm to press, not grip.
30 September 2015
30/09/2015 - Chelsea Bainbridge Donner Seminar on Sunday | Teaching | Side Control | Stiff Arm Escape (Collar Tie)
Teaching #397
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 30/09/2015
On Sunday 4th October, we’ll be hosting top black belt Chelsea Bainbridge-Donner at MYGYM Bristol from 12:00-15:00. It's only £20 and everybody is welcome! Head to the event page on Facebook to confirm your attendance. :D
Chelsea is an active competitor at the highest level, with numerous accomplishments to her name. In 2013, she won the Dream Jiu Jitsu Sub Only, then in 2014 she earned gold at the IBJJF World Championships at brown belt. After her promotion to black belt by Andre Galvao, she has already gone on to win a bronze at both the IBJJF World Championships and the Pan Ams. So join us on Sunday 4th October to learn from one of the elite! Contact info@artemisbjj.com if you’ve got any questions. Or indeed stick up a comment here, Facebook is fine too, via the above link. ;)
_____________________
Jeff Rockwell, who I trained with in Texas, has produced an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, published online through Artechoke Media. It fits in perfectly with the stiff arm material I've been practicing from open guard since 2013. Tonight we looked at the initial scenario for this escape, where they are just in the process of passing your legs. Set up your frames before they get fully around, arms up at right angles with your elbows in tight to your sides. One arm blocks the side of their neck, the other presses into the crook of their elbow. Make sure you are blocking with your forearm near the wrist, rather than your hand. A hand will bend, a forearm won't (unless you're sparring the Hulk, in which case you have bigger problems!). Fold your elbow-crook hand over the back of their arm, gripping their shoulder blade with your neck-hand.
Lever up their chin with your neck-arm to create some space. Sit-up into that space, quickly sliding your crook-arm to their collar bone, bringing your other elbow behind you for base. As soon as possible, sit up high, moving from your elbow to your hand. Your crook-arm should still be in the same configuration, almost at a right angle pressing into their collar bone. It's the same concept as with Ryan Hall's Defensive Guard, using your skeletal structure as a defensive barrier. Hook their leg with your foot, then pushing off your feet and basing hand, square back up to them and establish open guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: As with last Friday, keeping elbows in and angle of arm. Another question is how best create the space and generate momentum? Do the options combine well, or is it better to separately do Rockwell's chin lift, the leg swing into bicep punch etc? Rockwell doesn't swing his legs in the basic video from his instructional, he literally just sits up. That was where people were having the most trouble today, especially the bigger guys. Possible that this is easier for smaller people, as they occupy less space, but I'm not going off a large sample on that. :)
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 30/09/2015
On Sunday 4th October, we’ll be hosting top black belt Chelsea Bainbridge-Donner at MYGYM Bristol from 12:00-15:00. It's only £20 and everybody is welcome! Head to the event page on Facebook to confirm your attendance. :DChelsea is an active competitor at the highest level, with numerous accomplishments to her name. In 2013, she won the Dream Jiu Jitsu Sub Only, then in 2014 she earned gold at the IBJJF World Championships at brown belt. After her promotion to black belt by Andre Galvao, she has already gone on to win a bronze at both the IBJJF World Championships and the Pan Ams. So join us on Sunday 4th October to learn from one of the elite! Contact info@artemisbjj.com if you’ve got any questions. Or indeed stick up a comment here, Facebook is fine too, via the above link. ;)
_____________________
Jeff Rockwell, who I trained with in Texas, has produced an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, published online through Artechoke Media. It fits in perfectly with the stiff arm material I've been practicing from open guard since 2013. Tonight we looked at the initial scenario for this escape, where they are just in the process of passing your legs. Set up your frames before they get fully around, arms up at right angles with your elbows in tight to your sides. One arm blocks the side of their neck, the other presses into the crook of their elbow. Make sure you are blocking with your forearm near the wrist, rather than your hand. A hand will bend, a forearm won't (unless you're sparring the Hulk, in which case you have bigger problems!). Fold your elbow-crook hand over the back of their arm, gripping their shoulder blade with your neck-hand.Lever up their chin with your neck-arm to create some space. Sit-up into that space, quickly sliding your crook-arm to their collar bone, bringing your other elbow behind you for base. As soon as possible, sit up high, moving from your elbow to your hand. Your crook-arm should still be in the same configuration, almost at a right angle pressing into their collar bone. It's the same concept as with Ryan Hall's Defensive Guard, using your skeletal structure as a defensive barrier. Hook their leg with your foot, then pushing off your feet and basing hand, square back up to them and establish open guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: As with last Friday, keeping elbows in and angle of arm. Another question is how best create the space and generate momentum? Do the options combine well, or is it better to separately do Rockwell's chin lift, the leg swing into bicep punch etc? Rockwell doesn't swing his legs in the basic video from his instructional, he literally just sits up. That was where people were having the most trouble today, especially the bigger guys. Possible that this is easier for smaller people, as they occupy less space, but I'm not going off a large sample on that. :)
25 September 2015
25/09/2015 - Teaching | Side Control | Stiff Arm Escape (Collar Tie)
Teaching #395
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 25/09/2015
When I trained with Jeff Rockwell several years ago in Texas, he was working on side control escapes. This year, all that work has coalesced into an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, which Rockwell published online through Artechoke Media. It fits in perfectly with the stiff arm material I've been practicing from open guard for the last two years, as well as what I've been moving towards in my side control escapes. Tonight I wanted to test the comprehensibility of the initial escape Rockwell shows, after spending the whole month practicing it myself.
