BJJ Norcal

Source: Impact JJ

The first few years in BJJ I spent a lot of time trying to work a contolling, pressure game. This would translate to me trying to hold each top position to the best of my ability. If my opponent tried to go anywhere, I would do my best to stop them, and pin them. In recent months, I have adjusted my philosophy a bit, perhaps from watching Dave roll with great mobility.

Now I try instead to hold "just enough" vs. "absolutely" - the key is to enable only the movement I want, guiding them to where I want them to go. The theory is that since you know where they are going, you can stay one step ahead of them, either in transition to a better position, or a submission. Keep in mind that I am not advocating a mobile game over a pressure game, I am just playing more mobile for the forseeable future.

Let's look at side control for an example of how these games play out. My favorite topgame is to have a deep collar grip and use it as a crossface while applying pressure with your chest or hips. Matt Thornton calls this his "sandbagger topgame" and I learned it from him at a seminar. If you have been on the bottom of this game you know how tough it can be. I know personally since Matt crushed me with it for what seemed like an eterity last time I rolled with him in Berlekey.

The thing about playing that game is you are inflicting pressure (ie. pain) until the opponent makes a mistake. Then you capitalize. In my recent rolling adventures, I have started to ease off on the pressure to allow the opponent to feel like they can either get to their knees or roll away. If they roll away. I keep a far side sleeve grip (not elbow), let them up, and then take the back (courtesy of Leo Viera). If they roll into me, I crossface to keep the angle, sprawl out the single leg, and take the back (courtesy of Marcelo Garcia). Both of these have not only worked very well, they have increased both my sensitivity and fluidity in rolling. Frankly it has just been more fun playing a mobile game. (note: I am testing these ideas on lower belts and I am sure that I will have trouble against the better players, but I am slowly working them into my game)

I recently heard this quote that I thought summed up this type of approach recently:

"You have to close all the doors and leave one window open" -Eric Hemphill

See you on the mat,

Paul