A few years ago I released the Roadmap for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructional package. This is a multi-component product that focuses on the strategies, tactics, techniques and training methods of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It's basically a quick start guide for how to get good on the ground as fast as possible. … [Read more...]
Armlocks
Ambush Armbar from Modified Scarf Hold
I might not be 100% correct with the actual wording, but I'll always remember this fantastic quote from Karate legend Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace which I read in Black Belt magazine many years ago. It went something like this: "There's always going to be someone bigger, stronger or faster than you, but there never has to be anyone sneakier than you!" Ain't that the truth! Sneakiness … [Read more...]
How to Counter the Armlock from the Underhook
If you have any exposure to standup grappling then you know the power of a standing underhook. It allows you to dominate your opponent, move him around, and set up lots of throws, takedowns and other moves. In fact, at every single UFC event you hear some cornerman yelling "underhook, Underhook, UNDERHOOK! But have you ever gone for an underhook in the clinch only to have your opponent wrap … [Read more...]
Defending Stupid Big Guy Attacks (and the Honor of Jiu-Jitsu)
It's amazing what some big guys will do when they get frustrated. In fact, sometimes they'll try stuff so stupid that it'll take you completely by surprise! Now, many BJJ instructors never bother to teach you what to do against these 'stupid attacks.' … [Read more...]
How to Attack Super-Defensive Opponents
It's a fact: big guys don't like losing to smaller guys. That's why sometimes, when a bigger guy realizes he's not going to be able to actually win a match, he changes gears and uses all his strength and size for only one thing... ... to stall, stall, stall and hope for a draw! It can be super-frustrating when an opponent absolutely refuses to engage with you. Especially when the damn guy … [Read more...]
Advanced Omoplata Armlock Finish
Jiu-jitsu is so cool! As you might know, the omoplata armlock is one of my very favorite techniques. But even after 10 years of studying this position, I'm still learning new stuff about it... Today I want to share a variation of the omoplata that I learned this summer workingwith Brandon Mullins. Of course this finish works great on larger people, but even though I'm 6'2' and 215 lbs I'm gonna … [Read more...]
Shoot Wrestling Armbar Escape
Here's a simple, but still very effective, method to escape from the Armbar … [Read more...]
Technique 2: Reverse Shoulder Lock
Marcus and Denis demonstrate the reverse shoulder lock. (1) Marcus starts out with Denis in his guard using a basic sleeve and lapel grip (2) He puts his left foot on the hip and his right foot on his opponent's bicep (3) He steps over Denis's head with his right foot (4) Putting a lot of pressure on his opponent's shoulder he hooks his instep under Denis's right … [Read more...]
Marcus Soares – Kimura from Open Guard
Marcus Soares demonstrates the Kimura from the Open Guard Photo 1 - This time your opponent is standing in your open guard and trying to pass it. Start with a sleeve and lapel grip, with one foot pushing your opponent's hip and the other hooking behind his knee. Keep your opponent bent over to limit his ability to move or mount an offence. Photo 2 - If your opponent grips your knee then you … [Read more...]
Marcus Soares – Kimura from Mount
Here's how the Kimura can help you transition from the Closed Guard, to the Mount, and then to your opponent tapping out. Photo 1 - If your opponent is quick he may be able to counter your Kimura from the guard by posting his foot and grabbing his pants. You may be able to simply rip his grip free from his gi pants if you are stronger or he is sloppy, but the following is a more elegant … [Read more...]
Marcus Soares Kimura from Closed Guard
Marcus Soares demonstrates a basic attack from the guard: Closed Guard to Kimura Photo 1 - In Brazil this sequence is often taught as one of the most basic attacks from the guard. You start with your opponent in the closed guard and a grip on his sleeve and lapel. Photo 2 - With your sleeve grip you pull your opponent's hand to the ground. At the same time you open your guard, escape your … [Read more...]
Technique 2: Omoplata to wristlock
It's never good when your opponent manages to stand up in your guard. Fortunately you can use the omoplata to bring him back down to earth and put him into a very bad position... Stephan's opponent stands up, attempting to pass his closed guard. He maintains control of his opponent's right arm Stephan swivels his body to his left (so his left ear is touching his opponent's right shin). … [Read more...]
Armbar to Reverse Roll Guard Sweep, by Andreh Anderson
Here's a combination that takes you from an arm bar attempt to a powerful guard sweep from the closed guard, demonstrated by BJJ black belt Andreh Anderson. … [Read more...]
Kimura Armlock from Top Half Guard
The Kimura armlock is a bread-and-butter move in BJJ, but not many people know that they can use it from on top in the half guard. In this technique Marcio Feitosa shows you how... Marcio (dark gi) is in Marco’s half guard. Marco has his left arm under Marco’s armpit. Marcio encircles Marco’s left arm and … [Read more...]
Frank Mir’s Kimura on Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 140
UFC 140 last Saturday night was one of the best MMA shows in recent memory. There were lots of exciting matchups, but THE fight of the night was the much-anticipated rematch between heavyweights Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Frank Mir. This fight displayed the highest level grappling ever seen in the heavyweight division of the UFC! As soon as the match ended I looked at my good friend and … [Read more...]
An Advanced Submission used at the Highest Level
I thought that this was just too cool not to share... A few years ago my friend Matt Kirtley sent me a breakdown of the rolling reverse omoplata. This advanced technique looks pretty fancy but I can vouch for it because I've used it on some very saavy training partners. But be warned: it's a VERY powerful submission. It comes on pretty quickly and I've seen several people hurt by it, so … [Read more...]
How to Defeat the Bigger Stronger Opponent NOW AVAILABLE
It's here! The How to Defeat the Bigger, Stronger Opponent DVD set is in stock, and ready to ship right now. Emily Kwok and I have been crafting this 5 DVD set for a long time, and it's one of the best instructional sets I have ever seen. … [Read more...]
Critical Submission Details
Are there any submissions out there that you just can't finish? You can set it up, lock it on, and strain for all you're worth, but your opponent just won't tap out? It happens all the time. In fact, I'm not immune either. There have been lots of submissions where I initially thought, "oh man, this will never work for me!" But take heart! Usually there are just one or two critical … [Read more...]
Three Timings for Getting Out of Submissions
Recently I was discussing MMA fighter Ben Henderson's ability to slip out of submissions. And that turned into a general discussion about countering, escaping, and slipping out of submission attacks. Something a lot of people don't realize about countering or defending submissions is there are at least three distinct timings to submission escapes... 1, You can shut down a submission early, … [Read more...]
Detailed, Advanced Omoplata
In the past few years I've made some big changes to my omoplata armlock attacks. The omoplata has always been one of my bread and butter moves, but these racent changes have doubled my success rate, especially when going against bigger and/or skilled opponents. But now I'm going to let the cat out of the bag... Click here for a 10 minute detailed tutorial video on the advanced omoplata. … [Read more...]