March 02, 2010
The Best Brabo Choke Resources
Shortly after Paulo Thiago defeated Mike Swick at UFC 109 I was asked to write about the 'Brabo' choke (Thiago finished the fight in the second round using the Brabo choke).I've always had a suspicion that this attack (also known as the 'Darce choke') would become a more popular attack. That's why, several years ago, I asked Marcio Feitosa to teach a photo tutorial on the Brabo choke.
Grapplers are finally catching on that the Brabo choke is a very powerful attack that you can hit from a number of different position. That's why we're seeing it more and more in submission grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA.
All this being said, I have to point out that the Brabo choke is NOT a submission that I've studied very deeply. Sure, I could show you the basic mechanics and a few tricks, but I'm just not your man if you want a ton of detail about this attack.
Fortunately someone else has done the heavy lifting on the Brabo Choke: Matt Kirtley has put together a really good series of articles on this attack at Aesopian.com. Here's a list of articles that you should read if you want to make it one of your go-to moves:
- Brabo Choke Homework: Trigger Position
- Brabo Choke Homework: Progressive Grips
- Brabo Choke Homework: Crossing the Arm
- Standing Up, Sitting Out and Brabo Chokes
Labels: arm triangle, Brabo Choke, chokes, D'arce choke, no gi
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August 05, 2009
Finishing the Rear Naked Choke
Grappling is usually a refined and elegant martial art. But you can't always use sophistication and leverage to get what you want...
Let's look at question that was recently forwarded to me, and see why sometimes you need to go lowbrow!
Q: "I have a quick question on the Rear Naked Choke (RNC). I have come across a few guys who are excellent at tucking their chin well into the crook of my elbow when I'm trying to give them the RNC, and obviously it's not choking them because their chin is in the way. What's an effective way to get their chin up somehow after they have blocked my choke attempt."
A: When it comes to attacking from rear mount, the RNC is definitely one of your pieces of heavy artillery! Anytime you're on someone's back, you should be ready to slap it on. (Click here for a technical step-by-step breakdown of the Rear Naked Choke).
But dealing with the tucked chin defense can be difficult, particularly if your opponent is both strong and stubborn. Here are some answers to use in just that situation:
- Head Push. Get the rear mount and push their head forward. They react by pushing back into you, so release the pressure and slip in the choke. This only works on beginners, but it's still a handy trick to know about!
- Forehead Pull. Place your palm on his forehead and pull it straight backwards, exposing the neck. Then, maintaining the pull, shoot your OTHER hand across his throat and start working for the choke. (This works best when you're in belly-down rear mount).
- Crossfacing. Say you're rear mounted and his chin is down. Drive your right fist and forearm across his face, forcing him to look to the left, and then drive your left arm into position across his throat. Sometimes you have to do this two or three times (left, right, left...) before you get the opening you need to attack the neck.
- Nose Pressure. Some people advocate using putting the forearm just under the nose, and then raking it upwards to open up the space at the neck (ouch!).
- Choke the Jaw. Maybe my favorite option is simply apply the RNC directly over the chin and squeeze. If you do this with consistent and sustained pressure you can pull his jaw back into his windpipe and choke him that way (it just takes a little longer). It's also painful, and often he'll lift his chin up to get the pressure off his jaw, giving you perfect access to his neck.
Just remember to save the pain-based stuff for competition. Or on people you really don't like. Or on really good friends (who'll forgive you). Please DON'T use it on the brand new guy who'll quit and never come back, or on someone who'll really take offense.
But even if you don't want to use the 'grinding' options yourself, you still need to know about them. Someone might try them on you, and if you've seen it before then you'll be prepared to deal with it.
Happy Rear Naked Choking!
Labels: chokes, rear mount, rear naked choke, RNC
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July 30, 2009
Bring 'Em Back Alive: More On Recovering From Chokes
The last blog post (Choke Recovery in Grappling) prompted some lively discussion and debate when I posted it on the Sherdog Grappling Forum and on MMA.tv. I also received a number of emails on the topic.
The most common question by far, was "what about lifting the unconscious person's legs up into the air to bring blood into their brain."
I've have seen the legs-in-the-air technique used to resuscitate unconscious grapplers. In fact, it's even been used on me (I was 12 years old and got knocked out by a Judo throw in the adult class. I awoke with my legs in the air and a whole bunch of very concerned faces looking down at me)!
But I didn't talk about it in my last newsletter for a simple reason - I've never seen any sort of research about the safety or efficacy of this resuscitation technique.
It seems fairly obvious that it 'should' bring more blood to the brain, and that it 'should' help people wake up faster. But that kind of thinking can be dangerous. Medical history is littered with techniques, procedures and drugs that 'should' have helped people, but instead caused grievous bodily harm.
A forum participant called "BJJ Medic" finally helped me out. He told me about some research on the so-called Trendelenburg postion. This head down, legs up position was used during and after World War 1 to help manage shock.
Recent research, however, indicates that this position does nothing to help with shock, and increases the risk of choking on your own tongue (which is, by the way, the most common cause for blocked airways in unconscious people). Click here to read The Myth of the Trendelenburg Position for yourself.
So until someone actually does proper research on the legs-in-the-air position, specifically with regard to waking up unconscious people, I'm NOT going to use it. The 'treatment' at this point only has risks, and no proven benefits.
BUT I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THIS
If someone is unconscious from a choke you should check to see if they're breathing. If they're not breathing, then either move them to the recovery position (3/4 prone) OR start rescue breathing. You should also check for a pulse, and if they don't have one, start CPR.
I think that every serious grappler or martial artist should have basic CPR and first aid training.
But even if you don't have the training to do rescue breathing and CPR, it's very important to be able to tell the 911 dispatcher "my buddy is unconscious but has a pulse and is breathing".
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The most common question by far, was "what about lifting the unconscious person's legs up into the air to bring blood into their brain."
I've have seen the legs-in-the-air technique used to resuscitate unconscious grapplers. In fact, it's even been used on me (I was 12 years old and got knocked out by a Judo throw in the adult class. I awoke with my legs in the air and a whole bunch of very concerned faces looking down at me)!
But I didn't talk about it in my last newsletter for a simple reason - I've never seen any sort of research about the safety or efficacy of this resuscitation technique.
It seems fairly obvious that it 'should' bring more blood to the brain, and that it 'should' help people wake up faster. But that kind of thinking can be dangerous. Medical history is littered with techniques, procedures and drugs that 'should' have helped people, but instead caused grievous bodily harm.
A forum participant called "BJJ Medic" finally helped me out. He told me about some research on the so-called Trendelenburg postion. This head down, legs up position was used during and after World War 1 to help manage shock.
