Class Instruction at VRJJ

Class Instruction at VRJJ

Recorded sessions for classes at VR Jiu-Jitsu. Videos are added daily. Access is available as part of your subscription or as a rental for a period is for 3 days. Catch up on all the classes that you've recently missed. If you're renting, you can binge on all the classes you want for the 3-day rental period. If you would like more permanent access to all classes, you can become a subscriber and watch whenever you like.

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Class Instruction at VRJJ
  • CLASS: Triangle from Collar & Sleeve, Hip Bump, Armbar, North South (25-Jul-24)

    You can catch a Triangle hold from 4 positions. In the Collar and Sleeve Guard use your shin to pin the far arm. During a Hip Bump Sweep attempt put your arm on the other side of the head. When the opponent defends by grabbing his hand during your Fallback Armbar, poke your leg between his arms. ...

  • CLASS: Details on Finishing the Triangle Choke (24-Jul-24)

    The catching and maintaining a lock of the opponent's head and arm between your legs is a detail that is crucial to ensuring that you can finish the choke while dealing with the opponent's defensive reactions. If you do not get a good catch, the opponent will posture and throw your leg off him to...

  • CLASS: X Guard to Back Access by Grounding Knee and Lifting Leg (23-Jul-24)

    Tash Bhattacharya returns to her lesson on using X Guard to access the back (Part 2 of 2). She shows how to access the 2nd pant grip and then use these grips to ground the far knee of the opponent and then lift the near leg to access the back.

  • CLASS: Basics of the Triangle Choke from Closed Guard (22-Jul-24)

    The triangle choke is a common submission from closed guard. You need to get a good catch of the opponent's head and arm between your legs. Once you have a good catch, adjust the tightness and angle before completing the choke.

  • CLASS: Leg Drag Pass, Gi versus NoGi techniques (19-Jul-24)

    When you do the Leg Drag Pass, there are similar control points between the Gi and NoGi techniques. However, there are differences in the details of how you achieve the control points.

  • CLASS: Leg Drag Pass from De La Riva (DLR) and Single Leg X (SLX) (18-Jul-24)

    When the opponent has the De La Riva (DLR) guard or the Single Leg X (SLX) guard, you can break down the guard and get to a Leg Drag pin before passing to side control.

  • CLASS: Single Leg X Entries from DLR and Sweeping Goals (16-Jul-24)

    When you have DLR (De La Riva), grab the nearside collar and pant leg. Then off balance the opponent by pulling him forward or backward to find the opportunity to enter SLX (Single Leg X). From SLX, find a way to get his hands on the mat so you can complete the sweep with both pant grips. Tash Ba...

  • CLASS: Basic Leg Drag Pass from cross pant grip (15-Jul-24)

    When the opponent has open guard, and you can secure a cross pant grip, you can enter the Leg Drag position by dragging his leg passed your hips, controlling the dragged knee, controlling the hip, and pinning his free leg.

  • CLASS: Reverse De La Riva (RDLR) Sweep to Leg Drag (15-Jul-24)

    When your opponent is in combat base, you can use the Reverse De La Riva (RDLR) guard to spin under his hips and access the back side with crab hooks. When he puts his hips on the floor to deny you back control, you can use your pant and hip grips to come up into a sweep and pin him in a leg drag.

  • CLASS: Reverse De La Riva (RDLR) to Crab Ride (12-Jul-24)

    Review of using Reverse DLR to defend the Knee Cut Pass and then transitioning to Stomp Sweep or Single Leg. When opponent drops a knee to the mat for combat base, you can lift the leg up and move to the other side of your head to access the back and put on crab hooks.

  • CLASS: De La Riva to Reverse De La Riva to Waiter Sweep (11-Jul-24)

    From a grip in your open guard, secure the De La Riva guard. When the opponent puts you into Headquarters position, you can react by switching from De La Riva (DLR) to Reverse De La Riva (RDLR). Then you can enter the Waiter Sweep.

  • CLASS: Reverse De La Riva (RDLR) Guard and Transitions to Sweeps (10-Jul-24)

    When your opponent attempts a knee cut pass from open guard, use the Reverse De La Riva (RDLR) Guard to defend. Then, you can transition to the half spider guard sweep by stomping your foot on his bicep. Or, you can transition to the single leg if he puts his weight to the far side. You can also ...

  • CLASS: Using Reverse De La Riva Guard for Defense and Sweeps (8-Jul-24)

    When your opponent attempts the Knee Cut Pass from your open guard, you can slap on the Reverse De La Riva Guard to defend. Then you can control the nearside sleeve to do a sweep by stomping on his bicep, or do a reverse sweep, or do a backward sweep over your body.

  • CLASS: Reverse DLR Spin Under Attacks (aka Kiss of the Dragon) (8-Jul-24)

    When you have the Reverse De La Riva (RDLR), you can spin under the opponent to get a backtake or sweep to leg drag pass. The opponent can be standing or in combat base (one knee down). This technique for spinning under from RDLR is also known as the "Kiss of the Dragon."

  • CLASS: Attacks from Paper Cutter Choke Grips (5-Jul-24)

    When you attack the Papercutter Choke by isolating one arm, you can give your self the option of finishing the Papercutter Choke, Nearside Wedge Armbar, Mounted Triangle Choke, or Goldchain Armbar.

  • CLASS: Armbar and Mounted Triangle from Paper Cutter Grips (4-Jul-24)

    When you isolate the arm during the Paper Cutter Choke attempt, you can transition to the nearside Armbar or Mounted Triangle Choke.

  • CLASS: Paper Cutter Choke Basics (3-Jul-24)

    The Paper Cutter Choke requires a grip on the far collar and a grip on the near shoulder. This video shows you the basic setup from side control and north south positions. You can also set this up in side control by securing the shoulder grip first to isolate one arm, connect the forearm to next,...

  • CLASS: Paper Cutter Choke, Setups and Finish (1-Jul-24)

    The Paper Cutter Choke from Side Control requires a grip with the forearm across the neck, and a grip on the nearside shoulder to prevent him from turning into you. You can set up this choke from Side Control, North South, or from doing a Stack Pass.

  • CLASS: Basics of Original Worm Guard (1-Jul-24)

    When you have control of the opponent's leg and his far lapel from your open guard, you can set up the Worm Guard, created by Keenan Cornelius. The Worm Guard traps your leg against the opponent's hip and gives you opportunity for a sweep or backtake. If he defends your backtake, you can catch hi...

  • CLASS: Transitions to the X Pass (28-Jun-24)

    When the opponent has in the butterfly guard, reverse De La Riva guard, or the De La Riva guard, you can break it down to quickly transition to the X Pass before he has time to reconfigure his guard.

  • CLASS: Shin-on-Shin Passing of Open Guard (27-Jun-24)

    When you put yourself into shin-on-shin from your opponent's open seated guard, secure the pant and collar grips to execute passing. You can pass on the same side shin-on-shin or the cross side shin-on-shin. If you get the collar & sleeve grips instead you can directly pass using the step-through...

  • CLASS: Basic X Pass Techniques from Standing (26-Jun-24)

    When you are dealing with the open guard, use the X Pass to clear his hooks and then move your legs around his legs to insert a divider between his chest and knee. The method of pinching his knees together helps you finish the X Pass in kneeride. The method of putting you hands on his hip and kne...

  • CLASS: Common X Pass Variations (24-Jun-24)

    The X Pass provides a quick way to pass while keeping on the outside of the opponent's legs. One common way is to pinch the knees together while kicking backwards to the ceiling to clear any guard and then stepping into knee ride. Another variation is to place your hands on his hip and nearside k...

  • CLASS: Shin-on-Shin Passing of the Seated Open Guard (24-Jun-24)

    When you approach the opponent's seated open guard, you can use shin-on-shin to stay on the outside of his legs. Securing the collar and opposite pant grip will give you control needed for quick passing options from the shin-on-shin.

