Three Phases Training - Arm Bars/Triangle Chokes (diary entry)

          04.05.16   The seventh lesson in my client’s second course on MMA for Martial Arts Cross Training looked at three phases of learning. These are drilling (creating fluid muscle memory), technique (correcting the mechanics) and pressure (progressive testing). I have seen many clubs stick rigidly to an order when training these phases, but I don’t think it is always necessary. Indeed I think you can create really good self-correcting feedback loops by messing with the order.   We began with some floor exercises, looking at various groundwork movements and posture holds (shoulder stands in particular). This moved onto partner work, where we drilled the classical arm-bar from closed guard. This exercise promotes explosive and fluid hip movement and positioning. We then looked at the technique in more detail through technical work. As per our previous lesson, we discussed engaging the correct muscles for the technique’s execution. This involves using the shoulders and hips in unison whilst straightening the spine. The final part of the technique involves using the leg muscles, but this requires the full coordination of all the muscles behind them.   Next we moved onto pressure via specific training. I cannot praise specific training enough. If there was a jewel in the crown of the Clubb Chimera Martial Arts approach to teaching or learning it would be specific training. This is a progressive way of adding pressure when training a specific technique or tactic. The onus is on the coach to gradually increase resistance and decrease the predictability of the technique’s application. It begins with a small amount of belligerence and after each successful completion increases resistance until the coach starts competing. The exercise ceases once the student has successfully completed the technique or is forced to change his tactic. I have written about this in depth here and in this diary archive and in my book, “Mordred’s Victory and other Martial Mutterings”. We then went through the same three phases whilst covering the triangle choke.

        We then connected the ground range to clinch. This was done by training a backward roll into a low level single-leg takedown counter to an opponent trying to pass under the guard. From here we looked at dominating from the top position.

            The lesson finished with some high intensity pad-work exercises performed from closed and butterfly guard.