Recent research, however, indicates that this position does nothing to help with shock, and increases the risk of choking on your own tongue (which is, by the way, the most common cause for blocked airways in unconscious people). Click here to read The Myth of the Trendelenburg Position for yourself.
So until someone actually does proper research on the legs-in-the-air position, specifically with regard to waking up unconscious people, I'm NOT going to use it. The 'treatment' at this point only has risks, and no proven benefits.
BUT I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THIS
If someone is unconscious from a choke you should check to see if they're breathing. If they're not breathing, then either move them to the recovery position (3/4 prone) OR start rescue breathing. You should also check for a pulse, and if they don't have one, start CPR.
I think that every serious grappler or martial artist should have basic CPR and first aid training.
But even if you don't have the training to do rescue breathing and CPR, it's very important to be able to tell the 911 dispatcher "my buddy is unconscious but has a pulse and is breathing".
Labels: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, chokes, Injuries
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July 27, 2009
Choke Recovery in BJJ and Submission Grappling
The first time I saw someone choked unconscious it scared the crap out of me. And it was made worse by the fact that it was a friend of mine...
It was many years ago at a local tournament. My friend was winning his match but got caught in a sneaky gi choke. He was (and still is) a stubborn bastard, so he refused to tap and passed out. He might have been out for about 10 seconds before anyone realized what was going on.
When the referee finally separated the two competitors, I could see my buddy lying flat on his back and he wasn't moving. From my position in the stands I couldn't even see if he was breathing.
But then it got even worse...
He started to snore REALLY loudly. We're talking horrible-keep-you-awake-from-the-next-room-sleep-apnea kind of snoring. Everyone at the tournament could hear it. Then, just to make things even more dramatic, he started convulsing a little bit, like he was having a small epileptic seizure.
Finally - to my infinite relief - he woke up, sat up and looked around sheepishly. Objectively he'd probably only been out for a total of 15 to 20 seconds (including the snoring and convulsing) but it sure seemed a lot longer than that to me at the time!
In fact this is a fairly normal sequence for someone who has been choked out. The snoring is normal. The mini-convulsions are to be expected. And they're going to be a bit light headed when they wake up.
Judo and BJJ coaches have different opions about what to do if someone gets choked out. The most common approach is to stand around and wait for the person to wake up. And this works just fine 99% of the time.
There are traditional judo resuscitation techniques (known as "kappo"). Kappo is an esoteric subject, and I don't know much about it. But I'll give you some guidance coming more from a western first aid point of view.
In first aid class I've been taught to roll unconscious people onto their side or into the 3/4 prone position (IMPORTANT: you only do this if you're sure that there's no neck or back injury). Being on the side helps drain fluids from the mouth and prevents the tongue from blocking the airway. And there are some Judo coaches who agree that this is a good idea.
I don't want to scare you with all this talk about unconscious people. Most accounts of chokes gone bad involve cops trying to restrain someone high on PCP by squeezing their neck with a billy club. Hopefully that's not happening at your club.
In fact, chokes and strangles are fairly safe.
The Kodokan, which is the central organizing body for Judo, has conducted studies on the safety of chokes ("shimewaza"). The results are encouraging: Judoka have been choking each other for more than 100 years without any reported fatalities.
Attacking the neck is part of submission grappling and BJJ. If you do this sport long enough then eventually someone will get choked out right in front of you. Now you know what to expect when that happens!
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It was many years ago at a local tournament. My friend was winning his match but got caught in a sneaky gi choke. He was (and still is) a stubborn bastard, so he refused to tap and passed out. He might have been out for about 10 seconds before anyone realized what was going on.
When the referee finally separated the two competitors, I could see my buddy lying flat on his back and he wasn't moving. From my position in the stands I couldn't even see if he was breathing.
But then it got even worse...
He started to snore REALLY loudly. We're talking horrible-keep-you-awake-from-the-next-room-sleep-apnea kind of snoring. Everyone at the tournament could hear it. Then, just to make things even more dramatic, he started convulsing a little bit, like he was having a small epileptic seizure.
Finally - to my infinite relief - he woke up, sat up and looked around sheepishly. Objectively he'd probably only been out for a total of 15 to 20 seconds (including the snoring and convulsing) but it sure seemed a lot longer than that to me at the time!
In fact this is a fairly normal sequence for someone who has been choked out. The snoring is normal. The mini-convulsions are to be expected. And they're going to be a bit light headed when they wake up.
Judo and BJJ coaches have different opions about what to do if someone gets choked out. The most common approach is to stand around and wait for the person to wake up. And this works just fine 99% of the time.
There are traditional judo resuscitation techniques (known as "kappo"). Kappo is an esoteric subject, and I don't know much about it. But I'll give you some guidance coming more from a western first aid point of view.
In first aid class I've been taught to roll unconscious people onto their side or into the 3/4 prone position (IMPORTANT: you only do this if you're sure that there's no neck or back injury). Being on the side helps drain fluids from the mouth and prevents the tongue from blocking the airway. And there are some Judo coaches who agree that this is a good idea.
I don't want to scare you with all this talk about unconscious people. Most accounts of chokes gone bad involve cops trying to restrain someone high on PCP by squeezing their neck with a billy club. Hopefully that's not happening at your club.
In fact, chokes and strangles are fairly safe.
The Kodokan, which is the central organizing body for Judo, has conducted studies on the safety of chokes ("shimewaza"). The results are encouraging: Judoka have been choking each other for more than 100 years without any reported fatalities.
Attacking the neck is part of submission grappling and BJJ. If you do this sport long enough then eventually someone will get choked out right in front of you. Now you know what to expect when that happens!
Labels: choke recovery, chokes, Injuries, judo
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June 17, 2009
Another Reason Why BJJ is Better Than Boxing
A few days ago, while traveling, I made my way down to Dartmouth's Fitplus gym. That's where I participated in a BJJ class taught by 6th degree Carlson Gracie black belt, Alexandre Penao.Despite feeling slightly under the weather that evening I really enjoyed the training session. People often talk about the sense of camaraderie in the BJJ community. This is never more in evidence than when you walk into a new club and are welcomed on the mat as a brother-in-arms.
(And then your new friends try to choke you unconscious...).
One cool thing that happened that night is that Alexandre Penao showed us a technique that none of us had ever seen before.
It was a cool rolling choke against the turtle position. Then he showed us how to use that choke to set up an entry to the mount and choke the guy out from there. This second technique was also entirely new to me.
Now I've been doing BJJ a long time. And I've been practicing other grappling arts for even longer. But I hadn't seen this stuff before. Not in person. Not on Youtube. Not in my extensive library of books and DVDs.
