31/10/2010 - Gracie Barra Bristol (BJJ Sparring)

Class #354
Gracie Barra Bristol, (BJJ), Nicolai 'Geeza' Holt, Bristol, UK - 31/10/2010

My gf is still looking for a place to buy in Bristol, so I haven't yet moved down permanently, but I did get some time free for BJJ this Sunday. A friend of ours was getting married in Bath on Friday, so I brought along a gi (dropping it off in Bristol before we headed to the wedding). That meant I was ready for the sparring class at Gracie Barra Bristol a couple of days later.

The gym is located in the Redfield area of Bristol, and has a train station not too far away at Lawrence Hill. The full address is:

Gracie Barra Bristol
3-15 Heber Street,
Redfield,
Bristol, BS5 9JU

You shouldn't have too many problems finding it, as there is a huge 'Gracie Barra Bristol' sign on the fence, then another one by the entrance, so it is immediately obvious this is a Brazilian jiu jitsu academy. A fellow BJJer was waiting outside when my gf dropped me off, and Geeza himself drove up shortly afterwards.

At the moment, the club is housed in a building on the left, up some stairs. However, Geeza also owns a large warehouse on the right, which he showed me inside. It's big, but the plan is to double the size by extending out into the car park. Once that is finished, the mat space is going to be enormous, purpose built for BJJ (there aren't currently plans to bring in MMA or anything like that, as Geeza wants to focus on teaching jiu jitsu). Apparently construction work starts tomorrow.

The smaller building will still be used once the main BJJ gym is built, possibly for kids' classes, or just so that two classes can run concurrently. This acts as a mini-version of what the eventual Gracie Barra Bristol gym is going to look like, fully equipped with permanently installed high quality mats. They are absolutely beautiful: without any doubt, the most comfortable I've ever rolled on. I think Geeza said they were from Zebra Mats, and even have a fifteen year guarantee. The same type of mats will be used in the main club, so it is definitely going to be a pleasant experience drilling and sparring in there.

I had been expecting a small class, with maybe a few white belts, as the school is still only a few weeks old. However, there were a good number of blue belts, along with a purple. The whites also ranged from one to four stripes, so some of them must have been training a fair while. Geeza soon helped me feel right at home, making a point of introducing me to people, then announcing who I was and where I trained BJJ at the start of class.

There were around fourteen people on the mats, with a reasonable range of size and experience: no women yet, but they might train earlier in the week. If not, it is early days yet, so hopefully female BJJers will begin to sign up in time (not to mention this isn't unusual: Gracie Barra Birmingham and the Roger Gracie Academy HQ are the only two Brazilian jiu jitsu clubs I've trained at so far where there was almost always at least one woman on the mat). There are a number of smaller guys there, so women looking to join will definitely have somebody roughly in their size range to roll with (and the 65kgs of yours truly should be there regularly in the not-too-distant future, depending on house hunting).

Geeza is working hard to make the school a friendly place to train, with a relaxed atmosphere. You can see that in the way he was so welcoming to a stranger like me, and also touches like laid-back music while we warmed up and then during sparring. From the sound of things, meatheads will be actively discouraged: the goal is a BJJ gym where people can feel safe, rather than a battleground strewn with hyper-extended elbows and busted up knees.

After the warm up, Geeza had everyone line up by the wall and then picked who was going to spar. This is something Kev occasionally does for the sparring class at his club too, and is useful for getting a good range of rolling partners. For the last roll, we picked our own partners. There was also no problem with sitting out and having a rest if you wanted, which is something I appreciate.

I had five rolls over the course of the hour and a half class: Geeza asked to roll for the first round, which was a nice gesture, as it is always cool to roll with experienced guys like him. As a four stripe brown, he obviously didn't have any problem doing what he wanted with me, and had plenty of useful tips.

When on top and looking to pass, he suggested that I should try to treat the side they have the strongest grip as a sort of hinge: otherwise I may well be walking into a sweep, which is exactly what happened just before. He also noted that if I'm looking to escape a triangle, I should aim to drive the knee on my trapped arm side to their face, which was helpful: I had been framing and stacking, but at best that is a delaying tactic.

I was looking to work on butterfly guard throughout, trying to get an overhook belt grip with my same side hand holding their knee when they had me flattened out. While I could manage that, bringing my knees in and then straightening out my legs in order to sit up proved more difficult. Something to work on, along with the numerous techniques I learned at Gracie Barra Birmingham (particularly Chiu's tips on reaching around their back to their other armpit and keeping your chest low, which I also attempted).

Other techniques I was looking to apply were blocking their shoulder and arm as they pass, where I need to shrimp more, and also adjust more quickly if they decide to switch sides. I had plenty of opportunity for that, as I'm still not being careful enough in butterfly: getting a grip on the trouser leg seems to help prevent them switching around to the side, but it isn't something I'm too used to yet (there was a good segment on it in an Andre Galvao DVD I watched recently, which as ever I'll review at some point – quite a long 'to do' list on that score, though!)

Underneath side control, I continue to struggle with that escape where you stiff arm into their armpit and sit up. It could be that I should be thinking about their elbow more, or I'm starting off too flat and high on their body. Either way, I can remember this cropping up at GB Brum, and it's also on a Braulio instructional.

At another point, I was able to get into north south and look for the kimura, but couldn't dislodge their locked arms. I'm also not sure if I'm being overly mean by sitting on the head in that position (which can't be very pleasant for the person under there). I could perhaps try to rest on my knees a bit more, while still maintaining enough pressure for control. I slid into a side control triangle, but couldn't quite get the angle I wanted.

At the end of class, Geeza gave a brief talk about respect, which fits with what he said to me earlier: always worth emphasising that you should treat your training partners with care. While waiting for my gf to give me a lift back, I had a good chat with Geeza about his plans for the club. Suffice to say, it sounds like Gracie Barra Bristol is going to be an increasingly amazing place to train: great stuff on the way, judging by that conversation.

I also got into a discussion with one of the white belts I'd rolled with earlier. Surprisingly enough, he showed some interest when I mentioned my PhD thesis was on poetry: not often I get to babble about that with people (at least not without their eyes soon glazing over).

Speaking of poetry, I taught another poetry seminar last Thursday, on two of my favourite poets, Robert Lowell and Sylvia Plath. They manage the rare combination of writing personal poetry while actually having led interesting lives. One of the things I find most annoying about a lot of contemporary poetry is the subject matter is frequently dull, discussing some very conventional experience in a very conventional way.

That doesn't tend to happen with Lowell and Plath, given that one was a manic-depressive who used to write letters to Presidents addressing them as equals (with good reason: the Lowell family was essentially part of the American aristocracy), while the other built up an intense mythology about herself which went into overdrive after her suicide (like so much of her biography, the circumstances of her death remain controversial, if you go by Al Alvarez's famous account in The Savage God).

Anyway, that was good fun, and one guy even recorded it, so hopefully I'll be able to get him to email me the audio. I also had some poetry reviews published in print: should be some more in the future. I'll be teaching another seminar (which I've taught a few times before) in December, on two more poets I like, Thom Gunn and Peter Reading. They both feature heavily in my PhD thesis, which is great as researching and thinking about them therefore has a dual purpose.

