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Back to Basics

70K views 230 replies 46 participants last post by  Kapitein Koek 
#1 ·
So, a friend of mine suggested I put this thread together to help people really nail down the fundamentals of their favorite simple techniques.

There are alot of basic things that I see even high level guys f*ck up sometimes, and they are things that take alot of time to master, so whether you're a beginning grappler or someone who wants to get back to basics (and we all should, every once in a while), post a technique on this thread.

There are some good grapplers in here, and some good material on youtube that I'll link in for people, so whatever you bring to the table, you should get some good stuff.

So, anyone who wants some of the details of more basic moves broken down, post them here.

EDIT: I've made a decision to index the first ten pages of this thread in this post, so it's easier for people to navigate. All posts will be made by technique, in alphabetical-chronological order. I've starred my posts, just as a point of reference for me.

(Indexed Pages 1-20)

Armbar from the Bottom 1
Armbar from the Bottom 2*
Butterfly Guard 1*
Butterfly Guard 2*
Can Opener 1*
Crack Down
Ezequiel Choke 1*
Gi Grips*
Guard Pass 1*
Guard Pass 2 a
Guard Pass 2 b*
Guard Posture and Defense*
Guard Theory with Heavy Opponents*
Guard Theory with Strikes*
Half Guard Sweep 1*
Inverted Gogoplata 1*
Inverted Gogoplata 2*
Kimura
Kimura From Guard 1*
Mount Escapes 1*
Mount Escapes 2
Mount Escapes 3*
Mount Escapes 4
Mount Top Position*
Omoplata 1*
Omoplata 2*
Regaining Guard 1*
Scarf Hold Escapes 1*
Scarf Hold Escapes 2*
Scarf Hold Escapes 3*
Side Mount Escapes 1*
Side Mount Escapes 2*
Sprawl 1
Sprawl 2
Straight Ankle Lock*
Triangle Escapes and Prevention 1*
Triangle Escapes and Prevention 2
X-Guard Sweeps*
 
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#56 ·
Alright, thanks for the help, I'll check them out. Yea I understand the choke I think, I'll have to get a little more comfortable with more basic submissions before I try that one out, but its nice to have in my head if I ever get to where I can use it. Thanks for explaining a gogoplata too. Ill rep you if I can
 
#58 ·
Not really a question, but since I remembered Ironman mentioning the Buddha Choke a week or two back, I was pleasantly suprised to see Shinya Aoki bust it out in the last Dream event. Since I'm a fan of show and tell, here's the pic:



Here's the link in case the pic does not work - http://i26.tinypic.com/k12k9x.jpg
 
#59 · (Edited)
F*cker, stealing my moves.

Glad to see Aoki bust it out. That man knows his way around a submission, and it's been nice to see him win with some new stuff. I always liked his Tobukan Judo game, but it did really need to evolve is he was going to be taken seriously by the submission grappling community.

With the addition of a solid gogoplata and a handful of armbar variations off the triangle, he's really starting to impress me with his versatility.

Honestly, though, his game is alot like mine (or, I should say, my guard game is alot like his), at least in terms of the rubber guard setups, and I'd like to see him start using the omoplata from the jiu-claw more, as it sets up really easily from the positions he catches his opponent in.

Alot of MMA fighters are stupid and they plant their hands on the floor to try and posture up from the rubber guard. When I'm training with MMA guys, it's something I see all the time, and I catch omoplatas and carnis all the time that way.

EDIT: A little note on Aoki's choke. It doesn't look like he's putting his knee on the ankle that's applying pressure to the throat. That's something I do (my way of imitating the pressure Eddie Bravo gets out of the locoplata) to put my whole body weight on the opponent. It draws the tap almost immediately, and I usually don't even get to the part where I'm pulling on the head.
 
#62 ·
Ironman what are your favorite gi guard passes? I am mainly a no gi grappler, and I like to use the no posture pass if you are familiar with it. I don't mind standing guard passes, but would preferably I would want 2 options one staying down and one standing.
 