For this initial look, the scenario is that they are just in the process of passing your legs. Set up your frames before they get fully around, arms up at right angles with your elbows in tight to your sides. One arm blocks the side of their neck, the other presses into the crook of their elbow. Make sure you are blocking with your forearm near the wrist, rather than your hand. A hand will bend, a forearm won't (unless you're sparring the Hulk, in which case you have bigger problems!). Fold your elbow-crook hand over the back of their arm, gripping their shoulder blade with your neck-hand.
Lever up their chin with your neck-arm to create some space. Sit-up into that space, quickly sliding your crook-arm to their collar bone, bringing your other elbow behind you for base. As soon as possible, sit up high, moving from your elbow to your hand. Your crook-arm should still be in the same configuration, almost at a right angle pressing into their collar bone. It's the same concept as with Ryan Hall's Defensive Guard, using your skeletal structure as a defensive barrier. Hook their leg with your foot, then pushing off your feet and basing hand, square back up to them and establish open guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: Two main points from this first outing of the technique are emphasising keeping elbows in and the angle of the arm. People were tending to try it with their arms bent too far backwards, meaning their frame was already partially collapsed.
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 25/09/2015
When I trained with Jeff Rockwell several years ago in Texas, he was working on side control escapes. This year, all that work has coalesced into an excellent instructional, The Sit Up Escape System, which Rockwell published online through Artechoke Media. It fits in perfectly with the stiff arm material I've been practicing from open guard for the last two years, as well as what I've been moving towards in my side control escapes. Tonight I wanted to test the comprehensibility of the initial escape Rockwell shows, after spending the whole month practicing it myself. For this initial look, the scenario is that they are just in the process of passing your legs. Set up your frames before they get fully around, arms up at right angles with your elbows in tight to your sides. One arm blocks the side of their neck, the other presses into the crook of their elbow. Make sure you are blocking with your forearm near the wrist, rather than your hand. A hand will bend, a forearm won't (unless you're sparring the Hulk, in which case you have bigger problems!). Fold your elbow-crook hand over the back of their arm, gripping their shoulder blade with your neck-hand.
Lever up their chin with your neck-arm to create some space. Sit-up into that space, quickly sliding your crook-arm to their collar bone, bringing your other elbow behind you for base. As soon as possible, sit up high, moving from your elbow to your hand. Your crook-arm should still be in the same configuration, almost at a right angle pressing into their collar bone. It's the same concept as with Ryan Hall's Defensive Guard, using your skeletal structure as a defensive barrier. Hook their leg with your foot, then pushing off your feet and basing hand, square back up to them and establish open guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: Two main points from this first outing of the technique are emphasising keeping elbows in and the angle of the arm. People were tending to try it with their arms bent too far backwards, meaning their frame was already partially collapsed.
23 September 2015
23/09/2015 - Teaching | Side Control | Stiff Arm Escape (Elbow Push)
Teaching #394
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 23/09/2015
When it comes to the stiff arm escape, I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) is the highest percentage option. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head.
Use your elbow to bump their arm over, bumping it up high on your head. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps: you can support this with your other arm if necessary. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base).
