The enemy in front of you
Or rather, the opponent you keep in front of you. In grappling, it’s best to keep your opponent in front of you. It sure beats having your opponent behind you.
There are no absolutes in BJJ, and this is one of those. Most of the time, you want to keep your opponent in front of you. Whether you are in guard (top or bottom), mount, side-control, whatever, it’s best not to let your opponent move away from being in front of you. When they do go away from being directly in front of you, it’s a signal that they may be passing your guard, setting up a sweep, taking your back…
It’s especially important to remember when escaping. If under side control it’s better to turn to your side toward your opponent than it is to turn away and give your back. Of course there are escapes where you temporarily turn the other way and give your back for a very brief moment.
I had actually forgotten that when it applies to being under side control. I remembered it the hard way last week and I’m writing this post hoping another extended absence from training will not make me forget.
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May 28th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
hey i’ve known about this for a long time but not like this. that’s great way to put it!
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
thanks! just keeping that thought in my head has helped my rolls..