Classes 348-349...

Two classes in quick-ish succession. Here’s what I learnt! Or tried to…

First up was a gi class in which we did some familiar and not-so familiar basics. 

The Beach Towel Pass: Step in low on seated opponent and grab the same side sleeve and pants with your hands; then step up and move him 90 degrees; secure knee on belly. 

Darce Choke: Opponent is in turtle position and you are at side/front and keeping your weight on him; your back arm goes under his armpit and comes out at the other side of his neck with your palm facing out and thumb up; either gable grip or slide your arm in and hold your own bicep using your other arm; squeeze and close space down for tap. If that fails, you can turn the opponent over and trap his feet using yours to finish the choke. 

Side Control Escape into Granby Roll Triangle: Frame underneath your opponent, create space to come to knees, roll over into turtle, then Granby roll to come into guard.

The coach also talked about the importance of leg pummelling when trying to pass guard and he talked about how the man with the legs inside always has the advantage.

Second up was another gi class in which the head of the academy did guard-passing techniques. These included the Toreador to Knee on Belly and the Double Unders Pass. He also showed a pass I have never seen before. This was:

Handstand Pass: Break opponent’s guard and secure knee control using gi pants and stay in combat base; then put your head on the belly of the opponent and look at your own belly; use head and hands on knees to form base so you can handstand over and land in a backwards crab; then wait for opponent to move and secure side control.

Double Unders Pass: In guard of opponent, hands on hips and sprawl back to create space and break opponent’s guard; ensure both elbows are tight on your own body; move both hands under thighs of opponent and connect in front of opponent; close space and pull up opponent; then pick a side move opponent’s legs; sprawl on opponent and smash him down; secure side control.

Flying Armbar from Collar Grab: Standing man is trying to pass guard and opponent in seated position tries to grab collar; secure sleeve with both hands and side step; secure shoulder control with one hand; then leap into flying armbar.

Sparring was OK. I caused a few people some problems with De la Riva Ball and Chain Sweep. But I struggled to escape the guard of a strong white belt or finish an arm-in guillotine. I should have used a Darce Choke. D’oh!

Things to remember: Handstand pass and the side control escape and Granby roll.