  • CLASS: Kimura from Closed Guard to Backtake, Choibar, or Triangle (21-Jun-24)

    When the opponent grabs his belt to defend your Kimura from closed guard, place your foot on his hip to escape your far leg. Use your far leg to transition to a switch backtake, an armbar (aka choibar), or a triangle.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Failed Kimura in Closed Guard (20-Jun-24)

    When the opponent grabs his belt, you can launch attacks of backtakes and sweep. You can also use your legs to re-enforce a tight shoulder lock or do the Tarikoplata.

  • CLASS: Fundamentals of Kimura from Closed Guard (19-Jun-24)

    Use your closed guard to set up the Kimura shoulder lock submission. Work on closing the distance and keeping the opponent's arm bent and lock your Kimura grip into place. Then move your hips out from underneath him to get a better angle for the finish. Finally, compress his entire arm before app...

  • CLASS: Entering and Finishing the Kimura from Closed Guard (17-Jun-24)

    Basics of entering the Kimura grip from Closed Guard and then details on how to finish the shoulder lock from the Kimura grip from closed guard. If he grabs his belt to defend, you can transition to a backtake.

  • CLASS: Backtake & Armbar Counters to Kimura Defense of Belt Grip (17-Jun-24)

    When the opponent defends your Kimura from closed guard by gripping his belt, you can move your hips and legs to transform your attack to a backtake or armbar.

  • CLASS: Breaking Armbar Defense Grips (14-Jun-24)

    When the opponent defends your Armbar from Mount with a defensive grip (wrist grip, S-grip, gable grip, or figure 4 bicep grip), you can break the grip to complete the armbar without switching your position.

  • CLASS: Breaking Defensive Grips on your Armbar from Mount (13-Jun-24)

    Learn how to break the Wrist grip, Gable grip, and Figure 4 bicep grip to complete your Armbar from Mount. You can also do a bicep slicer on his Figure 4 bicep grip.

  • CLASS: Setup and Finishing the Armbar from S-Mount (12-Jun-24)

    Understanding the Armbar from S-mount can be broken down into the finishing part, the falling back part and the entry from regular mount. Coach Riki details the fundamental process starting with the finishing part.

  • CLASS: S-Mount Armbar Position, Maintenance, and Finish (10-Jun-24)

    When you have mount, the S-Mount position will give you tight control of the arms so that you can finish an armbar. This video shows you a way on how to enter it from a low mount, how to keep the position tight, how to deal with the defending arm, how to switch the side of the S-Mount, and how to...

  • CLASS: Counters to the Hitchhiker Armbar Escape (10-Jun-24)

    When the opponent does the Hitchhiker escape from your Armbar from mount, you can configure your legs to catch him in a triangle choke hold, Armbar, or Tarikoplata shoulder lock.

  • CLASS: Brabo and Loop Chokes from Cross Collar or Lapel Grip (7-Jun-24)

    When you have the cross lapel grip, you can enter the Brabo Choke from Guard or from Side Control top. If you have the Cross Collar grip, you can enter the Loop Choke and finish in half guard, or finish with the arm in.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Cross-Collar or Cross-Lapel Grip (6-Jun-24)

    When you are in side control, use the opponent's far lapel to set up a Brabo Choke using cross lapel grip. When you have the cross collar grip, you can use the collar drag to set up a cross collar choke. When you have the Collar & Sleeve guard, you can use the Scissors sweep to set up the Right-A...

  • CLASS: Basic Cross Collar Choke with Common Grip Variations (5-Jun-24)

    The Cross Collar Choke requires a deep cross collar grip with a clean connection to the opponent's carotid artery on the neck. Your second grip can vary to keep the head and shoulders still while you apply the choke. This video explores common variations of the grip and control of the opponent's ...

  • CLASS: Submission Attacks from Collar & Sleeve Guard (4-Jun-24)

    The Collar & Sleeve Guard is the cross-collar and same-side sleeve grips with your foot on his far bicep. Learn how to retain this guard and launch submission attacks from it. You can enter the Triangle hold where you can finish an Armbar or Choke. If you pass your leg under his armpit and over h...

  • CLASS: Attacks when opponent defends the Collar Drag (31-May-24)

    When the opponent underhooks you to do defend the collar drag, you can enter the omoplata position and complete a shoulder lock or sweep. If he stiff arms you to defend the collar drag, you can enter a corkscrew armbar or wrenching armbar. If he does not tap and does not roll, you can get onto yo...

  • CLASS: Collar Drag to Omoplata or Armbar (30-May-24)

    When your attempt a Collar Drag sweep, and the opponent defends with an underhook, you can attack the Omoplata. If he defends with a collar grip, you can attack with a corkscrew armbar or a wrenching armbar.

  • CLASS: Collar Drag Sweep and Takedown with Backtake option (29-May-24)

    When you can secure a cross collar grip, you can do a sweep from the seated butterfly guard. If you both are standing, then the cross collar grip will give you the opportunity for a takedown by getting to the leg. If his hands and knees are on the mat from the collar drag, you also have the optio...

  • CLASS: Collar Drag Sweep and Takedown (27-May-24)

    When you secure a cross collar grip on the opponent, you can drag his upper body passed your body to get closer to his leg. If you do this from a seated butterfly guard, you can flip him over for a sweep. If you do this from standing, you can flip him over for a takedown. If he stands up, you can...

  • CLASS: Collar Drag to Loop Choke and Omoplata (27-May-24)

    When you attempt the Collar Drag sweep from the seated Butterfly Guard, and your opponent circles his legs away from you, you can trap his head to threaten the Loop Choke. He either rolls out of the choke and you get side control, or you can finish the loop choke by grabbing his leg to enter the ...

  • CLASS: Footlocks from Butterfly Ashi position (24-May-24)

    When you have the foot and leg trapped, but your opponent defends your body's rotation, you can reconfigure the leg entanglement to Butterfly Ashi to assist in the finishing of the straight footlock. You can enter the Butterfly Ashi directly or from the Single Leg X (SLX) position while the oppon...

  • CLASS: Straight Footlock from Butterfly Ashi (23-May-24)

    The Butterfly Ashi position is a type of leg entanglement for a straight footlock. Normally entered from a reconfiguration of the Single Leg X (SLX) entanglement. You can apply the Butterfly Ashi entanglement and finish the straight footlock when the opponent is seated or standing.

  • CLASS: Finishing the Basic Straight Footlock (22-May-24)

    How to set up a tight clamp on the foot and the leg to finish the straight footlock. We go over the common defenses of the "boot" and keeping your leg clamp open. If they pop your foot off the hip to open your leg clamp, you rotate to prevent further defenses.

  • CLASS: Basics of Straight Footlock from Straight Ashi (20-May-24)

    Fundamentals of the Straight Footlock (aka Ankle Lock) submission from the Straight Ashi position (aka Single Leg X or SLX), including dealing with common defense and escape reactions such as "putting on boot" and rotating out.

  • CLASS: Footlock sequence from top position of a Closed Guard Break (20-May-24)

    After breaking the closed guard in the top position, immediately catch the foot and fall into the Single Leg X position for a footlock. If the opponent hops off your leg, you can switch to attack the other foot. If he stands up, you can still attack the footlock if you keep his weight on the far ...

  • CLASS: Escapes from Arm Triangle (16-May-24)

    When your opponent locks in the Arm Triangle (aka Head & Arm Choke), you can escape by pulling your arm back in front of his head or by bridging away from him and move towards getting back onto your knees. When an opponent does one of these escapes on you, you can reconfigure your submission hold...

  • CLASS: Arm Triangle with finish in Mount or Half Guard (15-May-24)

    You can enter the Arm Triangle (aka Head & Arm Choke) from your side control and finish Knee Ride, Mount, or in Half Guard so long as you drop adjust the appropriate areas and tighten the choke by dropping your outside hip weight.

