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Takedowns

Countering the Double Leg with a Sitout & Switch

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I respect most grappling arts, not just BJJ.  Freestyle and collegiate wrestling, in particular, have a lot to offer to submission grapplers and BJJ practitioners.  Obviously we can get a lot of good throws and takedowns from wrestling, but we can also 'steal' some very powerful moves on the ground as well. … [Read more...]

Submission Grappling Leglock

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Leglocks have been around for a long time, but modern grapplers use them in slightly different contexts than classical grapplers. Here's how a submission grappler might link a takedown and a match-ending ankle-lock... (This technique is from the Submission Grappling vs. Classical Ju-Jutsu article on Grapplearts.com) Stephan squares off against his opponent. He shoots in with … [Read more...]

Denis Kang: Double Leg Tackle Counter to Neck Lock

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This may seem like a flashy technique, but it definitely works.  It can be used standing or on the knees to get to a match-ending neck lock submission. As his opponent shoots in to take him down Denis secures a front head lock, trapping the opponent’s head and left arm with his own arms Denis drops to the mat, making sure he is off to one side Continuing the momentum he … [Read more...]

Functional Training Gone Bad

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Today I'm going to tell you about one of the sillier ideas I've ever had... About 10 years ago I got interested in functional training and sports specific exercises. I wanted to get away from the Pec Deck and do exercises that more closely mimicked the movements I was using on a daily basis in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo and wrestling. … [Read more...]

Leglock Entry from Standing Clinch

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Jumping into a leg lock is a great alternative to pulling guard!  Here's a technique to go from standing directly into a leglock that I've used successfully multiple times, both in competition and in sparring. This clip is from the 'Entries' section of the High Percentage Leglocks DVD,  available on this site. You can view the same Standing Clinch video on YouTube by clicking this link! … [Read more...]

Jiu-jitsu and Physical Attributes

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Physical attributes are things like balance, neck strength, limb length, explosiveness, leg flexibility, and percent body fat. Your physical attributes are the foundation of what you can do with your body, and are influenced by genetics, training, age and injuries. Some instructors teach as if everyone, regardless of age, build and flexibility, can use the same techniques. Well I'm here to tell … [Read more...]

An Alternative To Pulling Guard When Grappling On Your Knees

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Many grapplers start their sparring sessions on their knees. From this starting position usually one of two things happen: either the two combatants push and pull each other until one falls over, or someone pulls guard and starts looking for sweeps and submissions. … [Read more...]

Armdrag Counters

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Q: "What are some simple ways to prevent armdrags as well as handle them once they're in process or completed?" A: Armdrags are a great tool to get behind your opponent or to set up other moves. They can be used on the ground (e.g. from the butterfly guard) or on the feet (e.g. to set up a tackle). They are simple, powerful and effective, and because of that they are also pretty popular, so … [Read more...]