I'm looking forward to training at Gracie Barra Bristol again. I might get a chance the Wednesday or Friday after next (there are classes at 7pm most weekdays), depending on what my gf is doing, so that should be good. I'm interested to see what a normal class is like, in terms of how the technical instruction is structured. If you're in that area of Bristol and looking to train BJJ, it would be cool to see you there. :D

26/10/2010 - BJJ (Advanced)

Class #353
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Kev Capel, High Wycombe, UK - 26/10/2010

After getting back home from Bristol, I was pleasantly surprised to find a new package from Roy Dean. This time, it wasn’t a DVD, but a collection of his four music CDs: this is the ambient soundtrack you’ll hear on his instructionals. I’m a fan of people like Kid Loco (or at least his first album, ‘A Grand Love Story’), so that kind of trip hoppy stuff appeals to me. I’m not sure you could make a direct comparison, as there isn’t the dense layering and samples: it’s a cleaner sound, mostly piano, guitar and drums. I've been giving it a thorough listen over the last day or two.

My favourite is Roy’s second album, appropriately called Second Sound, with tracks like ‘Strings’, a bit reminiscent of Moby, ‘Distance’ and ‘Alleluiah’, probably the best of the bunch. I was less keen on the ‘harder’ fourth album, End of Days (the fact there is a track called ‘Reznor’ implies what the influence was this time), but there were still a number of highlights there, like ‘Laver Blue’ (which is also cool, because I know Paul from the excellent K3 Academy in Poole).

The smooth, stylish production of Roy Dean’s DVDs is reflected in his music, with a sophisticated sound that works beautifully as a background for rolling in class. You can buy the four CD set, Arc and Shadow, from Roy’s site, here (scroll down to the bottom of the page).

The blogger map has also been growing steadily, so if you’re a blogger who wants to be on there and isn’t yet, let me know. You can get in touch with me via email on this page. Georgette has also kindly agreed to help out as a collaborator, which brings the total up to six. :)
____________________________________________

Progressing from half guard, Kev focused on the deep half during the advanced class. That adds to the introduction I had to the position earlier from Rob Stevens at GB Brum, who is very good at using it. Rob taught a class on entries and sweeps from the deep half in April, followed by how to pass it with Kevin Webb in May.

Kev (Capel, not Webb ;p) began by showing us how to move into deep half guard from a z-guard/knee shield position (like half guard, but you have your outside knee pressing into their chest). This should make them drive forward, which gives you the momentum you need to reach through and spin under their trapped leg. A common mistake is to go for the other leg: you want the leg on the same side as your knee shield.

Once there, stretch out their leg, with one arm around the outside, the other holding inside, facing away from their body. Kev said that you didn’t need to worry about being super tight with your legs, as they will find it difficult to move that trapped leg due to the awkward position.

You can now go for what Jeff Glover calls the ‘Homer Simpson’ deep half guard sweep, from his DVD. With their leg still in between yours, walk along the floor towards their other leg until you feel their balance is gone (hence the name: you’re running in a circle while lying down). Pull their knee over to the side, then spin over the leg you’re holding. You need to keep their leg in between yours, otherwise you’ll be walking straight into a triangle. Depending on their position, you can spin under and work for the back, or spin over the top and pass.



Note that once you get on top, they can get their leg in the way. The triangle isn’t much of a risk if you’re sitting on their leg, but it can mess up the pass: I kept getting stuck there when I last drilled deep half at Rob Stevens’ class. To avoid ending up in a sticky situation, drive your head to their opposite hip (although watch your neck: I think I was pushing too much with my head and forgetting about the rest of my body, so it felt a little sore the day after. Then again, that might have been from pushing too much with it on the sweep). From there you can do the switch pass Kev showed earlier.

Kev finished up with an escape from mount which puts you into the deep half guard. The idea is to escape as if you’re going to half guard (e.g., like Rob’s version). However, rather than working from there, you’re going to wrap their lower leg, so that their ankle is resting on your bottom leg, with their foot dangling off to the side. That means you can press on that foot with your top leg, which will pry up their knee. Use that space to shoot your arm in, spin under and go to deep half.

There was just one round of sparring, again from half guard. I was with a tall blue belt I don’t think I’ve seen before, called Simon. On top, I essentially bored him into opening his half guard, staying low with my leg sprawled back, like I did with Howard earlier. However, Simon wasn’t using the knee shield in the same way, which made all the difference. Later, I was trying to attack the far arm to act as a distraction, but couldn’t quite sink that kimura. I’m getting closer, but need to make more effective use of my head as a third hand, also making better use of Roy Dean’s lockflow from the 2009 seminar.

Underneath, my legs were getting squashed to the side too much. I need to keep my legs active, knocking my partner’s posture forward, pushing into their armpits and sides. I also need to remember to use my legs in conjunction with my arms, which is a central principle of BJJ. I’m getting better at it, but there are numerous positions where I’m still letting that concept slip my mind.

26/10/2010 - BJJ (Beginner)

Class #352
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Kev Capel, High Wycombe, UK - 26/10/2010

I didn’t make training last week, because I was off up north with my gf. Her best friend is getting married, which meant she had the dubious pleasure of spending many, many hours in Louth being fitted for a bridesmaid dress (apparently, here in the UK the correct term for best woman is indeed ‘chief bridesmaid’ rather than ‘Maid of Honour’, which I’m told is an American thing). On the way, we stopped off at Matlock in the Peak District, which not only had a lovely bed and breakfast at The Old Sunday School, but owners who could recommend the even more awesome pie night at The Thorn Tree pub (they have one every Wednesday). Very, very tasty, but also huge: next time, we’ll share a pie instead of tackling one each!

While there finally got to use our book of Peak District walks we bought years ago, heading off on the relatively short stroll from Birchover to Robin Hood’s Stride. On the way back, there was this brilliant place called Rowtor Rocks (there’s a turning near The Druid Inn), where the book tells me that some vicar in the 17th century decided to carve out passages, rooms and even armchairs from the rock. Lots of people trying to climb them, too: bouldering, I think it’s called?

The Ultimate Fighter also just stepped up a gear with a fantastic sixth episode. As ever, the careful editing is geared towards making you hate one team and love the other, but it nevertheless works. That has never been more true than in this episode, where it massively pays off. If you haven’t seen it already, try to avoid hearing the result and go check it out (decent grappling, GSP offering up lots of class, and even some words of wisdom from Camarillo). Should be available on either the TUF website or Sky Sports (which makes the annoying mistake of dubbing ‘UFC’ a sport rather than MMA), depending on where you live.

Class tonight began with a section from Gracie Barra Fundamentals, escaping scarf hold. This was specifically orthodox scarf hold rather than broken, meaning they are gripping under your head, rather than under your far armpit (which is tougher to escape). First you need to get the elbow of your trapped arm to the floor, after which your can bring your other hand over their head to create a frame, in combination with your now freed hand.

