Saturday
04Jul2009
Control the Bottom Leg
Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 01:45PM Since training with Dave, the biggest single thing I have learned is to control the bottom leg. This is a very simple concept, but one I guess I never picked up on. The idea is that for the opponent to get to their knees (or stand), they need their bottom leg. Imagine the old school standing in base self defense drill and you will see what I mean. The bottom leg is the key. If you control it, they are stuck on bottom.
Since that lesson, I am always hunting for that leg - from everywhere. If I lose it, I know I am close to a scramble. Watching the video above of Rafael Mendes at the Rickson Cup I was reminded of this "rule". Mr. Mendes certainly understands it.
Enjoy!
Paul
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Reader Comments (3)
Great post. Check out this video too - as well as being a great fight, watch around the 3.30 mark at how Terere puts all his efforts into trapping Marcelo's lower leg to pass his guard. Inspiring stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qseZODdoNhw
Wow Lee - Awesome match. You are 100% right! Thanks for sharing!!
Paul
Great insight. I love such seemingly simple things that are really the backbone of the art.