#63 ·
For no-gi, which tends to be more MMA oriented in my case, I use can openers and a double underhook pass alot. I also stand up and pass the guard, which is my second best pass behind the can opener.

For gi grappling, the toreando pass is my go-to move, though I also use the double-underhook pass and the traditional pass (Jeff Monson calls it a "jailbreak pass").

If you want a walkthrough of any of those, I'm glad to give you one.
 
#65 ·
I see what you're saying.

In terms of breaks, I use alot of hip grinds (pushing the elbows into the hips) and I use the jailbreak guard opener alot. I also try and get a knee in the guard and pop it open that way, which works really well.

The thing to be aware of with the lapel passes is that if you lose control of that leg for a second, and your opponent is quick and looking for the submission, there's a good chance you can get caught.

Personally, it's been a long time since anyone caught me in a lapel pass because of my leg flexibility. A good, flexible opponent will be able to lock down your arms even with only one leg. I don't think you have to worry about that at your level, but start working other passes too, because that one has a pretty low success rate against high level guards.
 
#71 ·
I have an extremely basic question, but one I really need an answer to. Can you explain in words (and, if at all possible, give me a photo or illustration) for the proper form of the kimura? We went over it so quickly in class the day that it was explained, and I didn't have enough opportunity to learn it correctly. I'm not a fan of learning things the wrong way (takes too long to unlearn it before learning the right way).

Seems to me that the kimura has a ton of potential, but only when used right (it seems that you were alluding to this as part of... Hughes vs. Gracie... if i recall correctly).

Thanks!
 
#72 ·
#80 ·
Just a simple question:

When breaking someone's guard with your elbows into their inner thighs, is there any disadvantage in gable gripping your hands to prevent getting triangled? I do this but I don't wanna find out further down the line when rolling with experts that it opens me up for an attack.

Thnaks
 
#81 · (Edited)
I don't know that this is really "basics" in a sense, but I'm a bit stuck. At the end of every BJJ class, we roll a little bit. Typically, I'll partner up with someone and we'll start on our knees (so as not to give any person an advantage or having any oversized takedowns). My problem is nothing we've covered in class involves both people being on their knees. As such, I have no idea what to do, and (being reactively minded in the rolling) I find myself getting submitted without even being mounted (or getting a shot to go into a guard). In other words, from the knees, my partner will manage to put me in a guillotine or somehow pull off a kimura, leaving me in want of an actual technique to use... instead resorting to an ugly survival mindset.

I'll see if there's anything on Submissions101, but, since this doesn't seem a likely scenario outside of the classroom (either in competition or survival), I thought I would ask. So, any suggestions?


EDIT: Found this with a little research, it's a lot like what I was looking for. Sub101's Knees Strategy Consider my question answered, but any more tips/thoughts/ideas you may have would still be appreciated.
 
#83 ·
I don't know that this is really "basics" in a sense, but I'm a bit stuck. At the end of every BJJ class, we roll a little bit. Typically, I'll partner up with someone and we'll start on our knees (so as not to give any person an advantage or having any oversized takedowns). My problem is nothing we've covered in class involves both people being on their knees. As such, I have no idea what to do, and (being reactively minded in the rolling) I find myself getting submitted without even being mounted (or getting a shot to go into a guard). In other words, from the knees, my partner will manage to put me in a guillotine or somehow pull off a kimura, leaving me in want of an actual technique to use... instead resorting to an ugly survival mindset.
This survival instinct you talk of is the basis for any grappler starting out :).

Until you have a decent amount of experience and you're rolling with way better guys, you want to be setting yourself goals like 'don't get tapped by this guy'. That way you build up a stellar sub defense. Meanwhile at the classes you'll be learning attacks and you can start feeding them in once you are confident and have stopped getting tapped out every minute.

As to starting off, you can pull guard or go for a takedown depending on what you're comfortable with. I usually prefer to pull guard because I like sweeping and can usually end up in a much better position than if I were to go for a takedown.
 
#89 ·
Less technique, more basic perspective.