As Jeff Rockwell points out, you need to sit up high. Otherwise, they can just walk their legs around to the other side and re-establish side control. If your body is in the way, they can't (if your legs get stuck, Rockwell suggests a quick hip bump to free them. You might also be able to switch to the more ambitious option of driving them all the way over to their back). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
Sometimes you'll be able to combine this with the other option, which is to keep pushing into their elbow or armpit until you can roll them over. Normally it's easier to shrimp out to guard, but sometimes their weight distribution means that pushing them over makes more sense. Another handy detail from Rockwell applies if they manage to sweep their arm back. Immediately switch your arms, changing direction to push into their biceps, shrimping out to recover guard.
_____________________
Teaching & Sparring Notes: This went ok. The question is if I should teach it when they already have the cross-face and show how to clear that off the head, or if it is better to go for the easy version. So, they are in the process of passing their arm over to move into north-south, which is when you catch them. The latter would have the advantage of focusing on the core of the technique (the stiff arm and sit up), but the former puts it in a more realistic context.
Sparring from side control, I was too high on Ross. He was eventually able to swivel out, bumping and making good use of his legs too. I was finding I had to chase a bit, putting arms in the way. Goes to show I can't be as lazy with more experienced students now!
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 23/09/2015
When it comes to the stiff arm escape, I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) is the highest percentage option. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head. Use your elbow to bump their arm over, bumping it up high on your head. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps: you can support this with your other arm if necessary. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base).
As Jeff Rockwell points out, you need to sit up high. Otherwise, they can just walk their legs around to the other side and re-establish side control. If your body is in the way, they can't (if your legs get stuck, Rockwell suggests a quick hip bump to free them. You might also be able to switch to the more ambitious option of driving them all the way over to their back). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
Sometimes you'll be able to combine this with the other option, which is to keep pushing into their elbow or armpit until you can roll them over. Normally it's easier to shrimp out to guard, but sometimes their weight distribution means that pushing them over makes more sense. Another handy detail from Rockwell applies if they manage to sweep their arm back. Immediately switch your arms, changing direction to push into their biceps, shrimping out to recover guard.
_____________________
Teaching & Sparring Notes: This went ok. The question is if I should teach it when they already have the cross-face and show how to clear that off the head, or if it is better to go for the easy version. So, they are in the process of passing their arm over to move into north-south, which is when you catch them. The latter would have the advantage of focusing on the core of the technique (the stiff arm and sit up), but the former puts it in a more realistic context.
Sparring from side control, I was too high on Ross. He was eventually able to swivel out, bumping and making good use of his legs too. I was finding I had to chase a bit, putting arms in the way. Goes to show I can't be as lazy with more experienced students now!
21 October 2014
21/10/2014 - Teaching | Side Control | Stiff Arm Escape
Teaching #216
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/10/2014
Another session on the stiff arm tonight. I know two main variations, of which I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) the higher percentage. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head.
Use your elbow to bump their arm over, bumping it up high on your head. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps: you can support this with your other arm if necessary. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
Sometimes you'll be able to combine this with the other option, which is to keep pushing into their elbow or armpit until you can roll them over. Normally it's easier to shrimp out to guard, but sometimes their weight distribution means that pushing them over makes more sense.
_____________________
Teaching & Sparring Notes: Tonight I added in the two arms option, as well as bumping them arm high over your head. I noticed this during progressive resistance and sparring: if I put my elbow high, it seemed to be a good bit easier to bring their arm over my skull. In terms of blocking the escape, my highest rate of success was turning my near hip towards their head. However, I think that also makes you more vulnerable to the pushover variation, judging by when I was on the bottom and my training partner attempted the same counter. If you stay low with the head, that helps.
I found a few times that when I was having trouble escaping as they had that near hip in (so, the hip-to-hip side control I taught yesterday, sort of), I could manage to knock them over by pushing into an arm and also shoving their gi collar into their neck. Sitting up was then enough to bump them over, though I'm not sure that's a high percentage escape. I was also attempting to bridge more powerfully when escaping, going off two legs rather than my usual one, as well as knocking them up over my head.
In sparring, I kept in mind the advice about always holding on to the figure four grip if you get it. I initially locked it in from side control, moving to north south to look for the kimura. He turtled, I kept my grip and moved into a crucifix. As he rolled over of that and back to turtle, I was able to knock him over (still with the grip) and walk my legs back round to side control. From there, I drove the other knee in past the hips as he attempted to turn, put my leg around the head then slowly dropped back for the armbar (I had a vague triangle around the head from side control at some point too, which further helped with control).