Shrimp out until you can bring your leg over their head: this may require several shrimping motions. Once your leg is in position, use that to roll them back. From here, you can either come up to side control, or look to attack their arm. The armbar Kev showed works by controlling their arm just above the crook of their elbow, giving you time to wrap your other arm over the top. Press down on their arm while raising your hips for the submission.

Getting into the class proper, this week is all going to be about half guard. Kev kicked off by running through the lockdown (like he did almost exactly a year ago today), but unlike last October, he didn’t then run through the full Eddie Bravo sequence, stopping after the ‘Jaws of Life’ and ‘whip up’. If you have Mastering the Rubber Guard, you can see the techniques from pages 54-59.

Instead, Kev finished with how to recover full guard from there, which I much prefer. You’re on your side with an underhook, so the first thing you want to do is block their arm from cross-facing: simply hook your hand over the wrist. Release your lockdown, using your outside leg as a base for your shrimp. Your inside leg will slip around the back of their knee, in order to maintain control (otherwise they can just move their leg over and pass).

Shrimp until you’re able to get that outside foot onto their same side hip. Push, then slide your other leg through to move back into full guard, or possibly butterfly guard. As you have that grip on their wrist, you could also try pushing that arm towards them, bringing your leg right through for a triangle.

If you’re on top, once you’ve released the lockdown (again, as Kev taught last year), you can move on to what Kev called the ‘switch pass’ from half guard. Reach over to bring your near arm to their far side and turn your body, so that you’re facing their legs. With your other hand, grab a firm hold of their knee: this is key to the technique. That grip will stop them bridging, and it will also enable you to quickly free your leg if they make a mistake.

Having got your arm over and secured the knee, wedge your free leg in front of their legs. Pull up on their knee with your grip until you can free your leg, then move into side control. Make sure you don’t let them get both arms around your knees, as otherwise they can reverse you. To avoid that, drive your hip back into their bottom arm, which will stop them linking their hands together.

Specific sparring was from half guard, and on top, I again struggled to get past Howard’s knee shield/z-guard. I could maintain control from the top, keeping my hips low and legs sprawled, but at best I’d manage a stalemate due to that knee. I tried grabbing his trouser leg, but didn’t have much luck squashing the knees together. As ever, something to work on.

Underneath, I was able to recover to butterfly a couple of times, but only for a moment: I swiftly got passed. I should go look over my notes on butterfly from GB Brum: one thing I definitely didn’t do and should have done is immediately try to secure an arm over the back and cinch the grip in tight. As I’ve got short, squat legs, butterfly remains something I’m keen to improve.

There were a few other times when I had a leg across his neck while the other was still by his legs, but again got easily passed. That’s another position I need to use more effectively: I need better head control, breaking of posture and using all my limbs rather than relying on the legs. I did manage some kind of sweep where I grabbed the arm, but as I’m not sure exactly how, that isn’t overly helpful. ;)

At the end of class, Kev called me up to receive a fourth stripe (also replacing the one that fell off) on my blue belt, which I wasn’t expecting: as ever, always nice to have the handshake and round of applause. I was just getting used to accidentally demoting myself to two stripes when one fell off at GB Brum, and hadn’t thought I'd get another stripe for several months. I guess the time at Birmingham counted, if RGA is still doing the ‘six months per stripe’ thing for blue belts?

Goes to show that there can be a massive gaping hole between four stripe blue and purple, as I don’t feel anywhere near that level yet (I can’t pass guard, can’t submit people, struggle to sweep, frequently hang out passively in side control...etc etc).

Book Review - Essential BJJ (Marc Walder)

Short Review: This is a relatively compact and well illustrated introduction to BJJ, with details on all the basic techniques a beginner will need in the early stages of their training. Walder packs in plenty of large, clear photographs, coupled with sensible advice on how to approach training and execute specific techniques. Available to buy here (or in the US, here).

Full Review: Last Christmas, one of the numerous BJJ books I received was by an instructor based here in the UK. Walder is a pioneer in British BJJ, and among the first Brits to venture abroad to learn from the Gracies (I think Rick Young was the very first, in 1989). His offering appeared a few years after Ricardo Da Silva's book (BJJ: A Training Manual, which I reviewed earlier), its format closer to the typically bigger dimensions of most BJJ manuals, meaning that unlike Silva's book, you would struggle to fit this in your pocket.

Having said that, it is still smaller than the average BJJ book, because Walder is economical with photographs. There are plenty of them, attractively laid out and large, with details highlighted on certain techniques (e.g., trapping their lower leg with your foot for the bridge and roll). In contrast to every other instructional book I’ve read up to this point, the pictures are not set into squares: instead, each photo is carefully fitted within a sequence, so that heads, knees and arms are slotted under backs, as well as around the text. That is possible because they’ve all been cropped, so only the demonstrating figures remain, rather than the usual superfluous background of a gym and mats.

A minor flaw was that Walder and his uke didn’t stick to the same gi for the whole book: most of it is spent with Walder in a dark brown gi, but towards the end he switches to white, while his partner has a couple of different colours (presumably because the photographs were shot over a long period). I much prefer Beneville’s consistent, neat approach, which is one person in white and the other in blue for the entire book. Helpfully, that also means Beneville can refer to people simply as ‘white’ and ‘blue’.

In his opening section, Walder makes the important point that “simply reading this book is not enough, as knowing and doing are totally different concepts.” As he goes on to say, “to become proficient in BJJ and have a true understanding of how each technique works, it is necessary to couple your mental knowledge with physical action.” I also liked his emphasis on staying relaxed and focusing on technique, which is something I very much strive to do in training.

Walder also finds time to sketch out the history, though less successfully than Da Silva and Semple, and not up to the benchmark standard (judo quibbles aside) of John Danaher’s work in Mastering Jujitsu. The dubious myth about jiu jitsu originating 'with the monks in India' is repeated, granting jiu jitsu an unlikely five thousand year lineage. Still, this is a widespread version of BJJ's past, which you'll see on any number of club websites, so it does have plenty of precedent. The old story about Helio being so sickly and frail that he had to learn BJJ in a purely visual fashion also pops up, but that’s understandable given Walder’s time at the Gracie Academy in Torrance.

I preferred Walder's glossary, a great idea I haven't seen in any other BJJ book (though of course I don't own them all, so it may well be more common than I imagine). BJJ terminology is rather fluid, and it also has to cope with an extremely intricate set of techniques: hence why I made sure to include my own glossary back when I first began writing a BJJ blog. Walder has a few strange ones, like the description of ‘cage fighting’ as a ‘UFC event’, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Walder titles his work Essential BJJ, which indicates that it is going to be a review of the fundamentals. He does a good job on that score, presenting an overview of how to approach training, safety, belt ranks and the basic positions of BJJ in his first chapter, before gradually progressing to the essential building blocks of BJJ. Judging by what Meg writes on her blog (she’s a purple belt under Walder), self defence is important in Walder’s organisation, so it is unsurprising that he includes the headlock in his summary of BJJ positions.

The next chapter, 'Basic Movements', is excellent for beginners. After covering standing up in base, Walder runs through bridging and shrimping, first solo, then with a partner, before demonstrating how those two motions work in combination, with the example of the elbow escape from mount. Both the photography and the accompanying text is clear and concise.