I've been at BJJ for upward towards two months so far (two 40-45 minute classes a week), and... feel like I suck epically. I see what I need to do, I understand proper form and concept, but my body doesn't want to follow my mind (having not been anything close to athletic since early youth, that isn't so much a surprise). Moreover, I go through what I can remember in my mind (so many things are demonstrated with so little time to practice and truly grasp), but seem to forget a majority of things when it's time to roll.

Will these things (proper techniques and form) become more instinctive with practice and experience? Is it likely (again, including practice as a factor) that the disconnect betwen mind and body will be reduced in time?


Also, what things would you recommend I do to work on flexibility? I'm rather bendable considering my relative lack of fitness (helpful in being able to resist an early tapping), but I have a hard time manipulating my body (my legs in particular) to gain a better position. Any tips?
 
#97 ·
Kendrik, sorry I missed your post the first time. Here's my response.

Will these things (proper techniques and form) become more instinctive with practice and experience?
Short answer: Yes.

Is it likely (again, including practice as a factor) that the disconnect betwen mind and body will be reduced in time?
Long answer: Yes, but you have to understand that as you drill in the basic movements, you'll improve your all-around game. Work the basic techniques and understand the basic concepts before you start to jump too much into the theory of the style, otherwise you'll make your problem worse.

Also, what things would you recommend I do to work on flexibility? I'm rather bendable considering my relative lack of fitness (helpful in being able to resist an early tapping), but I have a hard time manipulating my body (my legs in particular) to gain a better position. Any tips?
Absolutely.

Practice using the rubber guard without an opponent. That is to say, pull your instep to your forehead in order to mimic kung-fu-move. Also practice the basic stretching regularly, along with your conditioning. This will improve your game alot.
 
#90 ·
IronMan: How do you escape or avoid twister side control? If someone gets it on you you're at least going to get mounted...

Also: How do you escape the Judo style Side control? It's a great control position I just don't know how to get out from...

(No-Gi options are the only interesting options in my case)
 
#91 ·
IronMan: How do you escape or avoid twister side control? If someone gets it on you you're at least going to get mounted...
Alot of guys try to buck from this position, but your opponent will generally ride it out until he slides his hips up onto your chest and you have no more power.

There are a few outs.

The first is the easiest. Reach over your opponents back and sit up, and try to slip the leg out so that you can get to the back.

If your opponent continues to drop that bottom leg to keep you off, reach the legs around and try to grab the top leg, setting up the half-guard. Once you do this, transition to the basket-position (or, as some people call it, the quarter guard) and start working the sweep.

Also: How do you escape the Judo style Side control? It's a great control position I just don't know how to get out from...
There are a few. Are you talking about the scarf hold?
 
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#98 ·
Sure, there are two basic ways to do it.

The first is to trap your opponent's arm by pinning it to your chest and hooking their back leg with your leg (both on the same side). Then bump and roll over to land in your opponents guard.

The second is to bump your opponent, shoot your hips back while you're on your side, and slip the leg out through the space to get back to half guard. From there, you can work back to full guard or play the half.
 
#102 ·
okay my new problem is guard pass. The dudes legs are always in the way, I only know the 3 passes (being a whitebelt and all) where u go from combat pose to left right, or knee on stomach in center. My problem is the guy always pushes my knee back down into guard or uses his legs to sweep me. I also have a problem letting myself get swept cuz Im comfortable in bottom guard and I know more attacks from that position. Thanks for all the help too Ironman! You're advice about the guard drills really helped me to maintain my guard from bottom.
 
#103 ·
I'm glad I could help, and glad that people are continuing to maintain this thread.

First thing that you need to work on is your balance. Just work on using your hands to keep from getting swept. This will work.

In terms of better ways to pass the guard, I'd revisit my post on guard passes (which I think is what you're asking for) in order to get more details on techniques.
 
#105 ·
I usually end up only having escape as an option when someone attacks my legs(both of us will have our legs vulnerable in this situation). Could anyone explain how to take advantage and get a lock here, or do I need to just keep escaping and go for a better position?


Edit: found this, Bas rocks. anything else simple?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Vaj9JV5bQ
I don't want to hate on Bas or anything, but that heel hook defense is really stupid.