  • CLASS: Basics of the Arm Triangle (Head & Arm Choke) (13-May-24)

    The Arm Triangle (aka Head & Arm Choke) can be set up from Side Control or Mount with emphasis on adjusting the tightness and location of the shoulder on the opponent's neck.

  • CLASS: Escaping the Arm Triangle (13-May-24)

    You can defend against the Arm Triangle Choke (aka Head & Arm Choke) by grabbing your leg. From there you can rock up and then back to put your arm back in front of his head, or you can rock to your side and then bridge away from him while turning onto your knees. You can also bridge immediately ...

  • CLASS: Smash & Rugby Passes from Kneeshield Half Guard (10-May-24)

    When opponent has kneeshield half guard, you can smash the knees together to complete the smash pass (aka folding pass) or the rugby pass. When you do the rugby pass and he stiff arms your body to prevent advancing the side control, you can transition to reverse knee ride. You can use the rugby p...

  • CLASS: How Rugby and Smash Passes are linked (9-May-24)

    The Rugby pass is requires the smashing of knees together, like the Smash Pass (aka Folding Pass). However, you pass on the front side with the Rugby pass instead of passing on the backside in the Smash Pass. This video shows you how the Rugby and Smash passes are linked, where you can enter eith...

  • CLASS: Basics of the Smash (Folding) Pass (8-May-24)

    The Smash pass (aka Folding pass) is pinning the opponent's knees to the same side and applying your weight on his knees to control the pass. You can enter it from the opponent's open guard or kneeshield half guard. You also have the option to weave your leg between his legs for better control of...

  • CLASS: Passing from Headquarters Position (6-May-24)

    From DLR, you can move into the Headquarters position to gain passing options. You can either keep his knees apart, smash his knees together, or move into knee cut pass.

  • CLASS: X-Guard Entries and Attacks (2-May-24)

    How to enter X-Guard from Open Guard and Spider Guard. Execute sweeps from X-Guard with ankle pick, overhead, technical get up, or forward sweep. Also, enter backside X-Guard to complete a back sweep.

  • CLASS: Basic X-Guard Entries & Sweeps (1-May-24)

    How to enter the X-Guard from butterfly guard whether the opponent is standing or kneeling. Once in X-Guard, you can do back sweeps by controlling the far leg, or do the technical get up sweep by lifting the nearside leg.

  • CLASS: Entry and Sweeps from Backside X-Guard (29-Apr-24)

    Entry to the X Guard from Butterfly guard. To enter backside X Guaurd, get the opponent to fall forward onto his hands, and then lift the nearside leg and place it on the other side of your head and immediately grab his hip. Then from there, you can do a sweep or backtake.

  • CLASS: Intro to X Guard with Basic Entries & Sweeps (29-Apr-24)

    Intro to the X Guard position with entries from butterfly and open guards. Learn simple back sweeps with far leg grip or ankle pick, learn forward sweep with the far sleeve grip, and learn the get up sweep with single leg.

  • CLASS: Spider Guard to X and De La Riva Sweeps (26-Apr-24)

    When you have Spider Guard, and your opponent stands up, you can use the double sleeve grips to enter the X guard or the De La Riva guard with the advantage of a sleeve grip. You can use that grip advantage to complete a sweep forward backwards, or overhead.

  • CLASS: Spider Guard to Sweeps from X and De La Riva Guards (25-Apr-24)

    When you have double sleeve grips in spider guard, you can transition to the X Guard or De La Riva (DLR) guards with a sleeve grip. Then you can execute sweeps from the X or DLR guard with the advantage of maintaining a sleeve grip.

  • CLASS: Basics of Spider Guard Retention (24-Apr-24)

    Learn the basics of how to enter and retain spider guard using the double sleeve grip and the feet on the hips or bicep. You can use spider guard to do a scissors sweep, regardless of whether he is standing or on his knees.

  • CLASS: Spider Guard Attacks from Standing (23-Apr-24)

    When you have the double sleeve grips while your opponent is standing, you can use the Spider Guard Scissors sweep to get him to step over your leg so you can transition into 50/50 and then do a 70/30 sweep. If you also have the option to go into backside X-guard for a sweep, regardless of whethe...

  • CLASS: Intro to Spider Guard (22-Apr-24)

    This is an introduction to the the spider guard, including its definition and basic uses. You can use it to retain guard, sweep the opponent, or enter the triangle submission hold.

  • CLASS: Spider Guard Attacks on kneeling opponent (22-Apr-24)

    When you have spider guard with double sleeve grip, and the opponent is kneeling with both knees or in combat base (with one knee on mat), you can attack armbars, omoplata, triangle.

  • CLASS: Counters to the Underhook Escape from Side Control (19-Apr-24)

    When your opponent attempts to escape your side control by securing an underhook, you can step over his body into a technical mount and launch attacks with a Kimura, omoplata, monoplata, or gold chain armbar.

  • CLASS: Counters to Underhook Escapes (18-Apr-24)

    When you have side control, and your opponent secures an underhook as part of his escape, you can use that underhook to attack that arm and shoulder. You can do a Kimura, wristlock, omoplata, monoplata, or armbar.

  • CLASS: Basic Side Control Escapes (17-Apr-24)

    When your opponent attempts to get to chest-to-chest side control, use prevention by turning on your side and framing both of your arms on his arm that he would use for head control. If he gets to a tight side control with head control on you, then you start with arm frames and keep adding to you...

  • CLASS: Side Control Reversals (16-Apr-24)

    Roy Dean's favorite side control escape is to use a stiff arm to bait the opponent to switch base and then place your elbow or knee underneath his leg when he switches. Then you can use a stiff arm and your arm and leg under his leg to sweep him across your body. Brian Peterson's favorite side co...

  • CLASS: Passing the Lasso Guard (11-Apr-24)

    When your opponent has the Lasso Guard, you can pass by either removing his lasso hook to enter the Over Under Pass or by smashing his lasso leg down to enter the Leg Weave Pass or Mount.

  • CLASS: Basics of Lasso Catapult Sweep (10-Apr-24)

    When you have a lasso grip on one arm, and you place your shin across the opponent's chest, you can do the lasso catapult sweep over your body once you can load his weigh onto your shin.

  • CLASS: Lasso Spin Under Attacks (9-Apr-24)

    When you have the lasso grip, you can spin under to attack the triangle, tornado sweep, or omoplata. You can also use the lasso spin under principle to counter the leg weave attack.

  • CLASS: Basics of the Lasso Catapult Sweep (8-Apr-24)

    When you have double sleeve grips from closed guard or from standing open guard, you can enter the Lasso Catapult Sweep by entangling your leg around one arm. Then you put your other shin across the opponent's body to execute a sweep. You can overcome common resistance by the opponent such as rot...

  • CLASS: Lasso Attacks on Farside (8-Apr-24)

    When you have a tight lasso grip on the opponent's arm, you can use it to move the opponent's shoulder to the mat and attack his farside with a corkscrew armbar, switch backtake, or omoplata.

  • CLASS: Stack Pass Basics and Common Counters (5-Apr-24)

    When you have double unders from the opponent's open guard, you can do the stack pass by using your body pressure on his legs to complete a pass. When you modify the pass to pin the farside knee to the mat, you can also create a passing opportunity on the other side. This class also shows two com...

  • CLASS: Counters to the Stack Pass (4-Apr-24)

    When your opponent attempts a Stack Pass, put your feet on his hips and grip both of his sleeves. Then you can enter a backtake, triangle, or omoplata. If he gets your legs onto his shoulders where you cannot put your feet on his hips, you can do the elbow push to retain your guard.

  • CLASS: Double Under Stack Pass and Over-Under options (3-Apr-24)

    When your opponent's legs are open, you can secure double underhooks on his legs to enter the stack pass by lifting his hips high. If you cannot lift his hips, you can enter the Over-Under option where you pin his far knee to the mat, which will give you options of the stack pass or knee cut. If ...

