Ana and I did a little bit of drilling. I’ve been landing in good spots for submissions but unable to finish them, so I want to try out the details of a couple of chokes. I did discover that the reason I’m having trouble finishing rear naked chokes is because of the width of my shoulders and lack of flexibility leave a lot of space on the grab arm. We figured out a variation I could use to get the pressure with the blade of my hand by a different method, and then Coach Frank showed me an even better option that would be harder to defend against.

We also worked on two armbar escapes. Ana’s needed a little more movement than mine (surprise), but they are both good depending on the situation.

Another cool thing I realized is that I can use a small foam roller or a large pool noodle to simulate someone’s neck and really feel where the pressure is being applied. Should help me improve the small angles and hand positions for chokes.

Then I tested out a fitness drill I’ve been thinking of–Circle of Death with jiu-jitsu drills for six rounds. For this one I used thrusts + figure 4s, sit-throughs  with rotations, hops from knees to feet, and one-armed get ups (still need some kettle bells to make this one legit).

Then I rolled with Frank. A bunch. Lost count of how many times he could have submitted me and how many times he gave me an opening to see what I would do. For instance, he mounted and grapevined me, but when I put my hands on his hips he released my legs and let me work the escape he taught us last week. I didn’t get my knees pulled to chest and butterfly, but I did get one in to turn and shrimp.

He dropped some knowledge in between rolls too

  • Slow and tight is better than fast and leaving space, so don’t worry about feeling like I’m plodding
  • Top positions are working great for me, so start off in guard and give up those positions with equal training partners–work to get there to improve the other side of the game
  • But don’t give up top position if I’m ever in a competition. Time  is limited, and I’m way stronger on top than on bottom at this point since I don’t really have any submissions I can reliably finish from my guard
  • Defense is improving, so being frustrating will hopefully cause opponents to open up opportunities