TFS#55: Using This Threat Will Haunt Everyone

Everyone makes fun of guard pullers.

And if you’re new to Jiu-Jitsu you probably don’t know what’s so funny about it so you go along and laugh at guard pullers too.

…But deep down inside you pull all the time.

And there’s nothing wrong with that!

However, you’ll need to diversify how you start your rounds.

Learning basic Judo throws (or foot sweeps) can set the tempo of the round in your favor.

Your opponent will quickly realize what you are capable of and could force them to pull guard with lesser confidence.

So here are three easy to learn options you can learn and all three chain nicely together.

1. ​Osoto Gari​ (Outside leg reap)

This is the bread and butter of Judo.

Typically you’ll get a collar (same side) and sleeve control.

Say if you grab the collar with your right hand, you’ll step your right foot on the outside of their right side (behind them).

Once you step behind them, you’ll swing your right leg behind their own in order to lift their leg off the ground.

This is a simple throw but can be difficult to apply since it’s pretty telegraphed.

But it’s great when your opponent is out of position or if you’re chaining this with other movement.

2. ​Deashi Barai​ (Outside foot sweep)

You can think about this as a standard foot sweep.

So for example, I’ll use my left foot to sweep their right foot from the outside.

The secret to this is predicting where your opponent will go next.

This technique also helps you set up for other attacks because it requires your opponent to move off base.

3. ​Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi​ (Outside foot sweep)

This is similar to the previous in the sense that you’ll be sweeping the foot.

You must pull your opponent towards you while simultaneously stepping out of their way.

For example: You’ll step with your right (at a 45 degree angle) and pivot your body to become parallel to your opponent while still pulling them.

As you pivot, you will leave your left foot behind to block your opponent’s right leg from stepping forward.

Chaining them together

The key to understanding these throws is the reaction you’ll get from manipulating your opponent’s balance.

Even if you don’t plan on using throws as your primary option for opening a round, you can definitely use these as set ups to guard pulls or other take downs.

By jostling and off-balancing them, they’ll get into a more defensive position which will help you initiate a guard pull.

For Your Jiu-Jitsu

→ Emphasis on “Jiu-Jitsu cardio” can be quite misleading. Instead, these are ​5 easy ways you can become fuel efficient​ without doing cardio.

→ If you’re still searching to develop your ​offense for Jiu-Jitsu, you can start here​.

→ For those who like to ​play half guard this is a great strategic blueprint​ to catch your opponents scratching their heads.

→ Having trouble with wrestlers? ​Here’s a few ideas on how you can defend a single leg​ takedown.

Closing Words

If you're a dancer or generally have good footwork, these techniques may come a little easier.

Focus on the footwork first and gradually add in the sweep. If possible, I'd recommend drilling this with an upperbelt since they'll have a better understanding of how to give you a proper reaction.

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