Another technique based class, with our focus on reviewing the techniques from day 1 and adding in another fun transition. While I wouldn’t consider these classes to be completely fundamentals, I do believe there is a great benefit in showing fun techniques that are a little bit of a brain puzzle for the students. There is a ton of value in simply learning how to replicate a technique. Ultimately I would like the students to find it on their own and modify it in a way that works best for them, but for today we are only asking that they can see a technique then replicate it with their partner.

Technique 1: Lea started off this class by throwing them straight into a transition from back control to a triangle. This is one of my favorite transitions, mostly because I have very long arms. It’s easy for me to reach over my opponents shoulder to grab my own leg. Which is super important for this technique. This plays well into my game also because I typically play back control with a body triangle. While its not the easiest technique for a beginner, I think its important that they see the more complicated things occasionally. So this was perfect

Technique 2: Lea talked about the difficulties of finishing a triangle from this position, especially if your opponent stays back to the mat. This often puts us in an odd position in between several submission options. If we chase the triangle too long we risk our opponent escaping, then we go from having back control to having nothing. So its often easier to chase the arm lock from the triangle. While a straight armlock can be done, its often too loose without releasing the triangle and covering the head. So Lea focused on a kimura style finish while maintaining the triangle.

Game: We repeated the same game from day 1, starting with double underhooks with one leg hook in and one leg on the mat. So we have mostly secured the back without the tools necessary to finish a submission. Active player must get a submission to win. Defensive player must improve their position to win the rep.

Conclusion: I really love the idea of introducing complicated techniques. Even though these may seem easy for the colored belts, they can be extremely complex for beginners. It’s good to give them a brain teaser once in a while. This all gives me great information for the next block as we continue our focus on the back. Lots of great things to come as we continue to mix our game based classes with traditional techniques. One more class with Lea, then I’m back in the drivers seat.