  • CLASS: Attacks from Turtle and Crucifix positions (1-Apr-24)

    When you are in the top position of your opponent's turtle, you can enter the Crucifix position by capturing his nearside arm between your legs and his farside arm with your arms. Then you can launch attacks of the choke, armbar, and kimura.

  • CLASS: Lapel attacks from Half Guard top (28-Mar-24)

    When you have chest-to-chest half guard top position and the opponent turns into you, you can use the opponent's farside lapel to do the brabo choke with or without his arm trapped. If he turns away, you can use the lapel to take his back and immediately choke him.

  • CLASS: Passing the Half Guard using opponent's lapel (27-Mar-24)

    When you have chest-to-chest-half guard, you can use the opponent's farside lapel to pin his shoulder for a pass technique. You can also use the farside lapel for a choke option without passing the guard.

  • CLASS: Half Guard Pass using opponent's lapel (25-Mar-24)

    When you have chest-to-chest half guard, you can pass by securing a grip on the opponent's farside lapel under his armpit. This video deals with the basic technique and how to deal with common resistance.

  • CLASS: Lapel and Collar Chokes from top (25-Mar-24)

    When you have side control or knee ride, you can secure palm up and palm down grips on the opponent's collar or farside lapel to enter chokes from North South. You can also use the same 2 grips on either the collar or lapel to enter the Baseball Bat Choke.

  • CLASS: Entries to Butterfly Hook Sweep (22-Mar-24)

    When your opponent is on his knees and you have a cross sleeve grip, you can do an arm drag to secure a grip on his back and enter the hook sweep. You can also enter the hook sweep from the opponent's knee slice pass attempt.

  • CLASS: Common uses for Butterfly Guard (21-Mar-24)

    The most common uses for the butterfly guard is to do a sweep either with same-side sleeve grip or cross-sleeve grip, guard recovery from side control, or entry into the Single Leg X position (Irimi Ashi entanglement).

  • CLASS: Butterfly Guard attacks with Collar and Sleeve Grips (19-Mar-24)

    When you have a seated butterfly guard with the cross collar and same-side sleeve grips, you can perform a collar drag and secure the belt grip or farside armpit grip. Depending on the opponent's reaction, you can attack sweeps, armlocks or the barataplata.

  • CLASS: Sneaky Helicopter Choke entries (15-Mar-24)

    You can do sneaky entries into the Helicopter Choke from the opponent's turtle, when he escapes your back control, and from your side control.

  • CLASS: Sneaky Entries to Clock Choke (14-Mar-24)

    When you have the choke grip from back control, you can enter the clock choke when you don't have hooks engaged and you have a good seat belt. You can also enter the clock choke from side control when he turns into you or away from you.

  • CLASS: Common variations of Clock Choke from turtle (13-Mar-24)

    The mechanics of the basic clock choke from the opponent's turtle position. Variations include armpit over the neck, and blocking the hip movement by grabbing the leg.

  • CLASS: Clock Choke Defenses from Turtle Bottom (11-Mar-24)

    When your opponent attempts a clock choke on your turtle position, you can sweep him over your far shoulder, bump sweep him with your back, or get an underhook to secure the single leg sweep.

  • CLASS: Review of Clark Gracie Seminar from Feb 2024 (10-Mar-24)

    Clark Gracie and his brother Ralston gave a detailed seminar at VRJJ on Wednesday 21st February 2024. This video is a review of many of the techniques that were taught at that seminar.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Guard Pull with collar-sleeve grips (8-Mar-24)

    When you are pulling guard with the collar and sleeve grips on the same side, you can enter the omoplata or scissors sweep with the foot on his far bicep. If his hand pops out of the omoplata position, you can quickly execute a wrenching armbar without moving your hip position.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Guard Pull (7-Mar-24)

    From a guard pull with the foot on the hip and collar and sleeve grips, you can do a nearside armbar, farside armbar, omoplata, or scissors sweep to mount.

  • CLASS: Basic Guard Pulls with foot on the hip (6-Mar-24)

    A common way to pull guard is to get collar and sleep and then place the foot on the hip with tension. This method allows you to sit safely while keeping the distance from the opponent once you sit.

  • CLASS: Counters to Guard Pull (4-Mar-24)

    When you can anticipate the opponent's foot-on-hip guard pull, you can counter by parrying or pushing the leg down for a pass. You can also counter the grip the sleeve and pant to perform the Sheet Pull pass.

  • CLASS: Options for Cutting Armbar setup from Closed Guard (1-Mar-24)

    From closed guard, set up the double or single cutting armbar when you get two or one hand on the mat. If the single cutting armbar fails because he curls his arm around your body, transition to the omoplata.

  • CLASS: Entries and Variations for Cutting Armbar (29-Feb-24)

    Enter the Cutting Armbar from closed guard when the opponent's hands are on the mat and you can trap his wrists at your hip or armpit. You can also enter the cutting armbar when he extends his arms to grab your leg.

  • CLASS: Cutting Armbar from Closed Guard (28-Feb-24)

    When you can hug the opponent's head and arm within your closed guard you can move into the cutting armbar by escaping your hip to the side and wrenching his arm straight.

  • CLASS: Armbar from Shoulder Crunch (26-Feb-24)

    When you have a seated butterfly guard, and your opponent is on his knees, you can hug him to enter a shoulder crunch. Then you can use the shoulder crunch to execute a cutting armbar. If he rolls, you can remain seated and pull back your leg to execute an armbar from top position when he finishe...

  • CLASS: Options from Omoplata (23-Feb-24)

    When the opponent rolls out of your omoplata, you can roll or backstep into the omoplata. You can also use the entry from closed guard to enter into Williams guard and get the meat hook sweep for finish on top

  • CLASS: Counters to the Omoplata (20-Feb-24)

    When the opponent attempts an omoplata, you can counter by stepping over his head to side control, roll onto your knees, doing a counter omoplata, doing a toe crush, or ducking under his legs for a pass.

  • CLASS: Basics of Omoplata (21-Feb-24)

    How to enter the omoplata from closed guard, how to finish the shoulder lock, and how to deal with common resistance.

  • CLASS: Passing Quarter Guard and Knee Shield (2-Feb-24)

    When the opponent has quarter guard, you can pass with a mount, farside knee cut, or backtake. When he has kneeshield, you can reset his hips to get the standard knee cut, X pass, or smash pass.

  • CLASS: Options when Knee Cut fails (1-Feb-24)

    When your standard knee cut pass does not work, you have options to do double-underhook 3/4 mounted pass, Farside Knee Cut pass, X pass, or Smash pass.

  • CLASS: Basics of Knee Cut Pass and common resistance (31-Jan-24)

    How to do the knee cut pass from standing in open guard and from kneeshield half guard top, including overcoming common counters like kneeshield, bump forward, turning onto side, and quarter guard.

  • CLASS: Knee Cut Passing Styles (29-Jan-24)

    The class explores different knee cut passing styles. They cover Andre Galvao's Pressure Knee Cut where you place your knee on the sternum and pull his upper body into your knee before going into the knee cut. They cover Clark Gracie's Knee Cut over shins where you control the head to consolidate...

  • CLASS: Torreando techniques against Spider Guard (26-Jan-24)

    When you are going for the Torreando Pass by securing 2 pant grips, your opponent often counters with Spider Guard. These are techniques you can use to overcome the counters of the spider guard.

  • CLASS: Chaining Torreando Techniques (25-Jan-24)

    Drills for students designed to help them become aware of solutions to common defensive reactions to the torreando pass, especially in dealing with the spider guard.

  • CLASS: Basics of Torreando Pass (24-Jan-24)

    Basics of Torreando Pass with options. If you push his feet to the mat and angle to the side, you can complete the pass with your shoulder or your knee on his belly. Then switch your grips before moving to chest-to-chest side control If you leave his feet in the air, complete the pass with a reve...

