Tuesday, 6/12:
Another class upstairs. Maybe it’s a Tuesday thing?
For takedowns we drilled two variations of the single-leg. The first is a transition into the double-leg. Once in control of the leg with both of yours, take a step back to force your opponent to hop towards you. Bend your knees and reach down to wrap both arms around your opponent’s far knee. Drive forward, forcing your opponent back to the mat for the takedown. The second variation has a few more steps. Assume you’ve trapped your opponent’s right leg. Once the leg is secure, kick your left leg back, use your left hand to swing your partner’s leg out to your left, and bring your left leg around and inside. With your free (right) hand, grab the bottom of your right lapel to straighten it out, then bring the left hand up to grab your own collar. This secures the leg, making it very difficult for your opponent to step down. With your right hand, grab his lapel as you step behind his planted left foot, sweeping him for the takedown.
Guard training followed, during which I landed an armbar.
The technique for the day was an interesting one, a way to prevent your opponent from escaping the armbar when you are on top and almost have it locked in. Begin sitting by your opponent’s left side, with the armbar set up. Your left arm is hooking his arm, trying to pull it for the submission. He is clasping his hands together to defend. As you put your right foot over his far hand to push and break the grip, he pushes both feet over his head and begins to turn towards you to escape the lock. Quickly place your right hand behind you and post up. Your right leg should move so that your ankle is hooked behind his neck, with your shin along his neck and your knee pushing on his chest to force him back to the ground. At this point, throw your left leg back into the original position for the armbar (that is, over his head). Lean back to complete the submission.