Normally I'm not keen on armbars, but when it feels like I have a strong control all the way through, much better. This could possibly fit in when I teach the americana tomorrow, though it may be a little too advanced if there are lots of beginners. I'm still having a think about the best set-up to teach.
I added in the same takedown drills at the start of tonight. From now on, I plan to just do them on the Tuesday and Thursday at Kingswood, because the lesson is a bit longer. Takes too much time in the hour I've got at Bristol Sports Centre, I think.
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/10/2014
Another session on the stiff arm tonight. I know two main variations, of which I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) the higher percentage. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head. Use your elbow to bump their arm over, bumping it up high on your head. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps: you can support this with your other arm if necessary. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
Sometimes you'll be able to combine this with the other option, which is to keep pushing into their elbow or armpit until you can roll them over. Normally it's easier to shrimp out to guard, but sometimes their weight distribution means that pushing them over makes more sense.
_____________________
Teaching & Sparring Notes: Tonight I added in the two arms option, as well as bumping them arm high over your head. I noticed this during progressive resistance and sparring: if I put my elbow high, it seemed to be a good bit easier to bring their arm over my skull. In terms of blocking the escape, my highest rate of success was turning my near hip towards their head. However, I think that also makes you more vulnerable to the pushover variation, judging by when I was on the bottom and my training partner attempted the same counter. If you stay low with the head, that helps.
I found a few times that when I was having trouble escaping as they had that near hip in (so, the hip-to-hip side control I taught yesterday, sort of), I could manage to knock them over by pushing into an arm and also shoving their gi collar into their neck. Sitting up was then enough to bump them over, though I'm not sure that's a high percentage escape. I was also attempting to bridge more powerfully when escaping, going off two legs rather than my usual one, as well as knocking them up over my head.
In sparring, I kept in mind the advice about always holding on to the figure four grip if you get it. I initially locked it in from side control, moving to north south to look for the kimura. He turtled, I kept my grip and moved into a crucifix. As he rolled over of that and back to turtle, I was able to knock him over (still with the grip) and walk my legs back round to side control. From there, I drove the other knee in past the hips as he attempted to turn, put my leg around the head then slowly dropped back for the armbar (I had a vague triangle around the head from side control at some point too, which further helped with control).
Normally I'm not keen on armbars, but when it feels like I have a strong control all the way through, much better. This could possibly fit in when I teach the americana tomorrow, though it may be a little too advanced if there are lots of beginners. I'm still having a think about the best set-up to teach.
I added in the same takedown drills at the start of tonight. From now on, I plan to just do them on the Tuesday and Thursday at Kingswood, because the lesson is a bit longer. Takes too much time in the hour I've got at Bristol Sports Centre, I think.
15 October 2014
15/10/2014 - Teaching | Side Control | Stiff Arm Escape
Teaching #213
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 15/10/2014
As I've got a number of people who pop down once a week (normally on a Monday), I'm trying to make sure they at least see one escape, one version of maintaining and one attack. That's dependent on who shows up each night, but this time round, I continued with escapes to save the maintaining classes for next week.
That meant a different escape option tonight, the stiff arm. I know two main variations, of which I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) the higher percentage. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head.
Use your elbow to bump their arm over. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs straight up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: The stiff arm is a bit less intuitive than the basic escapes, but everyone picked it up well. They also did something during progressive resistance that I think is worth including. When trying to get the arm past the arm, some people were using both arms to push. Similarly, when stiff arming the elbow away, a few people were starting with two arms there too. That seems like a valid way to add some additional support, so something I'll consider for next time.
It's also worth noting, as I did today, that pushing their arm over from a typical strong side control is probably not how it's going to happen in sparring. More likely, you seize the opportunity as they bring their arm past your head, like when they want to switch to attack your arm. I will have a think if I can imitate that in drilling, although on the other hand, if you know how to do it when they aren't giving you the opportunity, that should hopefully make it that much easier when they DO leave that chance.