  • CLASS: Counters to the Torreando Pass (22-Jan-24)

    Counters when your opponent attempts the Torreando Pass by getting both pant grips. Break the pant grips for early prevention while securing a counter sleeve grip (nearside or farside) for a seated guard sweep. If he gets both pant grips, you can counter with the spider guard. You can also do the...

  • CLASS: Flower Sweep Drills & Backtakes (19-Jan-24)

    This class calls out for a drill to improve the execution timing of the flower sweep and a drill to improve completion of the flower sweep when the opponent defends. It also includes a technique for getting to the crab ride, and a technique for getting to the back directly.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Flower Sweep set up (18-Jan-24)

    When the opponent uses a cross post to prevent your flower sweep, you can attack the armbar, triangle, corkscrew armbar, or crab ride backtake from the flower sweep defense.

  • CLASS: Basics of Flower Sweep (17-Jan-24)

    When the opponent is kneeling in your closed guard, you can do the Flower Sweep by securing the same side sleeve grip and the opposite pant grip. This video includes how to time the execution and apply extra force to complete the sweep.

  • CLASS: Josef Chen's Split Half Guard Pass (16-Jan-24)

    The class explores Josef Chen's Split Half Guard Pass for pressure passing flexible guards, starting with a knee cut and ending in a pass of the chest-to-chest half butterfly guard.

  • CLASS: Attack Options from Flower Sweep setup (15-Jan-24)

    When you start the Flower sweep, and the opponent defends by cross posting with his free arm, you can switch the attack to an Armbar, Triangle, Corkscrew Armbar, or Heisen Guard Sweep.

  • CLASS: Scissors Sweep Counters (12-Jan-24)

    When the opponent attempts the scissors sweep, you can do the leg weave pass into side control or into knee ride. Alternatively, you can switch your collar grip and pressure pass into a chest-to-chest half guard.

  • CLASS: Submissions from Scissors Sweep set up (11-Jan-24)

    When the opponent defends your scissors sweep, the collar and sleeve grips will allow you can pull him into an Omoplata, Armbar, or Triangle hold as an alternative attack.

  • CLASS: Scissors Sweep Basics with Options (10-Jan-24)

    Scissors Sweep has the basic grips of a cross collar and same-side sleeve grip. This video shows you how to execute the Scissors Sweep when the opponent gives resistance. You can also use the foot on the bicep to overcome the resistance, or you can transition to the Omoplata or Triangle.

  • CLASS: 2-on-1 Sleeve Attacks from Guard (8-Jan-24)

    When you have the cross sleeve and tricep grips on the opponent's sleeve from your guard, you can use them to attack the scissors sweep, arm drag to backtake, bodylock pass, pendulum sweep.

  • CLASS: Peruvian and Japanese Necktie Chokes and backup attacks (5-Jan-24)

    Review of Peruvian and Japanese Necktie Chokes. If the Peruvian Necktie Choke fails, you can pull the far arm towards you to attack the armbar or triangle from back. If the Japanese Necktie Choke fails you can switch your grip to an Anaconda Choke.

  • CLASS: Japanese Necktie Choke (4-Jan-24)

    When you can trap his arm and head from turtle top, underhook half guard top, or single leg defense, you can apply the vice grip to force him onto his knee or side. Then ensure you have the trapped leg, adjust your grip if you need to, and fall forward onto your shoulder so that your belly blocks...

  • CLASS: Attacks from failed Peruvian Necktie (3-Jan-24)

    When your opponent does not tap from your Peruvian Necktie choke attempt, you can release the seatbelt grip and grip his far arm to pull him into an armbar. If his head pops out, you can still pull his arm so that he falls into a triangle from the backside.

  • CLASS: Peruvian and Japanese Necktie Chokes (2-Jan-24)

    When your opponent is in turtle, you can set up the Peruvian Necktie choke using your gable or S grip or your own lapel. You can do a variation called the Japanese Necktie whenever you have a Darce opportunity.

  • CLASS: Defensive BJJ - Priit Mihkelson system (29-Dec-23)

    Priit Mihkelson's Defensive BJJ system has 5 distinct positions that defend against submission attempts. You can transition among the positions or exit to guard, offensive attack, or complete separation. The class explores the use of this system.

  • CLASS: Sweeps from Turtle position (28-Dec-23)

    When the opponent is next to your hip while you are in the turtle position, you can get an underhook to do the single leg sweep. If his arm is across your back, you can hold his arm in your armpit and roll onto your back for a reversal. If he is in front of you and has at least one over hook, you...

  • CLASS: Attacking the Turtle (27-Dec-23)

    When the opponent has the turtle position, you can attack him with the Helicopter Choke, Banana Split, Backtake, and Darce Choke.

  • CLASS: Von Flue Choke Counter to Guillotine (22-Dec-23)

    How to use the Von Flue Choke as a counter to the Guillotine from seated open guard, closed guard, or standing.

  • CLASS: Basics of Guillotine Choke (20-Dec-23)

    Basics of the Guillotine Choke and counters including entries from Half Guard and Closed Guard. Details are shown on the wrist and elbow positioning when using the chinstrap headlock. This video also shows you how to deal the common defense of passing to side control or rolling over.

  • CLASS: Five Finger Guillotine (19-Dec-23)

    Exploring the 5-finger Guillotine Choke developed by Karel Pravec (aka "Silver Fox"). The class tries out entries from different positions: Body Lock Pass, Mount, Technical Mount, Kneeshield Half Guard, and Snap Down.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Snap Down Headlock (18-Dec-23)

    How to snap down into a headlock with options to put him into side control or a guillotine.

  • CLASS: Counters to Underhook Half Guard (15-Dec-23)

    When the opponent has the Underhook Half Guard, you can transition to the Smash Pass position, go into Reverse Half Guard to reclaim the underhook, or do a farside knee cut.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Half Guard (14-Dec-23)

    Three half guard attacks starting from Kneeshield. Do the Underhook Half Guard Sweep with details to avoid pummeling or being smashed. Do the Kimura. Do the Reverse Sweep from Dogfight position.

  • CLASS: Underhook Half Guard Sweep (13-Dec-23)

    An underhook from your half guard will give you many opportunities for sweeps and backtakes. The most common entry is from knee shield half guard. You can use it to perform a single-leg sweep, a backtake, or a reverse sweep.

  • CLASS: Counters to Underhook Half Guard (12-Dec-23)

    When the opponent gets an underhook from his kneeshield half guard, prevent a deep underhook and then counter with a Kimura, Guillotine, or Kneebar.

  • CLASS: Sweep from smashed half guard (11-Dec-23)

    When being smashed under half guard, you can recover the underhook by using the whip up technique where you use your hands and legs to move his body forward to create space. You can also use the half butterfly hook to create space to recover an underhook or full butterfly guard. If he attempts a ...

  • CLASS: Footlocks from Butterfly Ashi (8-Dec-23)

    Use Butterfly Ashi leg position from Single Leg X for better control of the knee for your footlock. The position is also good for rotation to the belly down footlock. You can enter this leg entanglement from double seated or when the opponent stands up.

  • CLASS: Double Sleeve Lasso Sweep farside hook (8-Dec-23)

    When you have double sleeve grips in guard, you can do a lasso sweep by hooking the far leg, far thigh, or far armpit. Pay attention to controlling the far shoulder and your angle relative to your opponent.

  • CLASS: De La Riva Attacks from Spider Guard (1-Dec-23)

    From Spider sleeve grips, you can enter DLR and use the sleeve grips to sweep. Use the far sleeve grip to do a forward sweep, and the near sleeve grip to do a back sweep. Once in DLR, you can also enter the crab ride position using the Baby Bolo technique or X-guard transition from a forward coll...

  • CLASS: De La Riva Attacks (28-Nov-23)

    When in De La Riva (DLR) with a collar grip, bring the opponent's hands forward and transition to X-guard to do the get up sweep or enter the crab ride backtake. Another attack from DLR is to do a back sweep and invert into a mount or a Berimbolo roll to the back take.

