I figured since I train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and have started writing MMA articles that I would throw in the occasional article on various BJJ techniques. I will describe the concept of the technique, how to execute the technique, and how it applies to Mixed Martial Arts. Hopefully these types of articles will serve to help those who don't have a complete understanding of the ground game to understand the ground game. Watching an MMA fight is much more exciting when you know what to look for and are able to appreciate the transitions and understand what each fighter is trying to do. So for those who love watching the fights, but don't completely understand what the fighters are attempting on the ground, hopefully these articles will help you out just a little bit.
My club is heading down to Detroit this weekend to participate in a NAGA grappling tournament, so our last class focused solely on submission defense. I'll run through two different defenses of one very common submission - The Guillotine Choke.
The Guillotine Choke - From The Guard
This submission happens all too often in MMA. One fighter shoots in for the takedown, makes the mistake of leaving his head exposed, and winds up in his opponent's guard stuck in a guillotine choke.
The easiest way to sink in a guillotine choke is by not having any of your opponent's arms inside the lock. Meaning your arms are squeezing only his neck and not his neck AND his arm. This is the worst case scenario. If you get stuck in this position, you are in serious trouble! So let's take a look at how to defend against this choke.
In this example we'll say that your opponent has his right arm around your head to apply the choke, has locked his hands together and has you in his guard. You are in big trouble, but first - remember to relax. Don't panic!
First - basic defense is a must. ALWAYS defend the choke. Meaning your first order of business is to use your left hand to grab his right wrist that's against your throat. Pull his wrist so that he can't squeeze your neck as freely.
Next, posture!! Posturing is very important in jiu jitsu. When you posture, you align all of your back and neck muscles, making them one giant muscle. A muscle that size produces a lot more strength than a bicep. Get what I'm saying?
So posturing means to straighten your back and neck and look up. So once you've grabbed his right wrist with your left hand, plant your forehead on the mat, straighten your back, and look up. As you posture, PUSH your head THROUGH - yes, push through, not PULL OUT (This is the only situation where I'd advise someone not to pull out!). You can try to pull your head out of the hold and you might free yourself, but if he's holding on as tightly as I think he is, then you won't be able to get your head out. So posture and push your head through.
Now, put your right arm over his left shoulder and sneak it under his head.
Next, stand up and stack your opponent. Get up on your tippy toes and put all of your weight on him. With your right arm under his head, you can now jam your right shoulder into his neck. This is starting to really suck for your opponent!
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