Basic mat work

We are taking a step back in grappling and working primarily on position and transitions in positioning to get a better foundation. It is easy to over reach and immediately go for your final aim, in this case submissions. I appreciate the traditional Brazilian Jui Jitsu (BJJ) approach of learning positions, transitions and finally submissions (position before submission). A solid foundation is essential in any pursuit, building a house on shaky ground only leads to disaster. With that in mind we are working the basics to start, not that we won’t address the basic joint locks but our emphasis will be learning how to move and where to move to (positions and transitions).
After further searching I found a few videos that address these areas and we’ll be using the basic exercises presented in these videos (the initial video I posted is fantastic but too advanced right now, we’ll have to work up to the drills they presented). Most of this information I know but haven’t seen presented as actual drills – and they do an excellent job.



Roll Call: Tony

Warm-up:
2x3min jump-rope (last 30sec double unders)
2 rounds – 10 pull-ups, 3 ring dips, hip stretch, 10 GHD sit-ups, 10 back extensions

Our main focus today was on basic matt work as follows:
Upper position
Knee to chest (stomach) side to side with transition across/over body

1. Knee to chest (stomach) switching knees, staying on same side
2. Knee to chest (stomach) transition to mount, side to side
3. Knee to chest (stomach) circle other leg over head, switch to opposite knee
4. Mount – pop up – arm-bar
5. Standing guard pass to knee to chest

Working hip movement

• Supine hip slide out (in mount or guard)
• Wall hip slide out
• Sit out drill

Position transitions

• Side Control with bottom position working hip slide out to attain guard
• Mount with bottom position working hip slide out to attain guard

I’m putting off my final Beta-alanine “Fran” test until Tuesday (sorry), I still have enough left to continue taking it until then and I want an open day to do the test.

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