Confessions of a Striker

[delta1]

Most of you know by now that I like to work with most any other style out there. Not long ago I had the opportunity to work some with grapplers (which, on a side note, is why I'm back in physical therapy- aggrivated an old neck and shoulder injury). Any how, I have to say that the more I look at grappling, particularly BJJ, the more impressed I am. Tough systems! And the BJJ use of principles and concepts almost makes it like a form of Horizontal Kenpo!

 

I'm probably not going to be able to do much with ground work and takedowns. But I am trying to do more work right now from the clinch. AK has several defenses that were made for and are easily modified to work from this phase (sorry, I look at it as more a phase than a range). If you guys don't mind giving away secrets, I may have a few questions from time to time.

 

One that I got away without asking: when you are rear mounted underneath (sitting, your legs around his waist and applying a choke from behind- I think I got the terminology right), I was told not to cross my ankles. It seems like that would be more secure, but they said it is a bad idea. I forgot to ask why later. So, why? I know that isn't a clinch question, but it is bugging me that I can't figure it out.

[White Warlock]

there are lots of reasons. One is that you are commiting yourself, and if you get flipped (which can happen very quickly), your legs will be trapped. It is especially important to realize he would only need to use 'one' hand to keep both your feet in place. Another is that an ankle submission can be applied (one leg against the other). Another is that your intent is not to secure his waist, but to control and predict his legs, so he doesn't flip around on you. On the ground, the legs talk just before the hips do.

 

Many many other reasons, but i gotta run.

[SevenStar]

Another is that an ankle submission can be applied (one leg against the other).

 

that's the main one.

[delta1]

an ankle submission can be applied (one leg against the other)

 

So, basically, he'd reach down with both hands, hold the bottom leg in place, and pull the top leg into the bottom, causing enough pain to make you release the choke? He'd probably have to turn the top foot as well so that you are bone on bone instead of having the achiles tendon cushion, correct?

[White Warlock]

The feet are like hooks. If you cross your feet, you're doing most of the 'securing' for him. All he would need to do is apply leverage and cause the ankles to go against themselves. You can do this by utilizing one arm as the crank and the other as a lever. That's one way.

[TJS]

Delta- Basically If your feet ar hooked together between his legs all he has to do it take one leg and run it aross your feet then hook it under his other leg like a triangle..from there when he presses down with his leg he can break your ankle.

 

Thats how Relson Gracie showed it anyways.

[delta1]

Thanks guys.

Basically If your feet ar hooked together between his legs all he has to do it take one leg and run it aross your feet then hook it under his other leg like a triangle..from there when he presses down with his leg he can break your ankle.

 

You do know that you all are really evil?

 

The thingsyou all describe sound effective, and some good points about stability. Anothre queston: if you have him in a good rear choke, does it matter if he rolls you? He only has a few seconds till the lights fade out. I can see the ankle break or pain compliance loosening his hold. I'm guessingthere is an escape useing some combination of these...?

[White Warlock]

Anothre queston: if you have him in a good rear choke, does it matter if he rolls you? He only has a few seconds till the lights fade out

It does matter, but before i explain... let me say that rolling to end up on the bottom, with someone on top of you isn't a good thing. It is a very risky maneuver in case every other option doesn't pan out. Ankle attacks are effective, and in most cases they should be the first choice, but not in all cases. It would be more effective to simply secure the ankles with one hand, insert your arm inside the neck hold, on one side or another (to alleviate pressure on one of the two main arteries on your neck), turn your head to pose your 'chin' in the crook of your opponent's elbow and, using your legs, do a quick flip around while keeping your opponent pinned to the floor. Now you're in his guard, which is a helluva lot better than where you were.

 

Okay, now having covered a few of the 'far better' options, let's cover the last ditch option. If you protect your artery and throat as described above (which essentially gives you all the time in the world to escape), but are unable to perform an ankle lock (for whatever reason), or are unable to flip your body around while keeping your opponent pinned to the bottom, then driving your opponent around on his back is sometimes effective as is, if the ground is nasty (concrete, rocks, pebbles, etc). You can quickly and effectively tear up his back by just thrusting your back into him and pushing with your legs. If, however, the ground is nice and smooth like a baby's butt (or a mat ), then flipping over 'can' be effective 'if' you're quick and you remember to keep your butt in the air and your head low to the ground. Gravity assisted your opponent when he was on his back, but it 'temporarily' can assist you when you flip over, as his weight and body will lean forward and down (think of a horse bucking a rider, but also remember that you want to maintain the stirrups... his legs locked around your waist). There is a very short window of opportunity when you flip someone off their back and onto your back, if you have your head down and your hip elevated, that seperates his arms from his torso and throws his face in the concrete (or softy pillowy mat ). Since you already have one arm wedged to protect your artery, you can use that same arm as a wedge, to complete an escape of your head. Once loose, immediately flip the opponent back onto his back using the effect of gravity on his body to allow him to spin around you (saddled rider flipping around a horse due to loose stirrups). You're in his guard.

 

You can also attempt this manuever without committing to a complete turn around. A bit safer, far less effective, but still... all of this is risky if you haven't practiced this sufficiently.

[delta1]

I'm going to have to cogitate on that one a while, and see if I can find someone who wants to work on it a little. Thanks for the info.

[Reklats]

You do know that you all are really evil?

 

muahaha.