  • CLASS: De La Riva basic entries and single leg sweeps (29-Nov-23)

    How to use the De La Riva (DLR) guard to control the balance, recover guard from headquarters, and use with collar grip to perform single leg sweeps or takedowns.

  • CLASS: De La Riva Sweeps with Collar Grip (27-Nov-23)

    When you have the opponent's collar grip from within your De La Riva (DLR) guard, you can do a leg hook sweep and finish with a knee cut pass. Or, you can get a deep DLR hook sweep and end up in the mount or smash position. Either sweeps can be done from the opponent's combat base or standing.

  • CLASS: Armbar from Guard while stacked (24-Nov-23)

    When your opponent stacks you from closed guard, you can climb the guard using your legs until you lock down the shoulder so that he cannot pull back his elbow. Then pass the leg over the head and you can finish in either directions, as long as your hips stay tight to his armpit.

  • CLASS: Pulling Guard to double armbar attacks (23-Nov-23)

    This sequence shows you how to pull guard into a standard armbar, and attack the other arm if he defends the first armbar by pulling out his elbow.

  • CLASS: Armbar from Closed Guard (20-Nov-23)

    From your closed guard, an effective way of enter the armbar is to secure a cross collar grip and a cross sleeve grip. Place a foot on his hip to block his elbow and push him into an angle with your other leg. Pay attention to when he resist by posturing, pulling his elbow back, stepping over you...

  • CLASS: Advanced Armbar Entries (21-Nov-23)

    Practice pulling guard to get the hip and leg movement of the flying armbar. Then throw your legs directly into the armbar from the standing position before your body hits the ground. When you have an underhook and the opponent is on his knees or in dogfight with you, you can execute the corkscre...

  • CLASS: Flower Sweep attacks using the cross grip (20-Nov-23)

    When you have closed guard, and you have a cross sleeve grip with the same side pant grip, you can attempt a flower sweep to get his weight onto his far hand. This will give you opportunity to attack the triangle or corkscrew armbar.

  • CLASS: Cross Sleeve Attacks from Closed Guard (17-Nov-23)

    From you cross sleeve grip in your closed guard, you can do the hip bump sweep or Kimura when he defends the hip bump sweep. Alternatively, you can throw your far leg over onto the same side to trap his arm between your legs. This gives you attack options of a back-up sweep, omoplata, or backtake.

  • CLASS: Hip Bump Sweep from Closed Guard (13-Nov-23)

    The Hip Bump Sweep is a very good sweep from closed guard when the opponent keeps a good posture. You can do the sweep without a gi by cupping the elbo, or with the gi by holding onto the opponent's cross sleeve. If the opponent drives you back down when you sit up, or he posts his hand on the ma...

  • CLASS: Escaping Technical Mount (10-Nov-23)

    When your opponent shifts to technical mount, you must seize the vulnerabilities by the space he gives you to escape it. This video shows how to get into technical mount, and then how to deal with escaping it by using elbow-knee connection and double under grips.

  • CLASS: Fundamentals of Mount Escape (6-Nov-23)

    Basic escape from under mount using frames. When he is upright, wedge elbow in, lay one leg flat and bridge towards the side of the elbow wedge to create space. When he is leaning forward, push on his knee to get his foot closer to your feet and use your feet to capture his foot or escape your leg.

  • CLASS: Estima Lock entries and defense (7-Nov-23)

    The Estima Lock has similar mechanics to the Toe Hold. You can enter the Estima Lock from top positions for Reverse DLR, Knee Shield, and De La Riva. To defend the Estima Lock, you straighten out your leg. But the top player can transition to a Knee Bar when he straightens out his leg.

  • CLASS: Breaking the Spider Web armbar defense (6-Nov-23)

    When your opponent defends against your armbar from mount by putting his arms in a figure 4, also known as the spider web defense, you can break it using one of these two methods. If the opponent manages to get onto his knees, you can transition to the belly down armbar.

  • CLASS: Heel Hook from 50/50 and Backside 50/50 (5-Nov-23)

    Inside heel hook from the standard 50/50 and backside 50/50. This video shows a few ways to enter the backside 50/50 from a standard 50/50 or X-guard, including Robert Deggle's preferred entry.

  • CLASS: 50/50 and Leg Drags (4-Nov-23)

    When you are in 50/50 standing or double guard, you can put your foot to the other side and immediately put weight on that knee to complete a leg drag pass. You can also enter 50/50 from your De La Riva to defend against the standing opponent's leg drag attempt.

  • CLASS: Basics of the 50/50 position (30-Oct-23)

    This video explains the important concepts of the 50/50 position and shows common escaping techniques that will lead to a position dominance.

  • CLASS: Backside 50/50 from Standing 50/50 (29-Oct-23)

    When you have 50/50 from bottom, enter the backside 5050 by getting your opponent to his knees and then finish with the inside heel hook. You can enter from either turning to the outside or turning to the inside.

  • CLASS: Kimura Trap to Tarikoplata (27-Oct-23)

    When you get the Kimura grips from half guard top or bottom positions, and the opponent defends by grabbing his belt, move your hips to a better position to enter the Tarikoplata.

  • CLASS: Kimura from kneeshield to Choi Bar and Tarikoplata (26-Oct-23)

    When doing the Kimura from your kneeshield half guard, you can do the Choi Bar (armbar) by throwing your leg over his head and under his armpit. If he defends your Kimura by grabbing his belt, you can enter the Tarikoplata.

  • CLASS: Kimura from Half Guard bottom (25-Oct-23)

    This video shows you details on how to enter and finish the kimura submission from the half guard bottom position. Enter the kimura from your kneeshield to prevent the opponent's posture defense. You can also finish from the top position if the opponent rolls forward to defend.

  • CLASS: Choi Bar and Heisen Sweep from Closed Guard (24-Oct-23)

    When you attack the omoplata from closed guard, you can turn it into an Choi Bar (belly down armbar variation) by swinging your free leg over his shoulder and under his armpit. You can also do the Choi Bar from a Kimura attack. If the Kimura attack fails, you can turn it into a Heisen Sweep.

  • CLASS: Backtake from SLX Top position (23-Oct-23)

    When you have side control, and the opponent rolls away from you, you can slide your knee under his hips for a backtake when he starts to lift his hips off the ground. Similarly, from SLX top position, you can move his legs to the outside ashi position, stack him, and then slide your knee under h...

  • CLASS: Kimura from Side Control (18-Oct-23)

    When you have top side control, and the opponent hugs your head, you can trap his far arm with a kimura grip. You can finish the kimura shoulder lock if you keep him from grabbing his body and you keep him from straightening his arm. This video includes how to effectively transition to the armbar...

  • CLASS: Attacks from Kimura Grip under side control (17-Oct-23)

    When you are under the opponent's side control, turn on your side and use your hands to block his cross-face. Then secure the Kimura grips and rotate your body towards his head to apply shoulder pressure. Then move you hips around to the other side and roll over your shoulder for a back take. Alt...

  • CLASS: Armbars and Barataplata from Mount

    When in mount, use the cross collar grip to get under the elbow and set up the armbar. If he defends his arm by grabbing his collar, you can enter a farside armbar by switching to the farside Smount. If he turns into you to escape his elbow, you can enter the Barataplata and finish it from guard.

  • CLASS: Cross Collar Choke from Mount (11-Oct-23)

    When you are in mount, and the opponent's elbows are low, you can enter the cross collar choke. This video shows details on the placement of the choking arm and the supporting arm.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Cross Collar Grip in Mount (9-Oct-23)

    When you are in mount, you can use the cross collar grip to pull him on his side to set up the Bow & Arrow Choke. If it's difficult to execute a choke, you can work your way under his elbow to isolate the nearside arm in a figure 4 grip configuration of your arms, and then pull on his arm to crea...