The one part I didn’t like is when Walder's roots under Rorion make themselves felt, when he gets to guard passing. Walder decides to include the Gracie Gift pass without warning about the danger of the triangle, just like Rorion's discredited explanation on Gracie Jiu Jitsu Basics. As Roy Dean showed in No Gi Essentials, it isn't difficult to correct that error by hiding the elbow, but this key detail is missing from Walder's description. Extending the arm like that makes you vulnerable to a triangle, especially if you're a beginner.

Having said that, Walder does note “the basic pass you learn in this book will not be the final one you end up using, but you have to have a starting point.” That indicates the thinking is to introduce the technique, then bring in fine details later in class. It is also followed by a much safer standing pass, tucking the elbow inside your knee.

Walder moves on to a chapter entitled ‘Maintaining the Top Position’, which continues the progression from passing the guard into side control. Walder begins with the kimura and americana (which he refers to as a keylock) from side control, before progressing to an armlock. Having covered three submissions, it is time to move to mount. Usefully, the accompanying pictures are from an overhead perspective, which makes the transition much easier to see: Walder also makes sure to show both the step over and knee slide methods.

You might think it would finish there, but living up to the chapter title, Walder provides comprehensive coverage of potential ‘what if’ scenarios, running through five common situations that can occur when in mount. Although the mount is arguably the most dominant position in BJJ, it can be tough to stay there, especially as a beginner. The instruction here will definitely help those new to the sport develop their top game.

For some reason, the previous pattern of relatively short, focused sections is disrupted by the next chapter, ‘Attack and Defence’. Instead, Walder groups a whole range of positions into a single chapter, with attacks and defences from guard, side control and mount, before finishing up with some takedowns. It does have subheadings, but I would have preferred it if the careful organisation seen earlier in the book had continued.

Still, the content remains good, with three attacks from the mount, followed by two defences from under side control. This slots together with the transitions to mount Walder demonstrated earlier, as they act as counters to first the step over, then the knee slide. The first of those is among my favourite side control escapes, which I was originally taught by Tran back at RGA HQ: Walder does it a little differently, having his arm already high up into the armpit, ready to roll to the top.

From there Walder progresses through guard, describing the classic attack sequence of kimura, guillotine and sit-up sweep. He follows up with another standard series, this time from the collar and elbow grip, detailing the armbar, cross choke, triangle (interestingly, and again like Rorion, this is shown as a counter to the Gracie Gift pass demonstrated earlier) and finally scissor and push sweeps. The chapter then switches to headlock escapes, before finishing with two basic takedowns, the hip throw and the double leg.

In Walder’s concluding segment, he notes the importance of repetition, and also developing leverage. As in the introduction, he emphasises that above all, it should be fun: that’s easy to forget, but it’s essential that you do actually enjoy what you’re doing, rather than it being something to suffer through. There’s also a brief little segment on Walder’s own history in the sport: those personal biographies in BJJ books are always interesting to read (and sometimes downright hilarious, like the bizarre offering included in Bravo’s Mastering the Rubber Guard).

Though there are a couple of minor details I disliked, Essential BJJ would be a good choice for any beginners looking for a solid instructional book on basic BJJ. Walder examines all the core techniques you could want at the early stages of your training, and also lays out some useful theoretical principles, like the fundamental importance of staying relaxed and focusing on technique above strength. Available to buy here (or in the US, here).

Article - A Women's BJJ Class (4)

One woman's journey into creating a women's jiu jitsu program
Article #18, by guest writer Chrissy Linzy [FAQ Entry]
< (1) (2) (3) (4)


I’m now five months into teaching the women’s BJJ classes at my academy. It’s been an interesting journey, for sure. I’m still learning the methods that work for teaching smaller classes, and how I should handle skill disparity between students. I’m getting the rhythm of the classes down, which was one of my concerns when I started teaching.

One of my least favorite things about drilling techniques in jiu jitsu is that they often require one person to do something wrong, over and over again. For example, when drilling a kimura from guard, we’re often asked to start by putting our hands on the mat so that our partner can begin right at the kimura setup. That’s great for the muscle memory of the person on the bottom, but it’s teaching the person on top that sometimes when you’re in the guard, you feel the mat under your palms. It’s teaching you to have bad posture. This is one of the easier ones to fix, just by requiring the guard player to break the posture and move the hands to the mat before setting up the kimura.

A big part of the drills that I’m using are drills that will help both people improve. My current favorite drill is switching between a triangle and an armbar from guard. The person caught in the submission alternatively postures up or stacks the bottom player as the bottom player alternates between the two submissions. The top person works to actually finish the escape and the bottom person works to actually finish one of the two submissions. The women work to tighten the triangle or the armbar with each switch between the two submissions. I believe that I’ll add the omoplata into the mix after a few more weeks of this drill, and after the women have learned the omoplata on its own.

I believe that these drills are working because I’m seeing the women look for these transitions during sparring. When I spar with them, I set them up from both the offensive and defensive sides of the drills, and they’re starting to react automatically now that they’ve worked these drills for a few weeks. I think as an instructor, that has to be one of the most gratifying things that can ever happen.

I’m always looking for other drills that benefit both training partners, so if you have any that you use in your academy, please post them in the comments!

Now that September is over, I’m happy to report one of the women who was a bit reluctant to train with men has started attending the co-ed classes. She came on a night that she knew I would be attending for the first one, so she could drill with me, but she also sparred a round or two with some of our nicer fellows. She left class soaked in sweat and smiling from ear to ear. She’s been back for a few more since then, and has even come in a few times when I wasn’t there. That was really a big accomplishment for her, when you consider that she was pretty sure that she never wanted to try a co-ed class just two months ago. I’m glad to see her branching out, and I hope some of the other women follow in her footsteps soon.

Chrissy Linzy has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 5 years, and is one of the owners of US Grappling, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling tournament circuit that travels across most of the United States for events. She (rarely) blogs at www.clinzy.com.

< Previous Article ::: Next Article >

14/10/2010 - BJJ (Beginner)

Class #351
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Matty Burn, High Wycombe, UK - 14/10/2010

I’ve mentioned Leslie’s blogroll over on BJJ Grrl before, but I haven’t made a concerted effort to go through for a while. I copied it over to Excel recently and then compared it against my blog index (still need to update it, but should be at least 100 extra blogs): loads I was missing, so lots more for me to read. So far, I particularly like Kirsch’s Korner, Family Mat-ters and Gi Funk. Speaking of bloggers, perhaps some of them will want to put their details on the blogger map, for future blogger training meet-ups. Either way, thanks Leslie! :D

Also, back when I posted up my review of Cindy Omatsu’s DVDs, a number of people mentioned they’d had trouble getting hold of that set, which originally came out in 2005. So, they might be interested to hear it is apparently back in stock at Budovideos, currently for about $57. Apparently only two left at the moment, but I’ve no idea if that’s a marketing thing or not.