I could have gone through the other option, but I think the elbow push was enough for today. However, as I'm likely to be teaching this again tomorrow in the Kingswood class, I might well run through the armpit push too. So, the armpit push version is something I first saw several years ago, which was on an old Braulio instructional, with Brian McLaughlin's video providing further details. You're under a standard side control, then they bring their arm over to the far side. Drive them towards their legs by pressing in that direction with the arm you have by their neck. This creates some room for you to get the other hand into their armpit. Straighten out your pushing arm, then try to immediately sit up in order to get onto your elbow then your hand. Keep pushing and sitting forward, until you can roll them over your hip. This shouldn't take much strength once you have them off-balance. Once that stiff arm is in place, the shrimping back to guard option is always there too, and probably more high percentage.
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 15/10/2014
As I've got a number of people who pop down once a week (normally on a Monday), I'm trying to make sure they at least see one escape, one version of maintaining and one attack. That's dependent on who shows up each night, but this time round, I continued with escapes to save the maintaining classes for next week.That meant a different escape option tonight, the stiff arm. I know two main variations, of which I find Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) the higher percentage. He works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their armpit and onto your head.
Use your elbow to bump their arm over. As soon as their arm clears your head, immediately grab just above their elbow, pinching your hand around their triceps. Extend your arm so it is straight: this is absolutely key, keep it straight. Still holding their arm, swing your legs straight up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Bring your free arm backwards in order to base out on your elbow (if possible, extend that arm when you can, in order to post on your hand and create a stronger base). Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: The stiff arm is a bit less intuitive than the basic escapes, but everyone picked it up well. They also did something during progressive resistance that I think is worth including. When trying to get the arm past the arm, some people were using both arms to push. Similarly, when stiff arming the elbow away, a few people were starting with two arms there too. That seems like a valid way to add some additional support, so something I'll consider for next time.
It's also worth noting, as I did today, that pushing their arm over from a typical strong side control is probably not how it's going to happen in sparring. More likely, you seize the opportunity as they bring their arm past your head, like when they want to switch to attack your arm. I will have a think if I can imitate that in drilling, although on the other hand, if you know how to do it when they aren't giving you the opportunity, that should hopefully make it that much easier when they DO leave that chance.
I could have gone through the other option, but I think the elbow push was enough for today. However, as I'm likely to be teaching this again tomorrow in the Kingswood class, I might well run through the armpit push too. So, the armpit push version is something I first saw several years ago, which was on an old Braulio instructional, with Brian McLaughlin's video providing further details. You're under a standard side control, then they bring their arm over to the far side. Drive them towards their legs by pressing in that direction with the arm you have by their neck. This creates some room for you to get the other hand into their armpit. Straighten out your pushing arm, then try to immediately sit up in order to get onto your elbow then your hand. Keep pushing and sitting forward, until you can roll them over your hip. This shouldn't take much strength once you have them off-balance. Once that stiff arm is in place, the shrimping back to guard option is always there too, and probably more high percentage.
09 July 2013
09/07/2013 - Teaching (Side Control Stiff Arm Escape)
Teaching #113
Gracie Barra Bristol, (BJJ), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 09/07/2013
Last time I taught this, I split my instruction between the Braulio and Marcelo versions of the stiff arm escape, also drawing on Brian McLaughlin's helpful video. This time, I decided to go with something Mike suggested previously, which is starting off with the stiff arm as a pass prevention technique, particularly as we also drilled that quite a bit on Sunday.
It's similar to what Jeff Rockwell taught when I trained with him in Texas last year. When Rockwell taught this method of preventing them completing the double underhooks pass, there were some slight variations, but it's basically the same technique. Rockwell noted that you should try to avoid them getting their hands locked, as that will make it tougher to defend the pass. The natural impulse is for them to reach their hand across to grab your collar and start stacking (when drilling, it is helpful if your partner indicates which hand by opening it wide and moving it slowly towards the collar). Once you see that hand moving, grab their wrist and elbow.
Marcelo's version, which we drilled on the Sunday, was slightly simpler. As they try to pass, clamp your hand just above the elbow of their leading arm. Pinch tightly at that point, keeping your arm straight (you can grab the sleeve if you prefer, but that gives them a little more wiggle room). Swing your legs up and down to help sit up, then base on your elbow, moving to base on your hand as soon as possible (like the stiff arm pressing just above their elbow, the basing arm extended behind you is also all about skeletal structure, much more reliable than just muscle power). Use your grip as a brace, meaning you can now shove yourself backwards. All you're looking to do is recover your guard, preventing them from readjusting because their upper body is blocked by your stiff arm. You could also try combining it with a sweep, as Mike did on Sunday, but teaching I thought just that option would be enough. My hope was that it would make the next stage a bit easier.
