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This website is about Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ). I'm a black belt who started in 2006, teaching and training at Artemis BJJ in Bristol, UK. All content ©Can Sönmez

22 November 2016

22/11/2016 - Open Mat (Tuesday)

Class #784
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 22/11/2016

A video posted by Can (Jun) (@slideyfoot) on



Like last time, I'm including the sparring after class on Monday, especially as that's what features in the video above. I managed to retain my guard little better, trying to move to knee shield and that modified spider guard I tried last week. However, I did unintentionally cheat, as I instinctively closed my half guard: that's counterproductive, as the whole idea was working open guard. I uncrossed when I realised, but I suspect I would have been passed rather quicker if I hadn't had that lock to help. ;)

I hit the tripod sweep, but I didn't get control of a sleeve. That renders the sweep way less effective, because they can base out with a hand to come straight back up. I need to work out the best way to get a sleeve for the sweep, especially against people that are good at breaking grips. Ideally I'd get the sleeve just before I pull/push with my legs, so that's something to work on.

By the time it got to Tuesday, I was really tired from not getting any sleep (insomnia strikes yet again). I therefore tried curling into a ball, keeping knees to chest like Graugart taught at the Globetrotter Camps this year. Looking at the video, I can see I dropped to my back and opened up that space, making for an easy pass. If I'm going to try that, I need to invert, which I don't want to get into. So, that approach to guard retention likely is not for me: I value my neck and back too much. :p

I got a good tip from Matt on Tuesday. I've been attempting to pull legs across when my knee cut gets blocked, into a semi leg drag. It often gets stuck halfway. Matt suggested at that point if I can cross-face, I can then kick into a big backstep to pass. I like cross-facing, so that's appealing, though I am guessing it's tough to get. I'll try it next time.

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