But the funny thing is that in BJJ this happens ALL THE TIME! Someone is always dreaming up new ways to choke somebody out, twist them into a pretzel, or flip them overhead.
No matter what belt rank you are, so long as you continue training you'll accumulate new techniques, details and insights until the day you step off the mats for good.
We're very luck that our sport is rich enough to allow this kind of continued growth.
How often do you think that an elite level boxer goes into the gym and has someone show him a completely new punch? How about two completely new punches?
This just doesn't happen in boxing. Ever!
But in jiu-jitsu and submission grappling there's always something new to learn.
Keep on rolling
Stephan Kesting
Grapplearts.com
Labels: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, chokes, inspiration
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April 22, 2009
A Lifetime of Learning
At my recent seminar on Unorthodox Positions I thought that I would be doing all the teaching, and that the students would be doing all the learning. Well I was wrong...
One of the things I taught was a cool entry into the north-south choke from the offside kesa gatame position.
The north-south choke is something I've worked on a LOT over the last couple of years. After many mistakes and false leads I finally 'get it," and feel comfortable teaching it to others.
My demonstration partner for this technique was fellow Carlson Gracie black belt Adam Ryan.
After I taught the 'traditional' north-south choke Adam came up to me and discretely inquired if he could show me something. He then proceeded to demonstrate a killer variation that makes the choke come on INSTANTLY!
It would have been hypocritical of me to keep this technique to myself. So I asked Adam to also teach his variation to the group. I figured that if I hadn't seen it before then chances were pretty good that not too many other people knew about it either.
At the end of day I was very happy.
Not only had the students learned a ton of new material that I knew would work for them, but I had came away with something too! In fact I used it to submit a tough opponent on my very next training day.
Of course Adam is a formidable competitor, a great teacher and a BJJ black belt. Therefore it's not surprising that he has lots of tricks to show me. But in my experience, most blue belts also have a trick or two they can show me.
Most schools, after all, have only one instructor, but if you keep an open mind then you can have a whole army of people - your fellow students - teaching you stuff, all the time.
There is nothing sadder than an 'expert' who has closed his mind to learning. When I stop learning then please start shoveling the dirt down on top of my grave.
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One of the things I taught was a cool entry into the north-south choke from the offside kesa gatame position.
The north-south choke is something I've worked on a LOT over the last couple of years. After many mistakes and false leads I finally 'get it," and feel comfortable teaching it to others.
My demonstration partner for this technique was fellow Carlson Gracie black belt Adam Ryan.
After I taught the 'traditional' north-south choke Adam came up to me and discretely inquired if he could show me something. He then proceeded to demonstrate a killer variation that makes the choke come on INSTANTLY!
It would have been hypocritical of me to keep this technique to myself. So I asked Adam to also teach his variation to the group. I figured that if I hadn't seen it before then chances were pretty good that not too many other people knew about it either.
At the end of day I was very happy.
Not only had the students learned a ton of new material that I knew would work for them, but I had came away with something too! In fact I used it to submit a tough opponent on my very next training day.
Of course Adam is a formidable competitor, a great teacher and a BJJ black belt. Therefore it's not surprising that he has lots of tricks to show me. But in my experience, most blue belts also have a trick or two they can show me.
Most schools, after all, have only one instructor, but if you keep an open mind then you can have a whole army of people - your fellow students - teaching you stuff, all the time.
There is nothing sadder than an 'expert' who has closed his mind to learning. When I stop learning then please start shoveling the dirt down on top of my grave.
Labels: chokes, teaching, unorthodox strategies
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April 14, 2009
Brabo Choke Defense
A fan of the half guard recently asked me how they could avoid getting caught in the Brabo choke:"I like going for the foot grab sweep from half guard. My problem is that I always get caught in a guillotine choke or Brabo choke when I go for the leg of my opponent. What can I do to stop getting choked all the time?"
The first step of defending any technique is to understand the technique. Once you know how an attack yourself then your spider sense starts tingling when your opponent starts to set it up on you.
Brabo choke specialists typically like to attack when their opponent has an underhook. Here's one example of how to apply the Brabo choke.
So it's true that getting choked from the half guard is a legitimate concern. But that doesn't mean that the half guard or the foot grab sweep is useless.
Every single position and technique has its vulnerabilities: if you throw a jab your opponent might slip it and counter with an uppercut, if you use the open guard your opponent might have an opportunity to footlock you, and if you use the half guard you have to watch out for the Brabo choke (aka the "D'Arce choke").
The trick is to be aware of the potential dangers of a position and taking precautions to prevent the counterattacks!
So let's get back to the half guard. In order to attack with the foot grab sweep you need to first secure the underhook with the top arm. BUT once you get the underhook you shouldn't just hang out there.
The underhook is a means to an end, NOT an end in itself.
And a related mistake is to get the underhook and then start grabbing for your opponent's foot. This is incorrect. To do it properly you first need to move down, down down.
You should have your ear resting on his hip and your face almost in *ahem* his crotch before you grab the foot and go for the sweep.
And if you're down that far then it's very hard for him to get his arms into position to choke you.
But let's say that you screw up, give him the opening and he attacks with that darn Brabo choke. If you own it, I suggest you check out the series of defenses to this choke that I covered in my Dynamic Half Guard DVD.
If you don't have that DVD then one simple Brabo defense is to throw yourself hard, flat on your back, BEFORE he finalizes his hand position. To avoid getting rolled he has to release and post his hands, which also gets you out of the choke.
With regards to the guillotine, the most likely time for your opponent to lock it on is once the sweep is already happening and he's falling back onto his butt. So keep your awareness high at all times: if he slaps on a guillotine during the sweep, as he's falling, then scramble to the correct side to counter the choke.
Hope this helps...
Labels: chokes, half guard, techniques
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March 26, 2009
Emergency Rx for Cranked Necks and Strained Backs
Yesterday I was training my side mount escapes. My partner and I repeatedly started with me pinned, and then we worked until I got out or until someone tapped.
Well I got sloppy and ended up on the receiving end of this rather horrendous armlock/choke/neck crank technique that's one of Marcus Soares's signature moves.
So there I was, getting squished. I was in pain, but pride kept me from tapping out (which, is, of course the wrong thing to do). I squirmed this way and that, trying to find a way out.
I ended up escaping by the skin of my teeth. I literally had to I 'walk' his leg off of my face using my face muscles, alternately contorting my face into a frown, then a manic smile. Frown. Smile. Frown. Smile. Frown. Smile...
Fortunately the combination of luck, determination and desperation eventually paid off and I was out of the submission and out from under side mount.
Not surprisingly, though, my neck was pretty sore that evening. A bad kind of sore. That oh-boy-I've-done-it-again kind of sore.
