BJJ Class 127
First class in the new year and the first class in two weeks – and it felt like I forgot everything from the last couple of months already. Such is the folly of the holidays…
Class started with light warm-ups and then jumped straight into techniques. Techniques was very similar to the Open Guard Sweep to Knee on Belly that we went through way back in BJJ Class 78. The main difference is that there is a hook with one leg, rather than the leg being across your opponent’s body. Also, there were two attacks depending on how your opponent counters the sweep. One was an omoplata for when they base out and the other was an armbar for if they post out.
Five rounds of rolling followed. I really got to work on my top game. I only got to my guard once and that was because the brown belt let me. I rolled first with the same big blue belt I had the long roll with before BJJ Class 126. Let’s name him “V” or “big blue v”. Got to work on my passing game, though I only got side control once and tapped a few times.
I rolled next with a tall but skinny blue belt. He wanted to roll light and flow and kept telling me that, even though I thought I was. I was playing top and trying to pass guard with technique and wasn’t jumping around muscling moves and using speed or anything, whatever. Maybe light and flow means letting him sweep me and not trying to pass guard. Well, I also outweigh him by a bit, so I also prolly just feel heavier in general. Anyway, the defense techniques I was using on V wasn’t working on this guy and it just kept giving him submissions. A high guard isn’t something I’m in very often.
I next rolled with a very small blue belt and I played very lightly, trying not to muscle anything at all, no pressure, no weight. Just light technique to defend, attack, take-down. I then rolled with a brown and purple belt. Although I was able to pass the brown’s guard, it was a tap clinic with him and the purple.
What I did right:
- Kept a good base
- Tapped in time
- Was able to pass the guard of a blue and brown belt
- Really got to work on my top game
What I did wrong:
- Defense against foot and leg attacks needs work. I usually grab their collar and try to push my leg in to avoid the sub and try to mount. While that defense works, it’s not enough against a higher belt or a persistent opponent
- Need more pass techniques!!
- I don’t have enough awareness of high guard attacks. I tapped to a few which I felt came from no where
- Side-control sucks. I can barely keep it against higher belts. White belts and smaller people, sure, but it sucks against the rest
After I rolled with the brown belt, I asked if there were any big holes in my game. He said, “just get more mat time.” Sounds like everything needs work… Hope I do get to work on them and get more mat time this year. Cheers 2009!!
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