Focus100

Hi,

I am a long time freestyle wrestler who is making the transition to submission grappling and jiu jitsu. I am doing very well and my wrestling is really paying off but I find that I will kind of fall into submission attempts before popping out and such.

I find myself constantly going for top position, which can sometimes leave me open within the guard. I was curious as to what advice any of you may have for a freestyle wrestler grappling with jiu jistu guys.

__________________
"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
- Japanese Proverb

Robert_Lake

I have not been doing Jui Jitsu very long, less than a year, but a good friend of mine has wrestled for a long time and we sometimes roll and i find that once he gets into my guard or i get him on his back it is very easy, even for someone like me who hasnt trained long, to make him tap. However wrestlers, especially good ones, have great balance and a good ability to hold you down in an unwanted position.

So the advice i would give is to try and stay out of a jui jitsu guys guard as much as possible. Get in side control and use your ability to control a guy on the ground and try and get ahold of a kimura and make sure you crank on it good because you might not get another chance at it. Also chokes, if he's gonna give you his neck, take it.

not being a wrestler myself im not sure how much help i am but thought id sare with the class. Also id like to say welcome on behalf of everyone here.

__________________
RIP Rick James

Focus100

Thank you for the welcome and the quick reply. Your advice is helpful. I have been using the rear naked choke often. Although, my training partners now know how much I like to use it so they are more careful of where they keep their chins now. I will start trying to use the kimura more. I think the trick is to keep your opponent focused on something else while you are going for it. Otherwise they can defend easier.

You are also right about the avoiding the guard position. I will work harder at maintaining side control. I am so accustomed to traditional wrestling double leg takedowns that I seem to fall into the guard a lot. Thanks for your added perspective.

__________________
"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
- Japanese Proverb

Robert_Lake

Also from side control dont be afraid to transition into the north south position, where your shoulders are about the same position as your opponent and your head would be laying on his sternum. From here you can go for a head and arm choke. For him to get out he'll more than likely give up his back doing so. For a perfect example of this you should watch the fight between Couture and Van Arsdale. I know they are both wrestlers but Randy uses that position well and is great at smuthering an opponent.

__________________
RIP Rick James

Focus100

Yes. I remember Randy winning by Anaconda choke in that fight. I also know that Jeff Monson likes to utilize that position as well. I will work on transitioning to that position. Ultimately I think that if I want to evolve into a better grappler I need to start working on my back more and get accustomed to that position as well. Thanks again.

__________________
"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
- Japanese Proverb

silent_samurai15

Exactly what i was gonna say, Jiu Jitsu guys can control u if ur in their gaurd with they're legs, they can set up arm bars, triangle chokes ect ect. Try and stay out of their gaurds and go for side mount or even full mount. When in full mount keep low and keep a strong base to prevent the Jiu Jitsu guys shrimping out or rolling u off.

Focus100

Thanks. I am going to work hard on my key lock from side control. I actually have a very strong guard position myself but for some reason I never try to pull guard. Maybe I think I am losing subconsciously when I am on my back.

Do you lose points when you pull guard in grappling competitions?

__________________
"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
- Japanese Proverb

Robert_Lake

Im not sure about loosing points, as long as you stay active in your guard and are going for submission attempts i'm sure you'd fine.

I still think, if you are a wrestler, that you should utilise your wrestling to put the jui jitsu guy in an uncomfortable position. However you need to do that whilst not putting yourself into an uncomfortable or unfamiliar position aswell. You know what your best at and what your favorite positions to be in are, get to that position, whether it be side control or mount or whatever and basically just giv'er with the submissions. Even if you dont get the Kimura your opponent very easily could put himselfinto a worse position because of it.

__________________
RIP Rick James

Focus100

Okay. Right now my strength regarding to positioning would be side control. I have yet to submit anyone with a kimura, but I can see myself doing so. My top objective right now is:

· Take down
· Pass guard
· Side control

I try to give my training partners opportunities to turn over so I can get their back. I have been able to finish there a few times. Thanks again for your perspective.

__________________
"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
- Japanese Proverb

Robert_Lake

No problem. Since you are a wrestler what you you advice a Jui Jitsu fighter to do against a good wrestler?

__________________
RIP Rick James