For the main escape, I offered two variations, simplified from what I taught last time. Continuing with Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction), he works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their arm and onto your head. Use that to bump their arm over, immediately transitioning to the pinch and shove. Still holding their arm, swing your legs straight up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Base out on your elbow, then move to basing on your hand. Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
I also went through the armpit push version I first saw several years ago, which was on an old Braulio instructional, with McLaughlin's video providing further details. You're under a standard side control, then they bring their arm over to the far side. Drive them towards their legs by pressing in that direction with the arm you have by their neck. This creates some room for you to get the other hand into their armpit. Straighten out your pushing arm, then try to immediately sit up in order to get onto your elbow then your hand. Keep pushing and sitting forward, until you can roll them over your hip. This shouldn't take much strength once you have them off-balance. Once that stiff arm is in place, the shrimping back to guard option is always there too, and probably more high percentage.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: Like before, a large part of the reason I want to teach the stiff arm escape is because I'm keen to get better at it myself. It seems like a great option for combining with the running escape, so I intend to keep on drilling the stiff arm until it starts to come together. That's been hindered by my right arm complaining, but now that we have extra drilling time on Sundays, I'm hoping I can get it lots of reps on the various techniques I've been working over the past couple of years.
I didn't go into quite so much detail for this class as I did last time, trying instead to focus on the basic principle of stiff arming into them to recover guard. I think everybody got the idea: a number of people were gripping a bit low on the arm, as well as not keeping their arm straight all the way through, but that's something that can be ironed out with more drilling.
In progressive resistance people were occasionally getting stuck underneath, so it might be worth including something about that when teaching. Mike was able to deal with it, as this is covered in depth on MGinAction, but some of the others were struggling a little. Marcelo's solution is to switch to gripping over their back. If they insist on grabbing your legs, you can do a sort of seated hip throw. Then again, I don't want to overload with instruction: I'll see how it goes next time.
I'm also getting in more sparring these days, which I'm trying to make certain happens when I teach. It's a bit selfish, but as Tuesday is apparently the only day I can guarantee I'll be able to train, I need to make the most of it. It's also cool that Tony is back in regular training, as he's one of my favourite sparring partners. His style is quite different from mine (as is Mike's), making for a fun challenge when we roll.
It was also cool to see Liam: having another purple belt in the class is super-helpful, because that means there is somebody else there able to give advice and help out beginners. That's particularly true with Liam, as he's got lots of experience and has been training a good bit longer than I have. :)
Also, I must remember to check out this thread, so I'll leave it here for future reference.
Gracie Barra Bristol, (BJJ), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 09/07/2013
It's similar to what Jeff Rockwell taught when I trained with him in Texas last year. When Rockwell taught this method of preventing them completing the double underhooks pass, there were some slight variations, but it's basically the same technique. Rockwell noted that you should try to avoid them getting their hands locked, as that will make it tougher to defend the pass. The natural impulse is for them to reach their hand across to grab your collar and start stacking (when drilling, it is helpful if your partner indicates which hand by opening it wide and moving it slowly towards the collar). Once you see that hand moving, grab their wrist and elbow.
Marcelo's version, which we drilled on the Sunday, was slightly simpler. As they try to pass, clamp your hand just above the elbow of their leading arm. Pinch tightly at that point, keeping your arm straight (you can grab the sleeve if you prefer, but that gives them a little more wiggle room). Swing your legs up and down to help sit up, then base on your elbow, moving to base on your hand as soon as possible (like the stiff arm pressing just above their elbow, the basing arm extended behind you is also all about skeletal structure, much more reliable than just muscle power). Use your grip as a brace, meaning you can now shove yourself backwards. All you're looking to do is recover your guard, preventing them from readjusting because their upper body is blocked by your stiff arm. You could also try combining it with a sweep, as Mike did on Sunday, but teaching I thought just that option would be enough. My hope was that it would make the next stage a bit easier.