That was yesterday. And today my neck is almost 100% again. So what did I do?
Nowadays almost everybody knows about using the R.I.C.E. formula to deal with sprains, strains, pulls or tears. This 4 step process consists of:
R = Rest (i.e. don't make it any worse)
I = Ice (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off)
C = Compression (a not-too-tight ACE bandage, for example)
E = Elevation (lifting the injured body part above the level of the heart)
When it comes to neck and back injuries you're kind of limited though - compression and elevation don't apply.
You really don't want to be found unconscious with some sort of band wrapped around your neck - the optics just aren't good (honest mom, I hurt my neck...). And with regards to elevation it's hard to elevate your neck above your heart more than it already is.
This leaves us with steps one and two: rest and ice. It's funny: almost everyone will ice a sore elbow, but very few people apply ice to a sore neck. This is a mistake.
That evening I put a gel ice pack into a sleeve and tied it around my neck, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, all evening. The 10/10 rule is important, because it's easily possible to give yourself frostbite by leaving ice or ice packs on too long.
I even ran an errand with that neoprene sleeve around my neck. Yes, I got some funny looks, but I'm 100% certain that the early and aggressive icing had a lot to do with my quick recovery.
The other tool in the R.I.C.E. formula for sore necks and backs is rest. Notice that it does NOT say 'stretch'. If you've recently strained your neck or back then DO NOT STRETCH IT.
When you strain a muscle it's typically been slightly torn or damaged. The pain and stiffness is a way for the muscle to protect itself. When you stretch it too early, you're just aggravating it further.
The worst back pain I ever had is when I came home from work with a very sore lower back and tried to stretch it out. At the end of that (gentle) stretching session I was so seized up that I couldn't get up off the ground. I lay in the same spot on the floor for 24 hours, wondering if I would ever walk again.
It's usually OK to start gentle stretching AFTER the inflammation has gone down - typically 3 to 4 days in the case of a mild strain or sprain.
So to summarize: if you strain your back or neck, DO get ice on it right away, but DON'T try to stretch it out.
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Well I got sloppy and ended up on the receiving end of this rather horrendous armlock/choke/neck crank technique that's one of Marcus Soares's signature moves.
So there I was, getting squished. I was in pain, but pride kept me from tapping out (which, is, of course the wrong thing to do). I squirmed this way and that, trying to find a way out.
I ended up escaping by the skin of my teeth. I literally had to I 'walk' his leg off of my face using my face muscles, alternately contorting my face into a frown, then a manic smile. Frown. Smile. Frown. Smile. Frown. Smile...
Fortunately the combination of luck, determination and desperation eventually paid off and I was out of the submission and out from under side mount.
Not surprisingly, though, my neck was pretty sore that evening. A bad kind of sore. That oh-boy-I've-done-it-again kind of sore.
That was yesterday. And today my neck is almost 100% again. So what did I do?
Nowadays almost everybody knows about using the R.I.C.E. formula to deal with sprains, strains, pulls or tears. This 4 step process consists of:
R = Rest (i.e. don't make it any worse)
I = Ice (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off)
C = Compression (a not-too-tight ACE bandage, for example)
E = Elevation (lifting the injured body part above the level of the heart)
When it comes to neck and back injuries you're kind of limited though - compression and elevation don't apply.
You really don't want to be found unconscious with some sort of band wrapped around your neck - the optics just aren't good (honest mom, I hurt my neck...). And with regards to elevation it's hard to elevate your neck above your heart more than it already is.
This leaves us with steps one and two: rest and ice. It's funny: almost everyone will ice a sore elbow, but very few people apply ice to a sore neck. This is a mistake.
That evening I put a gel ice pack into a sleeve and tied it around my neck, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, all evening. The 10/10 rule is important, because it's easily possible to give yourself frostbite by leaving ice or ice packs on too long.
I even ran an errand with that neoprene sleeve around my neck. Yes, I got some funny looks, but I'm 100% certain that the early and aggressive icing had a lot to do with my quick recovery.
The other tool in the R.I.C.E. formula for sore necks and backs is rest. Notice that it does NOT say 'stretch'. If you've recently strained your neck or back then DO NOT STRETCH IT.
When you strain a muscle it's typically been slightly torn or damaged. The pain and stiffness is a way for the muscle to protect itself. When you stretch it too early, you're just aggravating it further.
The worst back pain I ever had is when I came home from work with a very sore lower back and tried to stretch it out. At the end of that (gentle) stretching session I was so seized up that I couldn't get up off the ground. I lay in the same spot on the floor for 24 hours, wondering if I would ever walk again.
It's usually OK to start gentle stretching AFTER the inflammation has gone down - typically 3 to 4 days in the case of a mild strain or sprain.
So to summarize: if you strain your back or neck, DO get ice on it right away, but DON'T try to stretch it out.
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March 20, 2009
A BJJ and MMA Application for the iPhone & iPod Touch
Today I'd like to tell you about my brand new application for the iPhone and the second generation iPod Touch. It's called "Grapplearts Submissions", and it's the very first tool of it's kind for learning BJJ, submission grappling or MMA techniques.
(We're still tweaking the application to work properly with first generation iPod Touch, so if you have one of these stay tuned and I hope to have good news for you soon)
This application is designed so that you can learn grappling anywhere.
The idea is that you can learn the armbar from mount while riding the bus, or remind yourself of the key points for the triangle choke while waiting in line! Now you can bring your techniques with you to class and drill them with your friends!
Click here to see the application page on iTunes (if you have iTunes installed on your computer), or click here for the info page on Grapplearts.com.
This application is designed to be used on your iPhone or second generation iPod Touch. There are 31 different armlock, leglock and choke entries, AND we show you the details that make those submissions work. In addition, we plan to add other techniques to future updates, which you'll get free!
A quick note: this is a big application because it has LOTS of video instruction. That's why you need a wifi network if you want to download it to your iphone directly.
If you don't have a wifi network then just use iTunes to download the app (search for "Grapplearts Submissions" in the iTunes store). Then synch your phone, just like you do for your music, calenders, etc.
About the price: my co-developers begged, whined and pleaded until I agreed to initially release it at at the nominal cost $0.99 (for the first week only). I personally think that this low price is a mistake, but compromise is the soul of partnership...
After March 27th I'll raise the price for sure.
So here's how to get the application, and some links to more information about it:
- Click here to open iTunes to the application page (if you have iTunes already installed)
- Or you can open iTunes manually and search for "Grapplearts Submissions" in the iTunes store
- Download iTunes for free
- Visit the iPhone page on Grapplearts for screen shots and a detailed list of contents
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Labels: armlocks, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, chokes, iphone, leglocks, training
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January 22, 2009
New DVD - "Step-by-Step Submissions"
I just want to tell people that I'm adding another DVD to my Roadmap for BJJ Package. It's tentatively titled "Step-by-Step Submissions".