  • CLASS: Cross Collar Choke from Mount (9-Oct-23)

    Fundamentals of setting up the cross collar choke from mount with details that deal with the most defensive arm, bridging, and being rolled over.

  • CLASS: Kneebar from defense to double under pass (8-Oct-23)

    When the opponent defends your double under pass by spreading his legs wide apart, you can staple one leg and control the other leg with your arms. Then step over his body to enter the kneebar. If he defends with crossed legs, you can break down his defense with pressing on the toes or you can at...

  • CLASS: Seated Guard Sweeps of Standing Opponent (6-Oct-23)

    When you have a seated guard with control of one leg of a standing opponent, you can trap either the nearside or farside sleeve to do a sweep. The sweep becomes very strong when you also dive for the far pant grip to give you control of three of his limbs.

  • CLASS: Seated Guard Sweeps of Standing Opponent (5-Oct-23)

    When you have a seated guard and your opponent is standing, you have 4 options to sweep him after you capture a leg. You can sweep from behind with a shoulder bump while blocking. You can sweep from behind with a double leg hip drag. You can sweep from the front side by trapping his nearside slee...

  • CLASS: Seated Guard and Single Leg (4-Oct-23)

    Learn how to maintain the seated guard by leaning forward and using your hands and legs to maintain appropriate distance from your opponent. Use the seated guard to capture a leg and then get up for a single leg takedown. This video includes details on completing the single leg takedown. You can ...

  • CLASS: Passing Seated Guard to Subs (3-Oct-23)

    When the opponent has a seated guard and hugging your leg while your standing, use the same-side collar grip and the opposite pant grip to prevent him from sitting up for the single leg. Then back step into reverse half guard or reverse knee ride for the pass. If his arm is still hugging your leg...

  • CLASS: Standing passes of the Seated Guard (2-Oct-23)

    Use this passing combination while standing in the opponent's seated guard. Secure a collar grip and opposite pant grips to launch into a sequence using elements of shin-on-shin, X-pass, and knee cut.

  • CLASS: Seated Guard and Single Leg (2-Oct-23)

    When you have the seated guard, you are always threatening a single leg sweep or takedown by always leaning forward. When you hook a leg with your inside leg and hug that leg from your opposite arm, you can get up onto your feet to drive him to the mat.

  • CLASS: SLX to Toe Hold and Kneebar (1-Oct-23)

    You can enter the Toe Hold form SLX bottom by forcing the opponent to turn away by pushing behind his knee and then catching his toes when it's off the mat. You can also use that position to catch a kneebar. To enter the Toe Hold from the top position of SLX, you disengage both of his feet from y...

  • CLASS: Torqueing Wristlock Sequences (29-Sep-23)

    When the opponent grips your wrist from the cross-side or the same-side, you can launch into a sequence of attacks. If you are standing and he has a cross grip on your wrist, you can do a torqueing wristlock or a takedown. If you are in closed guard and he has a cross grip on your wrist, you can ...

  • CLASS: Wristlock to Barataplata to Back Take (28-Sep-23)

    When you have closed guard, and the opponent grips your wrist on the same side, you can start attacking with the wristlock. If he defends the wristlock by flaring out his elbow, you can attack the Barataplata shoulder lock. If he defends the Barataplata by trapping your leg, you can do an armdrag...

  • CLASS: Grip Breaks on Collar and Sleeves (27-Sep-23)

    Break the same-side or cross collar grip, and break the same-side or cross sleeve grip. You can apply these techniques from standing or from closed guard.

  • CLASS: Grip Breaks on Collar and Sleeves while standing (25-Sep-23)

    When both of you are standing, you can use these techniques to break the opponent's grips on your collar and sleeves. Using two hands, you can create strong breaks from either the same side or cross grips.

  • CLASS: Sneaky Wristlock Entries (25-Sep-23)

    You can get a no-gi sneaky wristlock from your closed guard if your opponent grabs your wrist on the same side. You can also get one when your opponent tries to underhook you from under your side control. From mount, you can get one when he does the vampire defense.

  • CLASS: Sequence for Footlock, Ham Sandwich, Toe Hold, Knee Bar (24-Sep-23)

    When the opponent is in combat base position within your SLX, you can lift his foot off the mat to put on a tight footlock hold and turn your hips outward to get his bum on the mat to finish the footlock. If he turns in the opposite direction to prevent falling onto the mat, you can trap him in a...

  • CLASS: Sneaky Overhook Attacks (22-Sep-23)

    Use the closed guard to enter an overhook on his arm. Then you can execute a sneaky Punch Choke or Americana. You can also get his hands on the mat and hug his head to enter the double underhook and get him in a double Armbar or double Americana.

  • CLASS: Ezikiel Chokes and Variations (20-Sep-23)

    You can enter the Ezikiel Choke hold from almost any position where you can hug the opponent's head. This video shows you the basic choke and options with the fist, with nogi, and with arm-in.

  • CLASS: Sneaky Americanas and Kimuras (19-Sep-23)

    When in side control top, you can switch you hips facing the head and push the opponent's wrist to the mat to complete an Americana. You can also staple his wrist and slip your other foot under his elbow to lock in a kimura. When under side control, push his arm between your leg and attack the Am...

  • CLASS: Ezikiel Chokes from Everywhere (18-Sep-23)

    The Ezikiel Choke is an easy choke that can be done anywhere you can hug the head with one arm. Grab your own sleeve and trap the opponent's head in between your forearms, and then straighten out both of your arms. This video also shows variations of the Ezikiel Choke.

  • CLASS: Stiff Arm and Corkscrew Armbar options (18-Sep-23)

    You can use the stiff arm to escape the double under pass and leg throw-by pass from your spider guard. You can enter the corkscrew armbar from your opponent's stiff arm escape, or whenever your opponent grips your lapel while you have guard.

  • CLASS: Toe Hold from SLX and Knee Shield top (17-Sep-23)

    When you have top position for SLX and knee shield half guard, the toe hold is available to you. This video shows you entry and finish from the seated position and then how to secure the grip from the top positions of SLX and knee shield.

  • CLASS: Using Stiff Arm in Combination for Escapes (15-Sep-23)

    When the opponent has a very good side control, you can use the Stiff Arm and Elbow Push escapes in combination with other techniques to regain your guard. You can use the stiff arm when he attempt to put his elbow on the other side of your face, or when he switches his hips facing you. You can a...

  • CLASS: Corkscrew Armbars from Closed Guard (14-Sep-23)

    Details on the mechanics of the entry and finish for the Corkscrew Armbar. Common entries from the omoplata and standard armbar from closed guard.

  • CLASS: Stiff Arm Escape from Side Control (13-Sep-23)

    When your opponent attempts to bring his elbow to the other side of your head to prevent you from turning into him, you can use the stiff arm escape by pushing on his elbow or armpit with your arm and body aligned in a frame that will allow you to sit up and re-guard.

  • CLASS: Entries to Corkscrew Armbar (12-Sep-23)

    This video shows you the important finishing mechanics of the Corkscrew Armbar and several entries: (1) collar drag, (2) omoplata from guard, (3) back control, (4) De La Riva guard, and (5) standard armbar from guard.

  • CLASS: Stiff Arm and Elbow Push Escapes (11-Sep-23)

    When the opponent has passed your knees but has not yet gained control of your head in side control, you can lock out your arm while pushing his arm to prevent him from controlling your head. Then sit up, turn away from him, while scooting your hips away to gain guard again.

  • CLASS: Lapel Spin-Under Takedown (11-Sep-23)

    When the opponent has the same side collar grip on you, get a cross collar grip on his sleeve to trap his grip on your collar. Then get your own grip with your forearm underneath his elbow. Pull his posture down and then spin under his arm for the takedown.