For the main escape, I offered two variations, simplified from what I taught last time. Continuing with Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction), he works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. To do so, make some space by pressing into their neck and bridging if necessary, then sneaking your other hand under their arm and onto your head. Use that to bump their arm over, immediately transitioning to the pinch and shove. Still holding their arm, swing your legs straight up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Base out on your elbow, then move to basing on your hand. Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard. I also went through the armpit push version I first saw several years ago, which was on an old Braulio instructional, with McLaughlin's video providing further details. You're under a standard side control, then they bring their arm over to the far side. Drive them towards their legs by pressing in that direction with the arm you have by their neck. This creates some room for you to get the other hand into their armpit. Straighten out your pushing arm, then try to immediately sit up in order to get onto your elbow then your hand. Keep pushing and sitting forward, until you can roll them over your hip. This shouldn't take much strength once you have them off-balance. Once that stiff arm is in place, the shrimping back to guard option is always there too, and probably more high percentage.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: Like before, a large part of the reason I want to teach the stiff arm escape is because I'm keen to get better at it myself. It seems like a great option for combining with the running escape, so I intend to keep on drilling the stiff arm until it starts to come together. That's been hindered by my right arm complaining, but now that we have extra drilling time on Sundays, I'm hoping I can get it lots of reps on the various techniques I've been working over the past couple of years.
I didn't go into quite so much detail for this class as I did last time, trying instead to focus on the basic principle of stiff arming into them to recover guard. I think everybody got the idea: a number of people were gripping a bit low on the arm, as well as not keeping their arm straight all the way through, but that's something that can be ironed out with more drilling.
In progressive resistance people were occasionally getting stuck underneath, so it might be worth including something about that when teaching. Mike was able to deal with it, as this is covered in depth on MGinAction, but some of the others were struggling a little. Marcelo's solution is to switch to gripping over their back. If they insist on grabbing your legs, you can do a sort of seated hip throw. Then again, I don't want to overload with instruction: I'll see how it goes next time.
I'm also getting in more sparring these days, which I'm trying to make certain happens when I teach. It's a bit selfish, but as Tuesday is apparently the only day I can guarantee I'll be able to train, I need to make the most of it. It's also cool that Tony is back in regular training, as he's one of my favourite sparring partners. His style is quite different from mine (as is Mike's), making for a fun challenge when we roll.
It was also cool to see Liam: having another purple belt in the class is super-helpful, because that means there is somebody else there able to give advice and help out beginners. That's particularly true with Liam, as he's got lots of experience and has been training a good bit longer than I have. :)
Also, I must remember to check out this thread, so I'll leave it here for future reference.
24 January 2013
24/01/2013 - Teaching (Side Control Escape: Stiff Arm)
Teaching #088
Gracie Barra Bristol, (BJJ), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 24/01/2013
I wanted to try a different escape tonight, which isn't one I've used much in the past. However, having chatted about it with John over in Texas last year, it's an escape I'd like to incorporate into my repertoire. Like the running escape, this involves turning to the 'open' side, but this time, you're doing that while controlling one of their arms. I'm not sure what the most common term is for this escape: 'stiff arm' is what I think I'll use from now on, as that seems to be the common element to the various set-ups. You might also hear it called 'elbow push' or 'armpit push'. Brian McLaughlin calls it 'the Heisman', which judging by Google is due to a well-known sports trophy featuring an American Footballer with an outstretched arm. At least I think that's why: American Football is outside of my cultural experience. ;D
I started with the armpit push version I first saw several years ago, which was on an old Braulio instructional. It's also been taught recently by McLaughlin, late last year. You're under a standard side control, then they bring their arm over to the far side. Drive them towards their legs by pressing in that direction with the arm you have by their neck. This creates some room for you to get the other hand into their armpit. Straighten out your pushing arm, then try to immediately sit up in order to get onto your elbow then your hand. Keep pushing and sitting forward, until you can roll them over your hip. This shouldn't take much strength once you have them off-balance.
Marcelo Garcia's elbow push (technically it's the triceps, but he calls it 'elbow push' on MGinAction) version begins a little differently, as he works from under a standard side control then brings their arm across. He also prefers to push into the triceps, gripping with the thumb pointing downwards just above their elbow. You can also grab the gi, but that gives them a bit more room to move. Your arm stays straight in either case. Still holding that arm, swing your legs straight up, then as they come down, use that momentum to sit up. Immediately base out on your elbow, then move to basing on your hand. Continuing to push on their triceps, shrimp backwards into the space you've created, until you can recover guard.
Interestingly, in the version John showed me in November, you don't sit up at all, but stay on the floor. Keep on pushing the arm towards your legs, until you can roll them right over the top of you and establish side control. I find sitting up easier at the moment, but I'd like to pick John's brain some more about his version, as it worked really well when he showed it to me in person (which means I must be missing some important details when I try it, or simply need more practice with it).