This new video will be in a different format from my other DVDs. Basically it's a reference tool so you can quickly look up the steps and the key points for the most important no-gi submissions. Think of it as the Cole's Notes for chokes and joint locks.
Featured on "Step-by-Step Submissions" are 31 setups for 10 different submissions. Each setup is first broken down into the correct sequence and then shown at 'action speed.' I also go into the key details that 'make or break' each choke or lock.
So here's the deal:
This DVD is in the final stages of editing. If everything goes according to plan I should be able to start shipping it out in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Everyone who has already bought the Package gets this new DVD shipped to them for free as soon as it's ready. No shipping, no postage, no nothing.
Everyone who buys the Package between now and when the new DVD is released will get everything else shipped to them right away (i.e. no waiting), and then I'll also send you "Step-by-Step Submissions DVD" as soon as it's done. Again, the shipping is on me.
Check out the Roadmap for BJJ Package here!
BTW - I think that the addition of yet another DVD takes an already great product and makes it a fantastic product, but of course I'm a little biased ;-)
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This new video will be in a different format from my other DVDs. Basically it's a reference tool so you can quickly look up the steps and the key points for the most important no-gi submissions. Think of it as the Cole's Notes for chokes and joint locks.
Featured on "Step-by-Step Submissions" are 31 setups for 10 different submissions. Each setup is first broken down into the correct sequence and then shown at 'action speed.' I also go into the key details that 'make or break' each choke or lock.
So here's the deal:
This DVD is in the final stages of editing. If everything goes according to plan I should be able to start shipping it out in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Everyone who has already bought the Package gets this new DVD shipped to them for free as soon as it's ready. No shipping, no postage, no nothing.
Everyone who buys the Package between now and when the new DVD is released will get everything else shipped to them right away (i.e. no waiting), and then I'll also send you "Step-by-Step Submissions DVD" as soon as it's done. Again, the shipping is on me.
Check out the Roadmap for BJJ Package here!
BTW - I think that the addition of yet another DVD takes an already great product and makes it a fantastic product, but of course I'm a little biased ;-)
Labels: armlocks, chokes, Grapplearts DVDs, leglocks, techniques
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August 31, 2008
One more Von Flue Choke
As you know, in the last few newsletters we've been discussing body position for guillotine chokes and using the 'Von Flue' choke to recounter the guillotine. If you missed them you can click to see the first post here and the second post here.
Well, thanks to Shaldag on the Sherdog.net forums I recently I found yet ANOTHER example of a the Von Flue choke being used in competition. This one is nice because it shows both things we've been talking about: the battle to circle the body so as to nullify the power of the guillotine, and then finishing the fight with the Von Flue choke.
So watch this video with our recent discussion in mind. The positional work to counter the guillotine (and the subsequent choke) starts at about 2 minutes and 14 seconds:
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Well, thanks to Shaldag on the Sherdog.net forums I recently I found yet ANOTHER example of a the Von Flue choke being used in competition. This one is nice because it shows both things we've been talking about: the battle to circle the body so as to nullify the power of the guillotine, and then finishing the fight with the Von Flue choke.
So watch this video with our recent discussion in mind. The positional work to counter the guillotine (and the subsequent choke) starts at about 2 minutes and 14 seconds:
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August 29, 2008
Everybody Was Von Flue Fighting...
When people are learning the Von Flue choke they often find that their opponent can bridge them over and they end up on the bottom. If you're getting rolled into a bad position when trying this choke then check that your legs are perpendicular (i.e. at 90 degrees) to your opponent. If his head is pointing to 12 o'clock, then your legs should either be to 3 or 9 o'clock. The closer your legs get to his head the easier it is for him to bridge you over.
Also keep in mind that some grapplers just have very explosive bridging power. If I was unsure about my base and going against one of these bridging dynamos I might choose NOT switch my legs, and simply use shoulder pressure. It's the same choke, just relying less on body weight, more on arm strength, and a bit slower than the inverted-leg-switching Von Flue choke I showed in aforementioned blog entry.
To illustrate this non-leg-switching variation, here is another video of another Von Flue choke in action, starting at about 1:00 in the video (thanks to TravenBJJ on the mma.tv forum for bringing it to my attention):
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Also keep in mind that some grapplers just have very explosive bridging power. If I was unsure about my base and going against one of these bridging dynamos I might choose NOT switch my legs, and simply use shoulder pressure. It's the same choke, just relying less on body weight, more on arm strength, and a bit slower than the inverted-leg-switching Von Flue choke I showed in aforementioned blog entry.
To illustrate this non-leg-switching variation, here is another video of another Von Flue choke in action, starting at about 1:00 in the video (thanks to TravenBJJ on the mma.tv forum for bringing it to my attention):
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August 28, 2008
Never Get Guillotined Again!
OK, I have to admit that I'm exaggerating with the whole "never get guillotined again" title, but it's almost true. If you incorporate principle that I'm about to share with into your grappling two things will happen:
So go watch (and rate) my Youtube video on body positioning for the guillotine choke. As a special bonus I've included a section on the 'Von Flue' guillotine recounter, which is always an unwelcome surprise for your sparring partners!
And if you think that the Von Flue choke is unrealistic I encourage you to watch Jason Von Flue pull it off on The Ultimate Fighter TV show:
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- you'll tap out to many, many fewer guillotine chokes, and
- you'll really increase how often you manage to finish your opponent's with the same choke.
So go watch (and rate) my Youtube video on body positioning for the guillotine choke. As a special bonus I've included a section on the 'Von Flue' guillotine recounter, which is always an unwelcome surprise for your sparring partners!
And if you think that the Von Flue choke is unrealistic I encourage you to watch Jason Von Flue pull it off on The Ultimate Fighter TV show:
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August 21, 2007
Preventing & Escaping the RNC
A reader asked:
Q: "How do I escape the Rear Naked Choke - I've tried all sorts of things and they don't seem to work"
A: The Rear Naked Choke (or RNC) is one of the top finishers in submission grappling and MMA. Once applied, the odds of an equally skilled grappler getting out of it successfully are very small, probably 5 to 10%. You have two general options: 1) Prevent it from being applied, and/or 2) Escaping it once it is applied.
PREVENTION: Preventing the RNC from getting sunk is much, much, much better than trying to escape it once it's applied. The best way to prevent it from being applied is first to understand how to apply it yourself. I have previously developed and shared a 'roadmap' for applying the RNC. This is relevant to the discussion because if you understand how to apply a submission you can also reverse engineer a defense for it.