Speaking of Budovideos, they are also running a live stream for the No Gi Worlds on the 7th November. However, unlike in 2009, this time it is pay per view: you can buy tickets here. Although it’s only $10, so still pretty good value, it is nevertheless a shame they weren’t able to keep it free. I guess after their trial run last year (along with the Worlds and Pan Ams this year), the advertising fees weren’t enough to cover all the costs.

Kev was working another night shift, so class was headed up by Mat Burn (which remains an awesome name for a BJJ instructor: yes, he gets that along, but the novelty hasn’t quite worn off for me yet! ;p). Matty went through a basic push-through triangle, shoving their hand into their stomach before going through the technique as normal.

To finish up, there was the same guard break as Tuesday (although Matty prefers to pull up on the sleeve, rather than shoving it into their hip to start with), then a leg pin pass. Here again Matty used a slightly variation, as instead of reaching around their leg to grab the collar, he instead switching the grip on their sleeve, meaning that you’re holding onto their arm rather than shoving your forearm into their throat.

Specific sparring was from guard, with one of my favourite training partners, Howard. My efforts at the twisting guard break and Colin’s pass weren’t particularly successful, but as Howard is a blue, he was much more likely to open his guard and attack than the white belts I was sparring on Tuesday. That meant I had a couple of opportunities to try and pass: I secured the double underhooks, but failed to get past. I think the problem there is that I’m not driving forward enough, and I should also pull their legs towards me to help stack them, as that gets their hips in the air.

Pushing their leg down and doing a big step over it, as per Kev’s private lesson, is starting to become more instinctive. That means I’m finding myself moving to half guard quicker than before, but with blue belts, they’re normally able to get that knee in the way (in what I think is called z-guard). The knee was frequently in the way, as Howard went for the scissor sweep a number of times: I’m sure there is some kind of pass where you shove that knee down and walk round, so something for me to work on.

Underneath, I wasn’t doing enough with half guard, and I still tend to end up on the wrong side with my upper body: I need to fight harder to get that underhook on the same side as the leg I’ve trapped. At one point in full guard, I found myself with a loose armbar, but wasn’t able to readjust or switch to anything. Looking for the triangle is becoming more natural, but I don’t yet feel confident switching to an omoplata or armbar, which is another thing I want to improve.

Things weren't too dissimilar when we moved on to the extra hour of free sparring (or half hour, in this case, as we were inadvertently running on Brazilian time). This time there was no stopping, so I was able to try and take the back after Howard got to his knees from my half guard pass attempt. I got in one hook, but totally failed to get the other one secure (Howard was able to easily just push it off his hip).

I had a relatively relaxed roll with a white belt after that, where I was sitting in the overhook from guard looking to do something. Eventually, I was able to pop my leg over the free arm, but had a brain freeze and somehow managed to try and fling the wrong leg behind the head, which was incredibly stupid of me. Clearly I was getting a bit too comfortable with that overhook, as I forgot I had it. D’oh.

Sparring finished up with Matty, where again I had a chance to do that step over the leg and go for half guard. I thought I was going to get flung straight off, but managed to keep my base, using a grip around the head and armpit and keeping a leg back. Or at least I did the first two times: third attempt, I found myself under side control, and then suddenly mount. I must have been lazy with getting my knee up, which is a fundamental error. Although I later managed to roll back to get on top in guard, Matty immediately reversed me: I need to make sure I settle my base when I sweep, or the momentum could work against me, like it did here.

I won’t be training again until 26th of this month, on Tuesday, as I’ll be down in Bristol with my girlfriend (along with a few other places: we’re visiting friends up in Lancashire, as my gf is the head bridesmaid for their wedding – or whatever the name for that is – so she has a dress fitting). Although it would be nice to check out Gracie Barra Bristol, I don’t think I’ll have a chance this time round, as classes start at 7pm on weekdays. My gf might be a little annoyed if I absconded to go get sat on by sweaty men. ;)

Tomorrow, I'll be putting up another piece from Chrissy on the women's jiu jitsu program she's been running. I'll also look to get something posted on here during the week off training. I'm most of the way through doing a book review, or I might be able to whip up some kind of article.

12/10/2010 - BJJ (Advanced)

Class #350
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Kev Capel, High Wycombe, UK - 12/10/2010

If you’re a fellow BJJ blogger, I recently set up a map for those of us looking to meet up and train, here. This isn’t a club directory, it’s a blogger directory, listed by their club. I’m keen to bring the online community onto the mats, so drop me an email and I’ll add you to the mat. Various other bloggers said they may be able to help, so they’re up on the map as collaborators (Leslie from BJJ Grrl, Chrissy from clinzy, Meg from MegJitsu and Liam from Part Time Grappler). :)

Speaking of bloggers, I hadn’t realised until recently that regular FightWorks Podcast correspondent, Christian Simamora, has been running his own blog since August. Check it out here. Also reminds me to update my blog list.

On a somewhat unrelated point, there’s a great sequence of videos filmed at Eddie Bravo’s gym here, which like TUF wouldn’t normally grab my attention. However, the difference with these is that you get to see what it looks like when Bravo teaches a typical class, rather than just an interview with the same old questions. Instruction is interspersed with both conversation and sparring.

Also nice to see Alex Reid asking the questions later on, as he doesn’t come out of the usual BJJ background, so presumably hasn’t spent lots of time on forums with constant Eddie Bravo threads filling up the screen. You also get to see Oli Geddes (meaning the videos must have been from a good while back, as I remember Oli posting about his roll with Bravo a couple of years ago).

I was also excited earlier today when I found out that a new branch of RGA has just opened up in Bristol, right near the area where my gf and I are intending to move in a few months (once we find somewhere). Gracie Barra Bristol (which despite the name is still part of the RGA network) is run by a four stripe brown belt under Roger, Nicolai ‘Geeza’ Holt. That’s a name I’d previously heard due to his excellent YouTube channel.

I had thought I’d have to switch to a different team once I moved to Bristol, so this is great news (not that I wouldn’t get good training at other clubs, of course, but it’s definitely preferable to stick with the family, so to speak). Check out the website here, and the map entry here: from what I gather, Nicolai isn’t currently charging anything for training, which is pretty awesome.



There wasn’t going to be any technique tonight, just specific sparring. Things started off with back mount, where I was terrible both attacking and defending. Must re-read that ‘survival’ section in Saulo’s book): although I was able to protect my neck, I didn’t make any real progress towards escaping, aside from one point where I turned back to half guard (can’t remember how, though). I was trying to slip down and pop over the leg, but I think even the one time I managed that, I ended up underneath side control.

When it came to my turn to attack I got to full mount a few times, but wasn’t getting anywhere with submissions: I’d go for the arm, trying to get that double grip, they would slip out the side and then I’d try and switch the mount. Of course, my partner was fairly small, possibly even smaller than me, and a white belt. With someone more experienced, I most likely would have just lost back mount and ended in a scramble.

Next up was full mount, with the same partner. He was quite energetic, so kept attacking for ezequiels, although it ended up being more of a face crush as he didn’t have the neck. Uncomfortable, but unlikely to get a tap (unless they happen to be especially powerful). Underneath, unusually for me, I was mainly having success with the bridge and roll rather than my preferred shrimp to half guard, but again that was probably due to size.

