The Fourth Stripe
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TFS#128: White Belt Knowledge, Knees, & Changing Scenes

TFS#128: White Belt Knowledge, Knees, & Changing Scenes

Some times this attack surprises even upper belts who aren't ready for it. Whatever level you are, you should be ready to defend against it...

Wayne Terran
October 20, 2024

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Now, onto this week’s topics…

TECHNIQUE OF THE WEEK

Last week, we went over a Deep DLR to Leg Drag position.

So let’s change it up a bit.

Don’t Get Caught By A White Belt…

Ankle Locks are legal at the White Belt level in most tournament rules now.

So it’ll be heartbreaking to tap to a White Belt’s Ankle Lock…especially when you’re not a White Belt yourself.

Even if you’re not that kind of person, you still need to know the technique to know how to defend it against it.

Here’s a detailed (and free) instructional.

One of the easiest ways to learn it is in the SLX position. (Where a lot of leg attacks live and we’ll dive into that in future weeks.)

This is great advice if you want your knees to last.

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SLX is great since it’s translatable in the Gi and Nogi. So be sure to know how to be a threat. (link)
Here’s a great way to maintain your advantage when they back step out of your SLX. (link)

CLOSING THOUGHT

If you’re contemplating whether or not you need to switch gyms…it’s definitely worth exploring.

Whether it’s because of the commute, weird loyalties, or gym culture quirks, you should look out for yourself.

Training should improve your life, and I mean your day-to-day life. That’s why you put up with the hard work it takes.

So it should be enjoyable.

You should be excited to go to the gym.

Whatever the reason may be, be open to change, be ready to adapt.

See you on the mats,

Wayne

P.S. In my first tournament, I was up 18-0. Lost with 3 seconds left to an Ankle Lock.

But before you go...

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