Mop the mats!

Since my last post, I have been familiarizing myself with Saulo Ribiero’s Book Jiu Jitsu University.  Of the first 150 or so pages, I have been reminded of some of the core principles of defensive posture.

 

You’re constantly reminded to keep your elbows in and for good reason.  Anytime you’re in the bottom, whether it be side control or mount, an elbow flaring out and leaving the body will usually result in the beginning of the end especially when going against an experienced jiu jitsu player.  They will dig to raise that elbow to lock in a submission or use the space created to get deeper in their positioining.  For example, a person mounted fails an upa attempt and person on top uses space created to switch to an s-mount.  Just remember that when you’re on bottom, lock you elbows to your side then start working the escape from there.  Also, while escaping, try bridging into the person first so that when you elbow escape out you can use the space created from the earlier bridge into your opponent to slide your guard back in.  Remember, it is that much harder to escape when defending a submission so keep all your limbs at bay! 

 

Another observation I have come to realize that has improved my top game considerably is the power of the cross face.  The cross face can affect anyone at any level.  Something to remember about the cross face is that your opponent can not turn his body where his face isn’t looking.  I like to use the cross face anywhere from top of half guard, side control to full mount.  It’s even useful in back mount when you have trouble finishing a choke, open them up with a cross face.  I have had good success at pinning and controlling the upper body with the cross face which leads to a greater pass percentage especially from top of half guard.  Combine the cross face with hip switching and you’ll find yourself a lot more dangerous.  From mount, I like to use the cross face to open them up for chokes and armbar setups.  Remember to keep your cross face tight to your opponent so they can not turn back into you and to keep you hips low.  If you tripod while crossfacing keep your weight balanced between your head/arm cross face and your feet as to not get swept over. 

I hope this is clear enough for the majority to understand and that my personal notes help those who read this.  Have fun training!