On top in mount, I was looking stay slow and steady, working from the grapevine. I’m still not having much luck with the ezequiel (again, need to check Saulo), though I was able to get some attacks on the arm (although he tapped very early, so I’m not sure I quite had the lock right). I’ve been trying to improve my transitions to technical mount, but I still need to be tighter with the leg that’s over, and also work harder on bringing the second hand into play, as well as that initial collar grip.

The penultimate round was side control, where underneath I need to be careful when I roll out of choke attempts. I almost put myself right into a bow and arrow: the white belt I was with didn’t have their legs crossed, which is the main reason I could get out that way. I had a brief go at bringing my shin into the crook of their elbow, but I think I may have been using the wrong leg. I also wanted to sit up and stiff arm into their armpit, and got closer than I have before, but still not backing my hips out enough.

On top, I was pleased that my transitions seemed to be going better, for once. I was able to switch to north-south as I felt my control slipping, sitting on their head (although once or twice I was leaving too much room still, so they were able to work their way free: must pay attention to their elbows). That meant I could attack the arms, and eventually secured a kimura. However, I need to make the grips more instinctive, as I had to pause and think a couple of times about which arm went where, which gives them time to grab some material (though from that position it is easier than normal to break their hold).

After a round out writing notes, things finished up with guard. I was knackered by this point, despite the rest (my cardio remains awful), so took the easy option on top and brought my elbows inside my knees. I was still looking to react if they opened their guard to attack, but mostly stayed defensive.

Underneath, I got the overhook and collar grip, but couldn’t do much with it. I was thinking about the omoplata, then moving towards the triangle, but failed to clear the arm: I was telegraphing it, so need to think about switching to something else from there, or use the choke as a distraction.

12/10/2010 - BJJ (Beginner)

Class #349
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Kev Capel, High Wycombe, UK - 12/10/2010

The Ultimate Fighter (UK viewers can see it on Sky Sports, and it is also up on the TUF website), does not normally get my attention, as all I ever hear about is lots of smack talk, irritating behaviour (carefully edited to make it even more annoying) and lowest common denominator sensationalism. However, this season they have something worth watching: John Danaher. I was very intrigued to not only see and hear from the great man himself, but also what kind of impact he would have on the team.

The coaches match up is in classic pro-wrestling style, with a heel (Josh Koscheck) versus a face (GSP), both men doing a good job of playing their allotted roles. Koscheck even talks about “not wanting to lose to a bunch of nerds,” while there are snippets showing GSP talking about how he used to get bullied at school. Despite the obvious tactic, it works, as it does make me keen to see Koscheck’s team lose (although at the same time, I was rooting for the sole Brit, Aaron Wilkinson, who hilariously gets subtitled due to his Mancunian accent).

Without Danaher, it would be difficult to maintain my interest. After all, there is a lot to dislike about the program, such as the way that in every single episode, they make sure to zoom in on the ring girl’s cleavage and backside. There will probably be some equally idiotic antics in the house later on too (fortunately not much so far, but I’m only at the fourth episode). Hopefully Danaher will start to get some more screen time (they do talk about him a bit in one of the ‘Aftermath’ shows) and make it all worthwhile, and there’s Dave Camarillo too (a big fan of Danaher).

I also wanted to mentioned that Chiu, one of the instructors from Gracie Barra Birmingham, is going to be teaching a class at the University of Warwick on Sunday 17th October. Shame I’ve already left the area, as that would have been cool. Hopefully that might eventually lead to a formal BJJ class: check out the Warwick BJJ Facebook group for more details.

Getting back to tonight’s class, things kicked off with an armbar from guard. Normally, you would grab the same side arm, but in this variation, you reach over for the other arm instead (known as a ‘cross-grip’). Your same side arm is instead going to reach for their opposite collar, which means you can now clamp your elbow down on their arm, giving you extra control. The armbar then proceeds as normal, with your same side foot going to their hip (on the side of the arm you’re attacking), swivel and kick your other leg up into their armpit, then bring your hip foot up over their head. Note that to clear their head, you may need to push it back with your hand, or alternatively shove into their neck.

Kev then showed a neat little trick, for when their gi is loose. On the same side as the arm you want to attack, pull their gi underneath the arm, then wrap it over the top and feed to your other hand. Pull this across and down, which will give you even greater control on their arm. You won’t be able to keep them there for ever, but it should give you a little more time to land the armbar.

The flower sweep combines well with the armbar. If they manage to block you bringing your leg over their head, switch your grip on their sleeve: most likely they’ll be leaning forward and your arm will be under their head or torso, so you’ll probably be in position to easily switch your grip on their arm already. Your other arm either reaches behind their same side knee or grabs their gi trouser leg, then kick up with one leg and chop with the other, rolling on top into mount.

Kev finished off with a basic standing guard pass. Get the usual double collar grip, then grab their same side sleeve and shove it into their hip. Step your leg up on that side, let go of the collars and yank their arm up, bringing your other leg slightly back. Having stepped back, you can now push down on their knee and break open their guard.

As soon as their guard is open, drop down to combat base, where you have one knee up in their guard, your other foot by your heel. Reach under one of their legs (it doesn’t matter too much which, but feels more natural to go for the leg opposite your raised knee) and bump it up to your shoulder. With the same hand, reach through for their collar, or if you can’t grab that (or it’s nogi), their opposite shoulder.

Making certain your other elbow is inside their knee (otherwise they might try for a triangle), drive forward and walk your legs around to the side. Keep the pressure on until you can slide past their leg and move into side control. You might also find it helpful to grab the back of their belt with your free hand and raise their hips up, making it difficult for them to use their hips.

Sparring was specific from the guard. On top, I was looking to use Colin’s pass, where as soon as they grip your collar, you grab that sleeve with your same side hand and stand up, then break their guard. It worked, but I wasn’t reacting as quickly as I should: at one point I had stood up and broken the guard open, but stayed where I was, rather than shoving a leg down and doing a big step over the top to start the pass.

A lot of the time I was finding that I am still accepting half guard, rather than driving for the full pass. From there, I kept on trying to attack the far arm, but I was too obvious about it, so they had little trouble grabbing onto some cloth to stop me easily bringing the arm out for a submission. However, it’s a good habit to get into, as that helps distract them from my efforts to get my leg free.

Underneath, I was playing around with various attacks. I need to be more careful with the scissor sweep, as I’m still tending to just end up opening my guard and helping them initiate a pass, rather than staying tight and breaking their posture properly first. I wasn’t doing enough with spider guard, as I had the arms extended but didn’t progress to a sweep, and I also totally messed up the omoplata sweep: I ended up just rolling them on top of me and giving them side control.

I did manage to get an omoplata later on, but very sloppy. I started off with my legs in completely the wrong position, underneath their head rather than out to the side. Not quite sure how I ended up there. Eventually I got them free and out to the right side, then worked into the submission, but against anyone more experienced I would have just lost the position.