In the aforementioned video I break down the choke into a series of steps. Accordingly, if you can block one or more of those steps then you're well on the way to preventing the RNC from being applied to you. For example, you can put roadblocks in his roadmap by
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Q: "How do I escape the Rear Naked Choke - I've tried all sorts of things and they don't seem to work"
A: The Rear Naked Choke (or RNC) is one of the top finishers in submission grappling and MMA. Once applied, the odds of an equally skilled grappler getting out of it successfully are very small, probably 5 to 10%. You have two general options: 1) Prevent it from being applied, and/or 2) Escaping it once it is applied.
PREVENTION: Preventing the RNC from getting sunk is much, much, much better than trying to escape it once it's applied. The best way to prevent it from being applied is first to understand how to apply it yourself. I have previously developed and shared a 'roadmap' for applying the RNC. This is relevant to the discussion because if you understand how to apply a submission you can also reverse engineer a defense for it.
In the aforementioned video I break down the choke into a series of steps. Accordingly, if you can block one or more of those steps then you're well on the way to preventing the RNC from being applied to you. For example, you can put roadblocks in his roadmap by
- grip fighting to prevent your opponent from initially linking his hands
- rolling your body towards the underhook side
- preventing him from getting his underhooking arm out
- not allowing him to tighten the choking arm around your neck
- anticipating his attempts to strip your grip and trying to prevent it
- etc.
- Keep your chin down. If you keep your chin glued to your chest you block the path of his forearm to your neck. It IS possible to choke someone unconscious by choking them on their jaw/chin area - the jaw gets pulled into the throat - but it's a relatively slow process and it may afford you some time to escape
- Relax and breath shallowly. Relaxing is going to be tough but you have to do it. If you panic you are going to use up your oxygen that much faster. Generally speaking you want to avoid large exhalations because this causes your neck and upper chest to relax slightly, giving them more room to sink their choke.
- Look to leglock. If your opponent has the RNC fully sunk with his ankles crossed you can apply a leglock by crossing your legs over his. Now it is a 50/50 proposition: maybe you're going to pass out from the choke and maybe he's going to tap from the ankle lock. Sometimes you can even use various escaping hip movements to sucker your opponent into crossing his ankles to control you better.
- Remove the spearhand. In the RNC one arm goes around the neck and the other arm, the one with the hand behind the head, plays a critical role in locking everything in place. If you can, reach up over your head and pull that hand forward off of your head. Now tuck that arm somewhere safe (like back) under your armpit and then use both hands to try and remove the arm around your neck. Incidentally it is a lot harder to remove the first hand if he has the BACK of his hand against your neck, in the video I refer to this position as the 'spearhand'.
- Suffer. One last ditch strategy that sometimes works IF you've kept your chin down is to push his choking arm up, over your face. Take a look at the photo at the top of this article: if the guy being choked had his chin down then he could try pushing his opponent's right elbow up towards the top of his head, using both hands to push if necessary. This isn't a high percentage technique, but it works often enough for me to mention it here. Be forewarned that even if you do it perfectly you build a lot of character as his bony forearm slides over your mouth, nose and face.
Labels: chokes
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November 07, 2006
A Roadmap for the Rear Naked Choke
The Rear Naked Choke, or RNC, is one of those fundamental techniques. Choking someone from rearmount is an incredibly effective and efficient tool in the jiu-jitsu arsenal, but I only acquired it relatively late in my grappling career.
Instructions on how to do the RNC are in the first martial arts books I bought when I was 12 years old. I also learned how to do it in Judo class at about the same age. The choke is easy to apply once it is locked on, but getting my arms into the RNC position on a skilled, resisting opponent was usually an exercise in frustration. Until about two years ago I had probably used this choke successfully less than 5 times in actual sparring.
Since 2005, however, the RNC has been one of my best submissions. So what changed?
Over the years I had gone repeatedly to Marcus Soares and Erik Paulson with questions about how to sink it, apply it, and counter my opponent's attempts to stop it. They told me what I was supposed to do, but the RNC still wasn't happening for me in sparring. One of my favorite expressions is that "lessons repeat themselves until learned", and apparently I wasn't learning the RNC lesson very quickly.
Two other things finally helped me connect the dots: watching Marcelo Garcia compete, and working with Marc Laimon for an afternoon. It's asif I'd reached critical mass: finally I'd heard and seen the important details enough times and the route to the RNC started to swim into focus. I now had a roadmap for the RNC, where I could insert all the various technical details I'd been shown.
So without further ado, I'd like to direct you to my latest creation: a 10 minute video tutorial on applying the RNC. Hopefully it won't take you 25 years in the martial arts to make this choke work for you!
You can see it below, or visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=176SLdBhj_A
to view it.
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Instructions on how to do the RNC are in the first martial arts books I bought when I was 12 years old. I also learned how to do it in Judo class at about the same age. The choke is easy to apply once it is locked on, but getting my arms into the RNC position on a skilled, resisting opponent was usually an exercise in frustration. Until about two years ago I had probably used this choke successfully less than 5 times in actual sparring.
Since 2005, however, the RNC has been one of my best submissions. So what changed?
Over the years I had gone repeatedly to Marcus Soares and Erik Paulson with questions about how to sink it, apply it, and counter my opponent's attempts to stop it. They told me what I was supposed to do, but the RNC still wasn't happening for me in sparring. One of my favorite expressions is that "lessons repeat themselves until learned", and apparently I wasn't learning the RNC lesson very quickly.
Two other things finally helped me connect the dots: watching Marcelo Garcia compete, and working with Marc Laimon for an afternoon. It's asif I'd reached critical mass: finally I'd heard and seen the important details enough times and the route to the RNC started to swim into focus. I now had a roadmap for the RNC, where I could insert all the various technical details I'd been shown.
So without further ado, I'd like to direct you to my latest creation: a 10 minute video tutorial on applying the RNC. Hopefully it won't take you 25 years in the martial arts to make this choke work for you!
You can see it below, or visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=176SLdBhj_A
to view it.
Labels: chokes
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August 31, 2005
The Anaconda Choke
There is a relatively unknown choke that has been making waves in MMA for a couple of years now: it is a rolling head and arm guillotine, otherwise known as the “Anaconda Choke”. This is the choke used by such fighters as Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira in Japanese Pride, Randy Couture in the UFC and Denis Kang in Russian M1.
I started using this choke in sparring about a year ago: occasionally it would work, but often my opponent would counter or escape. Then Denis and I filmed his soon-to-be released instructional video, called “My Mixed Martial Arts”. One of the many things he wanted to show was the Anaconda Choke – he had just choked out Alexei Veselovzorov with it.
