In the dynamic realm of grappling, where innovation and experimentation thrive, grappling flows serve as mini-forms, guiding students to develop a nuanced understanding of movement and effective responses to common situations. It is crucial to recognize that these flows are not exhaustive solutions for every possible scenario but rather a foundation for building resilience through training, creativity, and skill refinement.
Understanding Positions:
In the intricate dance of grappling, positions play a pivotal role. One partner assumes a superior or advantageous position, while the other finds themselves in an inferior or disadvantaged state. It's important to note that superiority doesn't solely hinge on being "on top." For instance, being on top in the Guard is considered an inferior position.
Grappling Notation:
For simplicity, the two grappling partners will be denoted as X and Y, with each potentially playing distinct roles in each flow.
5 Grappling Flows:
Guard Flow (X is in Y’s Guard):
X passes Y’s Guard and obtains Cross-Body.
Y re-establishes Guard (Knee Inside).
Y takes X’s Back.
X escapes into Y’s Guard (shrug & roll).
Y sweeps X and obtains Mount.
X shrimps and obtains Guard.
Repeat the flow, with Y passing X’s Guard, and so forth.
Mount Flow (Y is in superior Mount):
X umpas into Y’s Guard.
Y sweeps X and obtains Mount.
X shrimps and obtains Guard.
X sweeps Y and obtains Mount.
Repeat the flow; now Y umpas, and so on.
Cross-Body Flow (Y is in superior Cross-Body):
X re-establishes Guard (knee inside).
Y passes X’s Guard and obtains Cross-Body.
Y obtains Mount.
X umpas into Y’s Guard.
X passes Y’s Guard and obtains Cross-Body.
Repeat the flow; now Y re-establishes Guard, and so on.
Scarf-Hold Flow (Y is in superior Scarf-Hold):
X reverses Y to Scarf-Hold (nose push).
Y reverses X to Cross-Body (spoon & roll).
Y moves to Scarf-Hold.
X takes Y’s Back (back-door).
Y escapes into X’s Guard (shrug & roll).
Y passes X’s Guard and obtains Cross-Body.
X reverses Y to Scarf-Hold (head throw).
Repeat the flow; now Y reverses X to Scarf-Hold, and so on.
Back Flow (face up) (Y is in superior Back):
X escapes into Y’s Guard (hook clear & roll).
Y takes X’s Back.
X escapes into Y’s Guard (shrug & roll).
X flips Y and obtains Back.
Repeat the flow; now Y escapes into X’s Guard, and so on.
Achilles Wars (X & Y are both in Neutral Leg Control):
Scoot in and lay back.
Brace knee under thigh and lay back.
Roll onto stomach and pull back.
Piston leg to under the other arm and lay back.
Switch hands and apply calf-lock.
Roll to stomach and apply “Bastard Lock.”
Take the other leg.
Leg Control Lock Resistance Tactics:
Hook toes under the arm and straighten the leg.
Push the leg through.
Pull the leg out to clear the heel and push at the arm.
Pull on the locking arm (with hands).
Roll like hell.
Cup their neck and sit up on them.
Lift hips off the floor and arch.