Don't extend your leg, because you're going to get caught in a straight ankle lock that hurts like a b*tch.

It's better to shorten your leg and slip it in between your opponents as a way to improve your leverage as you roll.

Actually this is a fairly complicated move.

I'm starting to use my camera to do some picture documenting, so you guys can see what I'm talking about.

So this will be the move I show on here.

EDIT: Do you want it from this mutual leg-lock position?
 
#106 · (Edited)
YES, that is the way to put that"mutual leg lock". I've been doing jujitsu for seven-eight years and have just tried to ignore this spot because I was uncomfortable there. Any links advice there would rock.

By shortening the leg etc., do you mean withdrawing the foot and using the upper leg to control their leg better?
 
#109 · (Edited)
A lot of times when I do the North/South choke my opponent simply grabs my head and rools onto his knees (we get to a mutual schoolyard headlock position). Should I practice more tightness in the choke or should I try to learn the variation with the arm in?
 
#110 ·
An arm triangle is fine as a transition when he reaches for the head. If he gets to the knees, practice transitioning to the darse, that will help a lot.

Really, though, I suggest that you keep your balance. Once you slip the arm around the head, creating the choke, start to take your weight off of their body to finish the choke.

If he starts to roll up when you have fed the arm around his head, just drop your head and chest into his chest to keep him flat on his back.

Basically my point is, if he starts to roll up, you're not keeping your weight down enough, and you need to smash him.
 
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#115 ·
No, you don't need to be any more specific than that, I have understood your advice and taken it in.

Awesome to have some good tips (o wait, one thing: Banana split from side control? Are you sure you don't mean the crotch ripper from the truck?)

Anyways, thanks a lot!
 
#118 ·
On topic, I seem to have huge problems with the butterfly guard. Every time I try to use it, my opponent either controls my legs and passes, or just stays and is able to avoid being swept. I really can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.
Well, probably a few things, but the one that jumps immediately to mind is that you're not controlling his arms.

Make sure that you have a good grip (usually an underhook and an overhook, if you're going for a straight butterfly sweep). If he's getting control of the leg it means that you don't have enough control with the hooks.

Also make sure the butterfly hooks themselves are deep. Keep your knees in tight to his ribs and keep the hooks in his groin until you work for the sweep, then slide the feet out to under his knees to control him and go for the sweep.

When people have problems with the butterfly guard, it's not a matter of tricks (though good transitions to the half guard and to the X-Guard are nice to hard). It's almost always a matter of screwing up some of the details.

Do you have a video or pics of how you're doing it? Because if the advice there doesn't work I'll probably need to take a closer look to be useful.
 
#119 ·
Also: If you feel that your opponent has already started to hug both your legs and starting to pass: do the "Switch". Let's say your opponent passes your legs to the left (since he's hugging both your legs, he'll have a pretty low posture). Then take your Right hand and post it on his inner right thigh (i.e. grab his right leg). Then try get on all fours and take his back.

It's not always gonna work, but if he's already locked your legs, there's not much more you can do.
 
#121 ·
Hey everyone dishing out advice, I was wondering if anyone could link me to some vids of bottom escapes. I dont practice BJJ at a school, I'm looking for some help with my bottom game in wrestling. Gi or no gi doesnt really make a difference, I think just seeing anything would help. Thanks a bunch. I've got a solid switch, and can usually sit out pretty well, and the peterson and zambooie (I know i didnt spell that right) are all down, but getting into a position where those are handy is my problem.
 
#122 ·
Bottom Escapes

Sorry. I've clearly been neglecting this thread. But I'm gonna try and get back on the grappling advice stuff.



I'd post videos, but some of the escapes are kind of complicated and very specific. Saulo's running escape is good from side control, but that's really the only one that works substantially at a beginner level.

Really, just work on popping your hips and shrimping your hips out. This is the best way to escape to the guard, whether from side control or mount. It forces the action on your opponent, while he's looking to slow the game down, and that's the way you want to make it go down. Just drill that one.
 
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