All this month we are focusing on passing the guard. Our goal is to stop thinking of passing the guard as individual techniques and instead look at the task as interrelated concepts comprised of techniques. It is far more important that you have an understanding of clearing the guard by going under, around, or over the legs rather than to have an encyclopedia of guard passing techniques. Much of your guard passing success will directly relate to your ability to identify what is in your way and then figure out exactly how to clear the path!
This month I will be introducing you to many drills that I directly attribute to my current ability to pass nearly every guard I encounter. Theses drills have taught me how to ‘dissolve’ my opponents guard. I am the acid and my opponents’ guard is the iron that I must methodically ‘eat’ away starting with the feet, then the shins and knees, followed by the thighs, and finally the hips. As an added bonus to this guard pass methodology, as we take away each variable we ultimately take away not only the guard but also the opponents ability to replace the guard!
The drills that we will introduce and use through the month of October will address each of the ‘categories’ of the pass; around, under, and over. In week one and two we will focus on the around, in week three the under, and finally in week four the over. Stayed tuned for more in depth looks at each category as we progress through the month!
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About The Author:
Jeff Reese, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron; he teaches at Gracie NEPA in Scranton, PA.
man i love conceptual teaching. opens the game up so much more and gives an understanding of the basic principles that make the techs work.
as i beeter understand my mission it allows me to better understand my oppnents mission.
in so doing, i can stay a step or three ahead.
great stuff, keep it coming.