As a continuation of my public notebook: I started a new daily blogging challenge to begin solidifying the learning that I’m doing while training jiu jitsu. 

Notes: Tuesday July 16th

I have officially registered for my first competition on October 5th. This is the beginning of my more intense competition training.

Workout: sprawling & hammer hits. Working arms, cardio, and form.

Grip Breaks: Guard

I worked on breaking grips from guard. Swimming one arm around, breaking two-on-one and holding the first arm down before swimming to break the second one.

Guard Passing

I broke grips before holding both arms down, pushing into the inner thighs with my elbows. When the guard breaks open, immediately get a knee over their bottom leg, stapling it down. Cross both elbows over their back so they can’t shrimp away, pinning their shoulders flat to the mat as possible, and backstep/jump out of guard to not get caught in half-guard.

Standing Guard Passing

Break grips and get a two-on-one grip on one arm. Holding it to their belt line. Stand up to your feet, staggered. Front foot goes on the side you’re holding the arm. The second foot is placed backwards so they’re unable to grab it to sweep you with their open arm. Once standing, use the leverage to push downwards on their pinned arm. Their legs will open eventually. Make sure to keep a good base and not lean too far forwards. Once their feet pop open, do the same pass as before.

Immediately get a knee over their bottom leg, stapling it down. Cross both elbows over their back so they can’t shrimp away, pinning their shoulders flat to the mat as possible, and backstep/jump out of guard to not get caught in half-guard.

Half-Guard Passing

When stuck in half-guard, get an underhook and fight to get them to their back. Pull out their other arm if you have to. Once you’re on top of them, turn their head and put a lot of pressure on their jaw. Work your foot out, almost going to a downward dog position. As you continue to wigge out, put as much pressure as possible on their face. Step out to mount or side control.

Butterfly Guard Passing

Keep elbows tight, fight their attempts at an underhook. Grab under both knees and push them together. Tipping your opponent to one side, pinning their legs. Slowly slide upwards towards side control. Do not let up pressure off of them, and make sure to keep your face very tight to their body to defend against chokes.

Breaking Spider Guard Grips

When stuck in spider guard, one your knee to their hamstring. As you push into their leg, yank your arm upwards to break the grip. Repeat on the other side.