Gi Review - Tatami Zero G

The Zero G is one of several (relatively) inexpensive BJJ gis from the UK, currently coming in at £57 (in the US, you can buy them here). I saw a lot of other people wearing the Zero G at Gracie Barra Birmingham, whereas I’d previously been a lot more familiar with Black Eagle, apparently the beginner gi of choice at the Roger Gracie Academy (at least when I was there).

The Zero G is light, comfortable and not too expensive. I’ve been rolling in it for a few months now, and I’ve been happy with the gi so far. The material doesn’t feel too stiff, and it isn’t overly abrasive on the inside. You also get a blue drawstring bag included in the price, which is a nice touch: naturally that has ‘Zero G’ in big letters down the side.

There are three main drawbacks: first, the cut is rather square, and despite some shrinking, I still find that the A2 jacket is a bit baggy, with the sleeves also a bit long for my liking (I’m 5’7 and 65kg). Secondly, I’m not too sure about the rope drawstring, which feels looser and less secure than the flattened cotton strip I’m used to.

However, having paid close attention to it during sparring, it didn’t come loose, and unlike the flattened strip, I wasn’t retying it several times during the lesson. It also seems to be less prone to the problem I have with all my other gi trousers, where one side of the strip (normally the right) gradually ends up much longer than the other, requiring some tiresome pulling and pushing to try and equalise the two lengths.

The third problem is that the Zero G is doused in patches, making me feel like a walking billboard. It isn’t much of a problem though, as to remove the patches is a simple matter. You can either use a seam-ripper (I think that’s what they’re called), or like me you can just use nail-scissors. Digging underneath a part of the patch, cut a few strands, until you can pull up an edge. That then enables you to methodically chop your way through the rest of the threads, which are now clear to see: most likely you’ll be able to rip it free at points, but I’d assume that is more risky.

I don’t like to spend a lot of money when I’m buying a gi, so £57 is about as much as I’m willing to fork out. For me (and I babble about this more in an article from a while back), it is a functional piece of equipment, not a fashion statement. Hence why I’m most likely going to be sticking with basic, cheap judogi (like the one from Black Eagle) and budget gis for the foreseeable future.

Having said that, I am tempted by the super lightweight ripstop gis, as that would ideal for the US training trip I’ve been wanting to make for some time now. Something like the new Grab and Pull should pack up tight, weigh little and dry fast, none of which is true of my other gis. The Fushida Mantis might fit the bill too (there’s a review of their impressive customer services here), though that only has ripstop trousers, so I’m not sure how quick the jacket dries. Howard was wearing one at RGA Wycombe, so I’ll check with him.

Speaking of Meerkatsu, Seymour has already done a very comprehensive review of the Zero G, which you can check out here. He compares it against several other similarly priced British brands, so if like me you don’t like to empty out your wallet for a load of cotton, Seymour tells you everything you need to know about buying a gi (also be sure to check out his excellent article on the topic).

To finish, here's a promotional video Tatami did for the gi, with BJJ School instructor Eamonn (who I had a chance to train with last year):

07/10/2010 - BJJ (Beginner)

Class #348
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Sahid Khamlichi, High Wycombe, UK - 07/10/2010

Another promotion I wanted to note, as top BJJ blogger Meg Smitley recently got her purple belt from Marc Walder. Congratulations Meg! Very cool.

Also, you may have heard of Hillary Williams' charity gi drive. If you aren't in a position to send her a gi, there is now an option to donate directly through PayPal: Seymour from Meerkatsu linked this on Facebook a little while ago, so check it out to help a worthy cause.

Tonight is the second time I’ve had a chance to attend a class by Sahid, who normally covers when Kev isn’t able to make it due to work. Technique started with the guard pass from Tuesday, where Sahid made the point that you should use your skeletal structure rather than muscle, stiff-arming into their solar plexus. He also mentioned something I’ve heard other people say, which is to avoid looking down: keep your eyes straight ahead. Technique from the bottom was a standard flower sweep.

I was determined to concentrate during sparring, as I feel like I’ve been slipping over the last couple of months, in terms of focusing intently on technical detail. As I was going to be hanging around for another hour tonight, this was a good opportunity to get back on track.

I want to think again about what positions I’m ending up in, what tends to happen when I get there, and what techniques might be worth attempting. As per Kev’s private lesson, I want to get back into practicing the twisting guard break when I’m on top in guard, and also keep in mind the principles he mentioned for when they open their guard (especially moving back then doing a big step over one leg).

Underneath in guard, I’d like to be considering simple sweeps (like the windscreen wiper Ciaran showed me, flower and scissor/push), and also keep butterfly guard in mind. The underhook I was working in previous months would be good to continue playing with too.

As ever I’m normally in side control a lot of the time, so I plan to keep trying to go to my knees, as well as attempting side control escapes I saw during my time at Gracie Barra Birmingham (e.g., pushing on the back of their armpit, punching through to make space, basic stuff on pressing a forearm into their neck etc), which also combines with scarf hold escapes.

When it actually came to specific sparring, I had a chance to put some of that into action, particularly as I did hang around for the additional hour (which stayed with specific, rather than going to free sparring). It was from the guard, so on top I was trying to work the twisting guard pass. When I got to standing, I’m still tending to end up bent forward, so I need to drive my hips rather than pushing on the double collar grip. As I was with white belts, I was able to drive the leg to floor and step through, then slide for the pass, but that wouldn’t have worked against anybody more experienced. However, it was useful for helping me to ingrain the habit from Kev’s private lesson.

I also had a chance to follow Colin’s suggestion from the throwdown earlier this year, grabbing their sleeve if they grab your collar. You then immediately stand up to begin the pass, having already got control of their arm. I was able to shake my partner’s guard open and pass, but again, this was a white belt who I think had only been training a couple of weeks by that point.

Underneath, I was using too much arm strength to hold their head down, or reaching over the back. It does keep them in tight, but with anyone bigger, that’s never going to work. Even with somebody who isn’t too much larger than me, it drains a fair bit of energy. I’m still looking for triangle, but generally telegraphing my intention of getting around their arm too much. I almost got into position at one point, but left too much space, so he was able to drive his arm back through.

I also did manage to try out the windscreen wiper sweep, but without too much success. I think I forgot to shift over towards their arm, which I must remember to do if I find myself in position again. There were a number of times when I thought I might have been able to move round to take the back, but I didn’t get onto my side quick enough, or get sufficiently tight control on their arm (as Kev taught us a while back, based on what he saw at an earlier seminar with Roger Gracie).

Specific from side control was with Trev, so that was a lot more difficult. Trev is now a blue, and also presents an interesting challenge due to his long, flexible legs. On top of side control, I was trying to stay tight and gradually kill the near elbow, but eventually got tangled in those legs. The first time he managed to hook my arm from seemingly nowhere, while the second time I’m not even sure how I got reversed.

Underneath was a bit more familiar, although I had trouble making much space under Trev’s solid control. I could try that punch through Norby showed, although I’d have to be very careful I didn’t end up losing the space of my elbow. I got to my knees at one point, although I’m not sure how secure the position was because we stopped before Trev might have been able to secure the back.