I was directing the action from behind the camera, but even watching through the viewfinder I learned at least 3 details that I hadn’t previously been aware of:
1 – dipping my shoulder when initially sinking the arm across the throat
2 – getting my hand well past the bicep when locking your arms
3 – putting my head to the side of the body during the roll, NOT on the back
Adding these details made this a far more powerful and effective choke for me. If you already know this technique you might be able to learn 3 entirely different details just by watching Denis teach this technique, so check out the QuickTime movie at www.grapplearts.com/My-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Download.htm. If this is a new technique for you then your training partners might be in for a surprise the next time you hit the mats!
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I started using this choke in sparring about a year ago: occasionally it would work, but often my opponent would counter or escape. Then Denis and I filmed his soon-to-be released instructional video, called “My Mixed Martial Arts”. One of the many things he wanted to show was the Anaconda Choke – he had just choked out Alexei Veselovzorov with it.
I was directing the action from behind the camera, but even watching through the viewfinder I learned at least 3 details that I hadn’t previously been aware of:
1 – dipping my shoulder when initially sinking the arm across the throat
2 – getting my hand well past the bicep when locking your arms
3 – putting my head to the side of the body during the roll, NOT on the back
Adding these details made this a far more powerful and effective choke for me. If you already know this technique you might be able to learn 3 entirely different details just by watching Denis teach this technique, so check out the QuickTime movie at www.grapplearts.com/My-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Download.htm. If this is a new technique for you then your training partners might be in for a surprise the next time you hit the mats!
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July 17, 2005
One more thing about Choking
Before we leave this topic I want to point out that not all chokes occur at the neck. Of course squeezing the windpipe is the most common form of choking, but you can also impair breathing by applying pressure to the torso.
The diaphragm is a powerful sheet of muscle that lies between your heart and lungs in the upper part of your torso, and your stomach, intestines and other organs in the lower part of your torso. The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for moving air in and out of the body by inflating your lungs.
Typically diaphragmatic choking is accomplished using the knee-on-belly position. The knee is placed fairly high on the belly, usually just near the solar plexus. To increase pressure the arms are anchored on your opponent and pulling him into you.
This pressure means that the diaphragm and lungs can’t operate properly and that his breathing becomes labored and ineffective. Maintain this pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, and he will be forced to submit from lack of air reaching his lungs. It might be a little bit slower than closing down the windpipe, but the final effect is the same.
Labels: chokes
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July 11, 2005
Air Chokes
For the last two weeks we have primarily been discussing strangles – this week I’d like to move on to ‘chokes’. A choke is a submission which primarily cuts off the flow of air through the windpipe, as opposed to a strangle which primarily cuts off the flow of blood to the brain.
Chokes are typically applied to the front of the throat, usually with the forearm (although hands, knees, shins, and other body parts can also be used). This action pushes on the Adam’s apple and compresses the windpipe which prevents air from moving down to the lungs. Since it blocks airflow, rather than blood flow, chokes usually take longer than chokes to render someone unconscious.
The paradox is that people usually tap out QUICKER from a choke than from a strangle. This is because chokes are very painful, whereas many strangles are not painful. Chokes work just fine on the mat, where most people will tap out when caught in a painful technique, but they may not be the technique of choice in a self-defense situation. If your opponent has a very high pain tolerance however, or is on a lot of drugs, then strangling would be the technique of choice, not choking.
One other thing to keep in mind is that choking is probably more dangerous than strangling. There have been several deaths recorded where police officers and sheriffs applied chokes and managed to kill the person by accident. The intent of those officers was almost certainly to put the resisting person to sleep, but they applied a choke rather than a strangle. The choke then damaged the person’s windpipe, compromising their breathing even after it was released, and the person died.
There are several morals to these stories. The first is that you should really know the difference between a choke and a strangle, and have the presence of mind to choose the appropriate technique for the appropriate situation. The other take-home point is that it is VERY important to monitor your opponent during the choke/strangle, and after you have released it. These are powerful techniques, and like we all learned in the Spiderman movie, “with great power comes great responsibility”.
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Chokes are typically applied to the front of the throat, usually with the forearm (although hands, knees, shins, and other body parts can also be used). This action pushes on the Adam’s apple and compresses the windpipe which prevents air from moving down to the lungs. Since it blocks airflow, rather than blood flow, chokes usually take longer than chokes to render someone unconscious.
The paradox is that people usually tap out QUICKER from a choke than from a strangle. This is because chokes are very painful, whereas many strangles are not painful. Chokes work just fine on the mat, where most people will tap out when caught in a painful technique, but they may not be the technique of choice in a self-defense situation. If your opponent has a very high pain tolerance however, or is on a lot of drugs, then strangling would be the technique of choice, not choking.
One other thing to keep in mind is that choking is probably more dangerous than strangling. There have been several deaths recorded where police officers and sheriffs applied chokes and managed to kill the person by accident. The intent of those officers was almost certainly to put the resisting person to sleep, but they applied a choke rather than a strangle. The choke then damaged the person’s windpipe, compromising their breathing even after it was released, and the person died.
There are several morals to these stories. The first is that you should really know the difference between a choke and a strangle, and have the presence of mind to choose the appropriate technique for the appropriate situation. The other take-home point is that it is VERY important to monitor your opponent during the choke/strangle, and after you have released it. These are powerful techniques, and like we all learned in the Spiderman movie, “with great power comes great responsibility”.
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July 05, 2005
Recovery From Chokes & Strangles
If you practice chokes and strangles long enough you will eventually choke someone partially or fully unconscious – because some strangles are not very painful people can even go unconscious without realizing it. This is not an inherently dangerous situation so long as you follow a few safety precautions.
The first time I saw someone strangled fully unconscious it was frightening. A competitor at a local tournament was being strangled and resisted tapping a little bit too long. At first he just lay there unresponsive. Then he emitted a very loud snoring/gurgling sound. Then he started to shake and quiver as if he was having a ‘gentle’ epileptic seizure. Finally he awoke, looking somewhat sheepish and embarrassed. The whole thing took about 10 seconds, but seemed a lot longer to me.
Now not everyone who gets strangled out will respond the same way – a lot depends on how deeply unconscious the person is and how long the strangle is held. Sometimes they’ll snore and sometimes they won’t. Sometimes they’ll shake uncontrollably and sometimes they won’t. People can even lose bladder control if the choke/strangle is held too long (fortunately this is a fairly rare occurrence).
