14.02.2012:
Today’s session focused on stand-up transitioning to ground ‘n pound. The three phases of mixed martial arts are stand-up (boxing, kickboxing), clinch (e.g. wrestling) and ground (e.g. Brazilian jiu jitsu). Clinch typically deals with the takedowns, but in this instance we transitioned straight to the ground. The tactic here is different to most takedown situations. Here we are dealing with an individual who chooses to "pull guard". This comes from Brazilian jiu jitsu. Unlike most other grappling competitions BJJ places very little emphasis on executing good takedowns. You are awarded a meer two points for scoring a takedown, even if it ends up dictating the rest of the fight. BJJ is famed for it's groundwork and this where the main action tends to happen in the game. Having said that don't make the mistake of thinking your average Brazilian jiu jitsuka isn't adapt and educated in performing good quality throws. BJJ is an evolving art, and it has always readily absorbed techniques from other grappling arts like judo, sambo and wrestling, and during my time training at various BJJ clubs I have seen some amazing takedown experts. Nevertheless, pulling guard is a pretty common tactic and it has made its way into the world of MMA. Looking at pulling guard seemed like an ideal area to cover when the main theme of the class was looking at striking in the guard (a return to our striking from grappling positions theme over Christmas).
We looked at combination work, beginning with some simple kickboxing. This then changed to moving into the guard. We did some repetition work; jumping guard and jump up in guard. This was important both to teach specific tactics and also to get used to taking sudden impact using and inside the guard. We then moved onto combination work in the guard.
The session finished with some MMA free-sparring.
Basic Kickboxing combinations - jab/rear leg round kick, jab/cross/lead leg round kick, jab/cross/hook/rear leg round kick and jab/cross/hook/cross/lead leg round kick
Basic Ground 'n Pound combinations - low hook/hammerfist/overhand cross.
DON'T MISS: Junior KEWAP (Knife and Edged Weapon Awareness Programme). Eastern Green Junior School, Coventry. 20th February. Click here for information.
DON'T MISS: Vagabond Warriors 2.0 - The most revolutionary approach to martial arts cross training. 25th February 2012 at Kyushinkai Martial Arts Centre, Telford. Click here for information. Click here to register today and begin your online coaching.
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