TFS#47: What Smaller Guys Agree On

As a smaller guy, I’ve had to learn to use pressure properly in order to pass my opponent’s guard efficiently.

I’m also in the Master’s Division so if you’re like me, you’ve got to be smart with your energy.

Pressure doesn’t just mean smashing into your opponent—that’s only half of it.

The other half is learning to relieve pressure and reapply.

Passing requires side-to-side movement and changing angles and elevation. This also includes change in pressure application.

An excellent example to study would be Lucas Lepri. Let’s dig in.

Apply pressure to release pressure

The guard player is using both feet as his frames. The left is in a lasso while the right is simply stepping on the shoulder.

For a short moment, Lucas encourages the guard by leaning into it, applying pressure…only to posture up to release the pressure.

Posturing up and releasing the pressure gives him the space to throw the legs to his right side.

Remove a frame, improve position, reapply pressure

The purpose of the leg throw to the right was to clear the legs as frames. That’s one layer closer to passing.

Now the guard player only has his shins. In this instance, he tries to re-guard by pummeling his leg over, but Lucas catches the leg by the knee.

Lucas continues to apply pressure on the right leg by leaning in with his weight.

Change direction, reapply pressure

Lucas continues to try to pass to the guard player’s right side by trying to push his legs to his left. In doing so, the guard player feels like his best option is to shrimp away.

To shrimp, he plants his foot to the mat and this is the opening Lucas uses to jump over to the other side, changing direction.

Always be moving

This is using pressure to it’s finest here. You apply pressure to force your opponent to react a certain way, in a certain direction only to change positioning.

You’re slowly removing layers of their guard and getting closer and closer until you pass.

Apply, release, change direction, reapply, improve grips, release, apply…you get the point. Each step getting you closer to passing.

The entire match is worth watching. What I covered is from 5:59-6:06—only 7 seconds!

For Your Jiu-Jitsu

→ 2 easy ways to attack the turtle position. Attacking the turtle position can be tricky especially against an upper belt who knows how to defend.

→ This practical tip can help you get out of a bad situation. Even if you don’t find yourself here, you can still use this in sparring.

→ Home workouts help keep your body moving when you can’t make the gym. It’s also a great way to work back from an injury.

Closing Words

This doesn’t just apply to small guys of course.

But as a smaller (and older) person, I have to manage my gas tank. Especially if I will continue to compete, energy management will be a huge factor in how far I get in the bracket.

I find it useful to flow roll to practice the movements and understand grips and angles. Your goal is to pass while your opponent’s goal is to sweep you.

Play some rounds with a partner before or after class. It’s a lot of fun.

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