TFS#81: Drill The Concept Instead Of Technique

Side Control Escape

I’ve gone over a few techniques for side control escapes from TFS#56, which you can check out here.

However, what would serve you better is to understand the concept more than the technique.

The next time you roll, ask your partner to specific spar with you and have them try to maintain control.

They’re trying to mount or submit while you’re trying to escape.

Don’t think too hard about techniques or specifics and instead use this as play time.

That way, your body can get used to moving properly.

After a few sessions, you can also drill techniques.

There’s a reason for every step in the technique and knowing why you’re taking a certain step is important.

So for now, focus on general concepts such as:

• Easiest time to attempt to escape is when your opponent is transitioning

• Get the underhook

• Protect your neck

• Getting on your side is better than staying on your back

• Keep your elbows tight

Watch this video in slow motion and pausing regularly to see little details in the movements.

The video is for nogi but the same concepts apply in the gi.

Functional Full Body Strength

If you need to improve your side control escapes, you can use the Turkish Get Up (TGU) to help build a stronger wedge between you and your opponent.

Being able to frame, posting on your elbow, while holding their weight, and getting your legs in front of you can require a lot of strength.

And you may have heard that the TGU is one of those “it’s-the-only-exercise-you-need-for-BJJ” exercises.

I won’t go that far and make that claim, but I will say that it’s extremely important to incorporate it into your workout routines since it forces your body to build functional strength while correcting your posture.

Jiu-Jitsu (and pretty much any physical activity) requires strength in all directions and the ability to rotate between planes.

One key detail I recently learned was the importance of pushing my chest out as I rolled up onto my elbow.

This detail stopped me from slumping into my shoulder which was putting unnecessary stress on those joints…and probably compromised my side control escape attempts.

The nice thing about the TGU is that the motion is applied almost everywhere in Jiu-Jitsu.

Whether you’re attempting an X-guard sweep (holding the weight of your opponent’s leg) or fighting for the reversal from Half Guard, these techniques utilize the TGU motion because it allows you to create the space and the strength to maintain the weight.

The quality of strength this exercise produces for your core, lower/upper body, mobility, and durability will help you all over the mats.

If you want to see how a TGU is done, you can check out this video.

But visually seeing it might not be enough!

(As my shoulders have learned the hard way.)

If you want to learn the proper motion of the TGU, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this issue to take advantage of this week’s benefits as a TFS reader!

Thoughts

Even if your form is compromised, you might not feel any pain until it’s too late.

Small stresses will add up over time and can cause long-term injuries.

Sorry, I don’t mean to scare you.

I’m only trying to remind you to pay attention with your movements.

And along this journey you’ll be fighting from a lot of different bad positions.

You will have to have the correct body mechanics to not only escape, but not get injured.

I would hate for you to put a hold on your training due to an injury.

If you have any routines you do, please feel free to share with me.

I’m also learning to age gracefully.

Until next time, stay safe and stay healthy,

Wayne

P.S. 7 Extra tips to avoid side control.

Ensnared in side's hold,
Struggles echo, futile, lost,
Escape's silent plea.