On September 26th, 2009, members of Small Axe Jiu Jitsu converged on Northern Detroit to compete in the Michigan Open. We had a competitor that weighed in less than 70 lbs and a couple who cleared the 200 lbs mark with ease. The end result of the day was Small Axe taking home 3 first place medals, 3 second place medals, 2 third place medals and the other two competitors getting some great mat time.
HIP CONTROL
It is inevitable that in BJJ you will be told, “Control the hips,” or “It’s all about the hips,” or something along those lines. The advice is sound! What do they mean? This essay is going to try to demonstrate a way to direct your attention to controlling your opponent’s hips. We will first look at what I call the “Hip Control Zone (HCZ).” Then we will dissect several different positions both offensively and defensively with respect and attention paid to the HCZ.
Hip Control Zone (HCZ):
Imagine you are on your back, under side control. Every time you try to elbow escape, you run into his arm or his knee and you are never able to get your knee to your elbow. Or, you are attacking someone from your guard; each time you move to sweep or swing on an armbar your legs seem too short or your butt feels like it is stuck to the mat. What you’re imagining is probably a past reality and likely will happen again; someone has managed to control your hip mobility and they did so by controlling your HCZ.
Side Control Variations: Continue reading
When the Cheech doesn’t work, think Chong! This guard pass from the Chill Dawg works very well.
I have caught quite a bit of flack for calling the ‘New York’ the ‘London’! My bad. The position is the same. Many of the 10th Planet Fans who had viewed this have commented that there are a number of counters and potential traps when one does this technique. That may be true, but there are also a lot of traps and counters if you just sit there. My approach is to actively and aggressively work to improve your position!
Dealing with the Chill Dawg can be this easy! Watch this Video for a great foot lock attack when your opponent uses this specific Rubber Guard Attack.
Here is a video I shot with Josh Britt. We cover how to address the Mission Control from a Rubber Guard strategy. I hope you enjoy!