Class finished up with some specific from mount, where I again was with a white belt. Underneath I was generally able to shrimp to half guard then full, and had another opportunity to use Rob Stevens nifty escape (although re-reading my earlier post, I’d forgotten you’re supposed to end up in deep half guard: I just went to normal half guard and worked to full from there).

On top meant a bit more practice for my grapevined low mount, though I was surprised I could resist his bridges mainly by posting with my head: most likely he just didn’t have that much experience getting a full upa and going over the shoulder or something. Also nice to finally land an americana from mount, but again, that is probably due to the experience gap.

I need to try and make sure I keep doing the full 2 hours on Thursdays, so I can keep on working those specific goals (although I’ll be off for an extended visit to my gf in about a week).

05/10/2010 - BJJ (Advanced)

Class #347
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Kev Capel, High Wycombe, UK - 05/10/2010

Great news for Scramble, which is now available over at Black Eagle. Matt has just released a very swish rash guard and grappling tights. If I actually trained no gi, that's definitely what I would be looking to wear. I'm still hoping he's going to release some combat trousers to go with the hoody I bought a while back. :)

Technique for the advanced class was taking the back from De La Riva, which I’ve seen a couple of times, like the variation on the Paraestra DVD. As Kev mentioned, it also got some exposure on the UK scene a while back when Michael Russell managed to pull it off during a great match at the Kent Open with Andy Roberts (around the 01:12 mark):



From De La Riva, especially when they’ve angled themselves more side-on, get your free leg over their arm, so that the foot is behind the same leg you’ve already hooked. Switch your hand from their sleeve to the back of their gi or belt (whichever you can grab: note that you can also use this to pull yourself around). Kick your initial hooking leg through, to get a hold of their far leg. Scoot round, using your hooks on their legs to get behind them. To finish, grab their belt with both hands and pull down, then flick your legs out. This should knock their legs from under them, leaving you in a perfect position to take their back.

Sparring with Howard again, we were still starting from guard, so I had another chance to work on passing. It went much the same as in the beginners class, but as this wasn’t specific sparring, that meant I could still play from guard and under side control (where I must have spent a good 80% of my sparring time over the course of my jiu jitsu, maybe more). On a more positive note, the option of going to my knees under side control is finally starting to sink in, as I’m finding that I don’t always look to get the knee in and recover guard these days.

Not that I ever manage to move into some kind of single leg from there, but I did manage to roll back into guard after going to my knees at one point, which made me happy. Still, I need to be wary of getting my back taken, keeping in mind Nathan’s advice about getting the elbow and knee in the way as you turn, so they can’t insert a hook. I’m also trying to make sure I don’t let people settle in side control, and set up my defences before they pass. I’ll have to look through those side control escapes by Braulio again, as that’s been helpful over the last few months.

Finally I went with Kev. As ever, he was taking it easy and giving me space, so I was looking to try and work my escapes, getting my knee in when I could, and also trying to keep my balance. I was attempting to work my way free from either side control or knee on belly a lot: I tried somewhat ballistically spinning out, but as I’m certain Kev could have prevented it or taken my back if he wanted to, I should try to do that more technically rather than explosively.

Another great thing about being back at Kev’s is that I feel comfortable enough to sit out a round of sparring to write up some notes. Very helpful, as otherwise I would find it difficult to keep all the techniques from both classes in my head, especially as I’m tending to type this up the next day.

I’ll be training again Thursday, although Kev is doing a night shift at work (he’s a fireman), so Sahid will be taking class. He’s a very good blue who keeps winning everything at tournaments, so I’m guessing purple can’t be that far off for him. I'm not sure whether I'll feel sufficiently energetic for the extra hour of sparring afterwards, as previously I've tended to skip it, but might try and force myself for this second stay in Bucks. After all, best way to get better. :)

05/10/2010 - BJJ (Beginner)

Class #346
RGA High Wycombe, (BJJ), Kev Capel, High Wycombe, UK - 05/10/2010

As I’ve returned to Buckinghamshire for at least a couple of months, while I look for work in Bristol (as my gf is now there permanently), I can again benefit from the excellent training at RGA Wycombe under Kev Capel. It was nice to see my old training partners, like Howard and Callum, were all still there, and of course chatting to Kev himself.

Basics class began, as it always does at RGA Wycombe, with a technique from GB Fundamentals. This time, it was the guillotine escape, when they’ve sunk it from their guard. Drive forward and come right up on your legs, so that you’re shoving your shoulder directly into their neck. With your same side hand, grab their wrist and free up some breathing room. Your other arm will loop under the other side. The pressure should enable you to loosen up their grip and pop your head free.

That was then followed by another Kev trademark, teaching both sides of a position. He began with a basic guard pass from the knees. Classic grip to start, holding both their collars with one hand, a bit below their chest, the other hand on their hip. Bring your hip hand knee out, which should provide space to bring the other knee into their bum.

Both hands will now shift to their hips, acting as a brace for you to gradually shove your own hips back against their cross feet, until you can break open their guard. As soon as there is space, bring your knee up the middle for combat base, then step your other leg over. The raised knee will slide over diagonally in the same direction.

As you move through to pass, underhook their far armpit with your same side arm, using your free arm to pull up on their other sleeve. You also want to jam your head next to theirs, driving their head over to the other side, which will make it tough for them to turn. From there, you should be able to progress through to side control or scarf hold.

The difficulty I always have with the guard break, if I can even get to that position, is generating the right leverage with my arms and hips to break open their guard. If you are against somebody with long legs, which therefore makes it tougher, the key thing is to get your knee up the middle. Even if their legs are still closed, bring that knee up. When I asked Kev, he suggested the Roy Dean guard break I saw at that seminar last year.

For the flipside, Kev went through a De La Riva sweep. They are in combat base. First, you want to loop your same side leg behind the knee they have up - if they’re keeping their foot in tight and leaving no room, push them sideways with your leg, grab their heel and pull their foot out, to give yourself some room.

You want to get your leg right through, so that you can hook your foot around their ribs on the other side of their body. Your other foot will go to the knee they have on the floor. With your same side hand, grab their same side heel, while your other hand will grab their other sleeve.

Push into their knee on the floor with your foot and pull on their sleeve, aiming to stretch them out. Ideally, you want to put them in a position as if they were going for a breakfall over their shoulder. You can then tilt to the side to roll them over, coming on top. Slide your knee across diagonally and go for the pass, as before.

Specific sparring was from guard, and I was getting anywhere near passing Howard’s guard. I keep saying it, but definitely need to re-read my notes from Kev’s private lesson earlier this year. I was failing to deal with grips properly (just blocking them rather than removing them), and I also need to be careful I’m not leaning forward when I stand up, and as ever, absolutely have to drive those hips forward and put them under pressure.

Underneath didn’t go much better. I was trying stuff, but kept being to relaxed about letting them pass one leg, by which time I wasn’t able to do enough with my other one. I attempted to move into position for a triangle a number of times, and on about the fourth attempt, although Howard got his other arm back through, I was able to lock my feet and thought maybe there was some kind of omoplata option. Triangles are rare enough for me, but I still want to keep working that classic switch between triangles, omoplatas and armbars (on the extremely rare occasions I’m anywhere near the right position).