TFS#46: Keymaster Unlocks Your Triangle

Last week I mentioned how the Reverse De La Riva (RDLR) is a common counter to the Knee Cut Pass. If you missed it last week you can read it here.

But another common way to stop the Knee Cut Pass is by using the Keymaster.

The Keymaster

(1) Stop the Knee Cut Pass with your Keymaster. For those who don’t know what this is, see picture below. Make sure to use the foot to hook their far leg, it'll help you track that leg when it tries to free itself.

(2) The angle and position of your Knee Shield is important. Don’t let it be lazy, your opponent can easily use their chest to smash it down. Instead, make sure you use your foot to hook underneath their armpit.

(3) Get the cross collar grip.

(4) Control the far leg. You can do this by either underhooking behind their knee or grabbing their pant material.

Use the picture below for reference.

Off-Balance

Now use all your control points to off-balance your opponent to the opposite direction, horizontally.

This will force them to post their hand, distracting them from your next move.

Make sure to use your Knee Shield to kick out while doing this. Once they post, use that same Knee Shield leg to shoot over their arm and lock the Triangle.

A Few Pointers

Remember you should use the Keymaster leg to step on their hip as you shoot the Triangle. Stepping on their hip and bridging will keep your opponent in place.

Once you lock the Triangle, take your time. Don’t rush the submission, you’re in an advantageous spot. Your opponent’s emergency alarm will be kicking in at this point.

​Check out the clip.

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Closing Words

The Keymaster is a simple adjustment you can make in your next rolls.

The cross collar grip also helps you control the distance and prevents the person on top from closing the space with their chest.

Once you off-balance your opponent, you're also in position to transition into the X-Guard...and you can go into a Single-Leg stand up or transition into the back...or a thousand other variations.

If you want me to explore one of those positions next, just reply to this email with "single-leg" or "back control."

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