In regards to troubleshooting, Marcelo Garcia has a number of different options. If they keep on bringing their arm back towards your head, adjust your grip so you're trapping their arm under your armpit. Swing your legs round away from them, then pull on the arm and drive with your shoulder to flatten them to the mat. From here, you can simply pull up on the arm for an armbar (which IIRC is called 'waki-gatame' in judo, as I was first taught that technique in one of the few judo classes I attended back in the day). If they roll through, readjust and hyper-extend their elbow downwards instead.
Finally, should you find they keep moving around towards your head, Marcelo suggests bringing your head up to block. If you time that right, you can move straight into a fireman's carry and either stand up and throw them, or just flip them over your head from kneeling. Failing that, you could simply go for their knees, as if you had done the standard escape to the knees from under side control.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: It was good to experiment with something different, but I definitely feel I need more refining to get the stiff arm escape class structure and content to my liking. Next time, I may go with Mike's suggestion and include the similar counter to a stack pass, like Jeff Rockwell showed me in Texas. Marcelo combines that with the stiff arm escape when he teaches it on MGinAction, so it seems like a good combo.
Doing my usual John Will style review at the end of class, by accident I was shown something obvious. If people point their heads towards the far wall, I can then demonstrate while still being able to see what they're doing, rather than facing away. D'oh. I'll do it that way from now on, as then I can make sure people aren't having problems following along.
Gracie Barra Bristol, (BJJ), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 24/01/2013
I wanted to try a different escape tonight, which isn't one I've used much in the past. However, having chatted about it with John over in Texas last year, it's an escape I'd like to incorporate into my repertoire. Like the running escape, this involves turning to the 'open' side, but this time, you're doing that while controlling one of their arms. I'm not sure what the most common term is for this escape: 'stiff arm' is what I think I'll use from now on, as that seems to be the common element to the various set-ups. You might also hear it called 'elbow push' or 'armpit push'. Brian McLaughlin calls it 'the Heisman', which judging by Google is due to a well-known sports trophy featuring an American Footballer with an outstretched arm. At least I think that's why: American Football is outside of my cultural experience. ;D
I started with the armpit push version I first saw several years ago, which was on an old Braulio instructional. It's also been taught recently by McLaughlin, late last year. You're under a standard side control, then they bring their arm over to the far side. Drive them towards their legs by pressing in that direction with the arm you have by their neck. This creates some room for you to get the other hand into their armpit. Straighten out your pushing arm, then try to immediately sit up in order to get onto your elbow then your hand. Keep pushing and sitting forward, until you can roll them over your hip. This shouldn't take much strength once you have them off-balance. Interestingly, in the version John showed me in November, you don't sit up at all, but stay on the floor. Keep on pushing the arm towards your legs, until you can roll them right over the top of you and establish side control. I find sitting up easier at the moment, but I'd like to pick John's brain some more about his version, as it worked really well when he showed it to me in person (which means I must be missing some important details when I try it, or simply need more practice with it).
In regards to troubleshooting, Marcelo Garcia has a number of different options. If they keep on bringing their arm back towards your head, adjust your grip so you're trapping their arm under your armpit. Swing your legs round away from them, then pull on the arm and drive with your shoulder to flatten them to the mat. From here, you can simply pull up on the arm for an armbar (which IIRC is called 'waki-gatame' in judo, as I was first taught that technique in one of the few judo classes I attended back in the day). If they roll through, readjust and hyper-extend their elbow downwards instead.
Finally, should you find they keep moving around towards your head, Marcelo suggests bringing your head up to block. If you time that right, you can move straight into a fireman's carry and either stand up and throw them, or just flip them over your head from kneeling. Failing that, you could simply go for their knees, as if you had done the standard escape to the knees from under side control.
_____________________
Teaching Notes: It was good to experiment with something different, but I definitely feel I need more refining to get the stiff arm escape class structure and content to my liking. Next time, I may go with Mike's suggestion and include the similar counter to a stack pass, like Jeff Rockwell showed me in Texas. Marcelo combines that with the stiff arm escape when he teaches it on MGinAction, so it seems like a good combo.
Doing my usual John Will style review at the end of class, by accident I was shown something obvious. If people point their heads towards the far wall, I can then demonstrate while still being able to see what they're doing, rather than facing away. D'oh. I'll do it that way from now on, as then I can make sure people aren't having problems following along.
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