TFS#112: Escaping Concepts, Strengthen Your Neck, & Losing Tradition

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Simplification is one of the most complex processes to obtain.

That’s why I’m studying extensively to become a better writer, coach, and overall communicator.

I want to make sure I’m getting straight to the point instead of overloading you with too much.

With that, let’s dive right into this week’s topics…

TECHNIQUES OF THE WEEK

Side Control Escape

Concept (0:42): The easiest thing to focus on is to get your close forearm on their hip. This forearm will help create space for your hips to move which is vital to getting out of Side Control.

Once you have the forearm wedged on their hip, you can start bumping and looking for the far side underhook.

Technique (2:03): There’s quite a few techniques shared after this point of the video but it’s all in your ability to read the situation.

If you’re a smaller person on bottom, it’s best to force North-South to get double underhooks and escape (15:35). It’s been a very high success rate for me.

Side Control Pinning

Concept & Techniques: Pin the hips, pin the shoulders, control the neck (in that order).

If your opponent has the freedom to move their hips, they’ll have the mobility to create space or move away from you. You don’t want them to be able to get their knees/legs in front of their chest.

Next, control the shoulders. If they’re able to move their shoulders, you’ll allow them to frame on you and build up to a forearm.

Lastly, control the neck (aka cross face). A real cross face doesn’t require you to squeeze. Using your far arm, lift them slightly so your cross face arm can grab as deep as possible (ideally their lat). Place your head by on the mat, by their bicep. If you have double underhooks instead of a cross face, place your head by their shoulder instead.

*Remember, feel free to email in if you have questions and I can elaborate.

JIU-JITSU LONGEVITY

3 Neck Exercises

If you don’t like the way your neck feels, not only should you avoid certain positions (facing a strong cross face, fighting a triangle when they’re hanging off your head, or simple staying in a stacked position.)

Don’t mess with your neck.

But do make it it strong.

MORE RESOURCES

Related Topics

• Buggy Choke is a meme but it still needs to be respected from top (and bottom) position. (link)

• In top Side Control with both arms framing hard against you? Wrap the top arm and start attacking. (link)

• Are you quietly quitting? (link)

CLOSING THOUGHT

Tradition Fails Us

Tradition helps provides structure so you don’t have to learn things through trial and error.

You can think of it like a system.

But some use it to uphold their pride or to deflect a question they don’t like.

Don’t be afraid to question tradition in your gym, workplace, or home.

You might have to do your own digging to learn what tradition means to you—even if it takes years.

See you on the mats,

Wayne

P.S. I’ve also been teetering on the idea of adding a daily email for this newsletter. I’ll be sure to keep it short—no more than one paragraph a day. This way, you have time to digest every section of this newsletter. (But don’t worry, you’ll still be getting the same weekly Sunday edition.) If you love this idea reply with “daily” if you don’t just reply with “weekly.”