TFS#53: Enter The Matrix

Entries should be emphasized while learning a technique.

An attack that is always available in common guard positions is the Matrix.

It's there, you just can't see it...yet.

The Matrix is a useful attack since it helps you get to the back.

And especially if you're a guard player, you're going to love it.

So for today, let's dive into how you can enter the Matrix:

Modified X

I like to setup using a Modified X-Guard since my foot placement is already set on their hip.

The usual reaction is for your opponent to step back with their far leg (this helps them avoid a sweep and maintains their balance).

Your opponent stepping back will expose their back and this is where we can get to the Matrix.

Just by entering the Modified X, the reaction you’ll likely get is an exposed back.

Omoplata

As you threaten the Omoplata from an open guard situation, the natural defense is for your opponent to posture up.

As they’re posturing, you’ll want to immediately get the underhook on the near leg.

Getting the underhook helps you get the angle you need to enter the Matrix.

However, if your partner doesn’t posture up, you can use the attacking foot to push on their armpit to create the space for your legs to get into the Matrix position.

Keymaster

When using the Keymaster to stop a knee slide, you can load them up on your knee shield to off-balance them to the opposite side, getting you into a Modified X position.

The same setup applies.

Summary

Those are just three examples that are common positions you may find yourself in.

Now that you have three different entries, you’ve made it easier to not only execute the Matrix, but also made your game more dangerous from multiple positions.

As a blue belt, you aren’t just learning techniques anymore, but graduating to understanding where those techniques fit.

And if you're just a white belt reading this, I'd encourage you to learn it anyway.

It might be too early to be incorporating it into your game, but at least you'll start to learn the body movement useful for Jiu-Jitsu in general.

The examples above were covered in this video, the end of the video also shares sparring tips.

For Your Jiu-Jitsu

→ For more common variation of the Matrix entry, you can check this short video.

→ I don’t typically promote flashy moves to lower belts but at the very least it’s worth drilling to improve your body movement.

→ A few tips on learning to manage yourself as a newly promoted blue belt.

→ It’s important to continuously work on your guard and develop a defense at an early stage of your BJJ.

Closing Words

I’m working on content that is focused on developing the proper skills to begin chaining techniques and entries.

This is vital at the blue belt level as you continue to explore and hone your strongest skills.

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