If you DO throttle someone fully out then here are some safety precautions you should know about:
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The first time I saw someone strangled fully unconscious it was frightening. A competitor at a local tournament was being strangled and resisted tapping a little bit too long. At first he just lay there unresponsive. Then he emitted a very loud snoring/gurgling sound. Then he started to shake and quiver as if he was having a ‘gentle’ epileptic seizure. Finally he awoke, looking somewhat sheepish and embarrassed. The whole thing took about 10 seconds, but seemed a lot longer to me.
Now not everyone who gets strangled out will respond the same way – a lot depends on how deeply unconscious the person is and how long the strangle is held. Sometimes they’ll snore and sometimes they won’t. Sometimes they’ll shake uncontrollably and sometimes they won’t. People can even lose bladder control if the choke/strangle is held too long (fortunately this is a fairly rare occurrence).
If you DO throttle someone fully out then here are some safety precautions you should know about:
- Be aware of your opponent’s level of consciousness. People don’t always know they’re about to pass out, and some people won’t tap to chokes. This is especially true if you ever use a choke in self-defense: with all the chaos and adrenaline you might hold the strangle for a lot longer than necessary.
- Release the hold as soon as possible. Continuing a strangle after someone is unconscious is very dangerous.
- Roll the person onto their side (unless you also suspect spinal injury). By placing them onto their side you are ensuring that their airway remains open - many people die when they lie unconscious flat on their backs.
- if they remain unconscious for more than 20 SECONDS call for medical help and initiate artificial respiration and/or CPR
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June 26, 2005
Anatomy of a Strangle
This week we will discuss strangles and strangulations; this will be the start of series of articles on the topic of chokes, strangles and other submissions attacking the neck. I define a “strangle” as a grappling technique that restricts the flow of blood through the carotid arteries, giving your opponent the choice of submitting or becoming unconscious.
First it is important to understand a little bit of anatomy. Try turning your head to one side and then pinch the big long muscle on the opposite side of your neck. This muscle runs from just behind your ear to the top of your breastbone, and is called the “Sternocleidomastoid”. The carotid artery is roughly located underneath this muscle.
The take-home message of the above anatomy lesson is that proper strangles attack mainly the SIDES of the neck. When these arteries are compressed by a choke the brain doesn't receive enough blood and the person becomes unconscious. In the hands of an expert this can take as little as 5 to 10 seconds. Most properly applied strangles are not usually very painful, although there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Resisting a strangle is not a question of toughness. Because you are temporarily restricting the flow of blood to the brain, even if the person high on PCP, or has superhuman pain tolerance, they should go unconscious. As with all techniques there are a few freaks of nature that have necks strong enough to resist most strangles – but you should know that these people are VERY few and far between.
Next week we will discuss some very important choking and strangling safety tips, including what to expect when someone has been rendered fully unconscious.
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First it is important to understand a little bit of anatomy. Try turning your head to one side and then pinch the big long muscle on the opposite side of your neck. This muscle runs from just behind your ear to the top of your breastbone, and is called the “Sternocleidomastoid”. The carotid artery is roughly located underneath this muscle.
The take-home message of the above anatomy lesson is that proper strangles attack mainly the SIDES of the neck. When these arteries are compressed by a choke the brain doesn't receive enough blood and the person becomes unconscious. In the hands of an expert this can take as little as 5 to 10 seconds. Most properly applied strangles are not usually very painful, although there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Resisting a strangle is not a question of toughness. Because you are temporarily restricting the flow of blood to the brain, even if the person high on PCP, or has superhuman pain tolerance, they should go unconscious. As with all techniques there are a few freaks of nature that have necks strong enough to resist most strangles – but you should know that these people are VERY few and far between.
Next week we will discuss some very important choking and strangling safety tips, including what to expect when someone has been rendered fully unconscious.
Labels: chokes
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December 08, 2004
Surviving the Smother
There is nothing worse than tapping out to a smother. It is one thing to get caught in a nice technical choke and having to tap out, but it really sucks to get slowly smothered as someone covers your nose and mouth with some part of their body. It's slow, it's frustrating and it's undignified. Sometimes the guy doesn't even know that he's doing it to you, which doesn't make it any better...
Here is a simple, but not commonly known, technique to survive the smother. When you feel like there simply isn't enough air coming into your mouth and nose, open your mouth as wide as it can go. Most of the time the increased intake area will allow enough air to get into your lungs to survive and start plotting your escape and revenge.
This is particularly relevant when you are doing gi-jiujitsu (although it is occasionally useful in no-gi submission grappling as well). If your face is covered by someone's gi and your mouth is just a little bit open, then you are trying to suck air through a relatively small area. If you open your mouth wide then you double or triple the area of gi you are breathing through, making life much better for you.
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Here is a simple, but not commonly known, technique to survive the smother. When you feel like there simply isn't enough air coming into your mouth and nose, open your mouth as wide as it can go. Most of the time the increased intake area will allow enough air to get into your lungs to survive and start plotting your escape and revenge.
This is particularly relevant when you are doing gi-jiujitsu (although it is occasionally useful in no-gi submission grappling as well). If your face is covered by someone's gi and your mouth is just a little bit open, then you are trying to suck air through a relatively small area. If you open your mouth wide then you double or triple the area of gi you are breathing through, making life much better for you.
Labels: breathing, chokes, positions
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August 21, 2004
The Rear Naked Choke
The so-called rear naked choke (also known as “hadaka-jime” in Japanese) is one of the most powerful submissions in grappling. Properly applied, this choke should give your opponent no way out except to tap or go to sleep.
When using this choke I often think about the angles at which I am applying pressure. Keeping these angles in mind has made my rear naked choke much more powerful:
First squeeze DOWN (ie bring your arms down towards your belly button a bit)
Then squeeze IN (i.e. bring your arms towards his spine)
Then squeeze UP (towards the top of his head).
This 3 part sequence helps gets your forearm and wrist under his chin and helps you dig deep into his neck. My visual picture is popping the head off of a daisy...
If you want a visual for this choke check out the Grapplearts picture of the week from March 28th, 2004. Incidentally, the two combatants in this picture (Castro and MacDonald) are now teammates on Epic Fight Team!
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When using this choke I often think about the angles at which I am applying pressure. Keeping these angles in mind has made my rear naked choke much more powerful:
First squeeze DOWN (ie bring your arms down towards your belly button a bit)
Then squeeze IN (i.e. bring your arms towards his spine)
Then squeeze UP (towards the top of his head).
This 3 part sequence helps gets your forearm and wrist under his chin and helps you dig deep into his neck. My visual picture is popping the head off of a daisy...
If you want a visual for this choke check out the Grapplearts picture of the week from March 28th, 2004. Incidentally, the two combatants in this picture (Castro and MacDonald) are now teammates on Epic Fight Team!
Labels: chokes
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