12/19/11 Night Class

It seems that every time someone at 10th Planet Van Nuys says that they are going to compete, all of the grizzled veterans of competition have some sort of insight to share. Having competed a few times and having watched countless team mates at 10th Planet Van Nuys compete, I started to compile a list of lessons that everyone should know going into their first tournament. Today’s lesson is

“That Darned Wrestler” 

The very first Jiu Jitsu tournament I did opened my eyes to a problem that has been plaguing Jiu Jitsu tournaments all over the world for ages. During my first match ever, I fell prey to the competitor who is phenomenal at wrestling but sucks at submission.  The guy I went against was a pure wrestler who had no Jiu Jitsu or submission wrestling skills. He later admitted to me that the only reason why he grabbed my hand while in guard was because he didn’t want to get called out for stalling. Yes that’s right he admitted that he was stalling.

The dreaded double leg. I actually injured my ribs badly because I thought I could go toe to toe with a superior wrestler. Moral of the story. Not worth it.

So what did I learn from this? Well first thing was that wrestling dominates in the lower levels. I have seen countless talented wrestlers (including some from my own school 1oth Planet Van Nuys) enter tournaments with little to no submission experience and dominate. There superior ability to control and neutralize people have helped them adapt perfectly to the point system most grappling competitions use.

This is one of the reasons why I love the fact that the Gracie Nationals this year has gone back to being submissions only. I started training Jiu Jitsu because of the submission game. If I wanted to learn wrestling I would have signed up for wrestling class (speaking of which don’t forget to sign up for Thor Skancke’s wrestling clinic at 10th Planet Van Nuys. Click here for more information).

So what can you do to avoid “That Darned Wrestler”? Well over the next few weeks I’ll be posting some concepts and ideas that have helped me and my teammates at 10th Planet Van Nuys. Today’s concept is attacking with a guillotine. Below is a tutorial by the great Marcelo Garcia in which he goes over how to attack your opponent when he is shooting in on you. Enjoy and get on the mats soon!

Marcelo Garcia Guillotine vs Takedown