Week 55: Kryptonite

This class was groundwork so we started in the clinch on our knees working the takedown to get our partner on their back. I really like this drill as it reminds you of the need to a positive spine and to look into the centre of their skull. Something I finally saw a pro MMA fighter do this morning. Michael Bisping in his control of Brian Stann at UFC 152 using this concept repeatedly in the standing clinch in his fight. At times Stann was grimacing and trying to work his head out of the way of Bisping’s 3rd controlling limb. In the same match it was great to see Bisping working the double leg takedown successfully. His level changes and explosion were very impressive thus resulting in solid control of his opponent’s base. On at least two occasions his managed to pick Stann up and slam him from the double leg set up. A great performance from Bisping who additionally survived a very wobbly moment at the end of round one and came back strong. Here is a link to fight highlights:

http://mmajunkie.com/news/30765/ufc-152-michael-bisping-vs-brian-stann-full-fight-video-highlights.mma

The drill then evolved to takedown but continue grappling with light striking and no submissions.

Side control focus:

Chest spin pass to other side when the opponent looks to turn in on their side to escape. Pull the shoulder and press the head down so that they look at their belly, maintain pressure through your chest and spin to opposite side for side control.

If, in defending, they get the knee in, you can switch to inverted side control. Grab and lift the tricep as you sit your hips through into his armpit. Hips off the floor and weight through his rib cage.

If they chose to defend badly by extending an arm then you can go the head and arm triangle (shoulder and bicep suppression I think). This is my kryptonite. Matt with whom I was training tonight was very patient no matter how poor I was in applying this technique. I found that simply do not have the proprioception to feel it. In the link from sparring tonight below, there was an opportunity for me to grab this technique but failed too. I know that I need to look for and practise well under pressure.

Sparring with Seb and Simon.

Seb ‘selected’ me to spar with on the ground with strikes. I tried my hardest to keep moving and defend and on occasion attack but Seb has such a formidable top game that it is most difficult to maintain constant movement and intelligent defence. Seb was far too complimentary at the call of time but I appreciate his kind words in saying that he enjoys sparring with me.

Then I free formed with Simon. The link is below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9iTIZPWaf7M

This morning I also watched the Jones V Belfort fight. If the head and arm triangle is my nemesis the Jones is all fighters’ nemesis. He is clearly very talented and hard to work out and thus beat. A most enjoyable fight.

Here is the link to Jones V Belfort highlights:

http://mmajunkie.com/news/30763/ufc-152-jon-jones-vs-vitor-belfort-full-fight-video-highlights.mma