  • CLASS: Kneebar from Reverse Half Guard Top (10-Sep-23)

    When you have half guard top, backstep into reverse half guard and sit on the opponent's hip. Then grab the knee with the outside arm, grab the heel with your inside hand, and sit onto the floor to straighten out his leg for a kneebar. You can do this from his open guard, half guard, or De La Riva.

  • CLASS: Farside Giftwrap Attacks from Side Control (8-Sep-23)

    When you trap the opponent's farside arm in front of his face from your side control, you can trap a straight-jacket and then farside S-Mount armbar. You can also do a farside entry into the back triangle.

  • CLASS: Farside Spinning Armbar (6-Sep-23)

    When you have knee ride, and your opponent pushes his hand against your knee to alleviate the pressure, you can get an underhook and step over his head into an armbar. You can also do a similar armbar from side control if you have tighter control of his arm. This video includes a grip breaking te...

  • CLASS: Underhook attacks from Side Control to Turtle (5-Sep-23)

    When the opponent turns to his side and attempts to get onto his knees, you can launch into a loop choke if you have the underhook. If he gets the underhook, then you can do a kneeling kimura, omoplata, or monoplata.

  • CLASS: Attacks from Side Control (4-Sep-23)

    When opponent underhooks his nearside arm to attempt a Ghost Escape, you can do an nearside armbar. When he underhooks his farside arm, you can step over his chest to isolate and attack his far arm or shoulder. If he underhooks his farside arm and gets onto his knees, you can execute an overhook ...

  • CLASS: Farside Spinning Armbar (4-Sep-23)

    When you have knee ride and the opponent uses his far arm to push on your knee, you can underhook his arm and spin into the farside armbar. You can also enter this armbar if he hugs your head to defend your Americana from side control.

  • CLASS: SLX to Backside 50/50 Finish (3-Sep-23)

    When you have SLX (Single Leg X), you can buckle his knees outwards to get a sweep, put him into 50/50, and catch a false grip. If he rotates in the direction of the heel hook, you can finish him from Backside 50/50. Alternatively from SLX, if he turns his knee the other way, you can enter direct...

  • CLASS: Attacks from Side Control (1-Sep-23)

    From side control, get a thumb in grip on the cross face arm, then step over head to get the Canto Choke. You can also start with an Americana attack to get the opponent to roll onto his side. When you trap him on his side you can launch the Half Nelson choke, Ezikiel Choke, or nearside Armbar us...

  • CLASS: North South Gi Chokes (31-Aug-23)

    When you have side control and the opponent hugs your head, you can keep him from returning his arm in front of his head while you set up your north south gi chokes. You can do this using his lapel or his collar.

  • CLASS: Americana and Chest-to-Chest Armlock from Top (30-Aug-23)

    Basics of Americana from side control and mount. You can also do a chest-to-chest armlock when the opponent defends by straightening his arm.

  • CLASS: Sneaky Armbar and Loop Choke (29-Aug-23)

    When you set up the paper cutter choke from North South, you can get a sneaky armbar with the grips. When he defends your armbar by connecting his hands, you can grip the nearside collar and take your leg off his head to score a sneaky loop choke. You can also set this all up starting from back c...

  • CLASS: Americana and Cutting Armbar from Top (28-Aug-23)

    When you are in side control or mount, you can do an Americana or Cutting Armbar by separating the arm and applying the submission using both arms. You can switch between the Americana and Cutting Armbar depending on how the opponent reacts.

  • CLASS: Cross Collar Chokes from Half Guard (28-Aug-23)

    When the opponent has half guard and sits up with an underhook, you can counter with a cross collar grip. Counter with a cross collar choke on the side or from mounted quarter guard. You can also do an arm-in loop choke.

  • WORKSHOP: Passing the Half Guard (27-Aug-23)

    Instruction of techniques from VRJJ Workshop "Passing the Half Guard" held on 27th August 2023. Techniques covered are Underhook Sweep from Half Guard, High and Low Knee Slice passes, Leg Weave pass, Over Under pass, and Folding pass. Also covered were conditions that create opportunities to tran...

  • CLASS: X-Guard to Saddle to Double 50 (27-Aug-23)

    Enter the Saddle (Inside Sankaku) from X-Guard by getting weight on hands, switching X-guard hooks, lift his far leg up. Then from Saddle, when the opponent turns away to do Running Man escape, you can catch the backside 50/50 using the Double 50 variation of trapping his secondary leg with X hooks.

  • CLASS: Osoto Gari, Ouchi Gari, Uchi Mata, and Kouchi Gari (25-Aug-23)

    This class was about 4 of the takedowns (Osoto Gari, Ouchi Gari, Uchi Mata, Ankle Pick) learned during the week along with a new option Kouchi Gari. We also practiced drilled chaining them together.

  • CLASS: Ouchi Gari and Uchi Mata Takedowns (24-Aug-23)

    This video goes over 3 takedowns: Ouchi Gari (Inside Reap, with collar and sleeve grips), Uchi Mata when opponent steps leg back to defend your Osoto Gari, and Ankle Pick when your Uchi Mata does not knock him over.

  • CLASS: Osoto Gari, Ankle Pick & Double Leg Takedowns (23-Aug-23)

    This class introduces 3 takedowns: (1) Osoto Gari using collar and sleeve grip, (2) Ankle Pick with transitions from Osoto Gari or no-gi entry, (3) Double leg with quick transition from single leg with head on the inside, and from shoot in with head on the outside.

  • CLASS: Osoto Gari Counter and Inside Reap (22-Aug-23)

    When the opponent attempts an Osoto Gari takedown on you, you can time his entry and execute your own Osoto Gari takedown. If the opponent steps his leg back to defend the Osoto Gari, you can drop to one knee and do an inside leg reap while grabbing the other leg.

  • CLASS: Osoto Gari, Ankle Pick, Double Leg Takedowns (21-Aug-23)

    This video shows how to do the Osoto Gari takedown, the Ankle Pick takedown, and the Single-leg to Double-leg takedown.

  • CLASS: Uchi Mata Takedown (21-Aug-23)

    Uchi Mata takedown from the underhook/whizzer connection where the guy with the underhook on the leg gets the takedown. Set up can also be from the failed Osoto Gari takedown. Also options to go from Uchi Mata to Ankle Pick or Uchi Mata takedown to Armbar.

  • CLASS: Catching Heel Mid-Roll and Finishing (20-Aug-23)

    This class is about catching the exposed heel midroll and freezing the opponent in the ideal condition for a heel hook at the end of the roll. The 2 rolls explored are (1) the SLX reaping roll, ending in the Outside Ashi Heel Hook and (2) Inside Sankaku running man roll, ending in Inside Heel Hoo...

  • CLASS: Loop Choke Arm-In Options (18-Aug-23)

    When in butterfly guard, you get up to catch the loop choke and finish with leg over shoulder, arm-in with forearm pillow, or arm-in with backwards roll to top. You can also enter the loop choke from a collar drag sweep attempt when the opponent defends the sweep by moving his legs away from you.

  • CLASS: Arm-In Loop Choke Entries (17-Aug-23)

    When you are turtle top, you can push the opponent's head into your armpit and secure the nearside arm before executing a gator roll. You can finish on your back or backwards roll to finish in top side control. You can also use this set up to pass the half guard when he gets an underhook.

  • CLASS: Basics of Loop Choke (16-Aug-23)

    Basic entry and finishing mechanics of the loop choke. Entry from butterfly guard and finishing with leg over the shoulder or in half guard. Also entry from a smashed kneeshield half guard.

  • CLASS: Jay Pages Loop Choke (15-Aug-23)

    Jay Pages developed a modified loop choke using the lapel and collar grips on the same side. You can easily control the neck with these grips which allows you to switch sides if he ducks under or put him under a dominant position if he attempts to spin out of it.

  • CLASS: Loop Choke Variations in Set Up (14-Aug-23)

    Set up the loop choke with thumb down variation from your smashed knee shield. Set up loop choke from lasso guard by pinning lasso shoulder low. Also cross choke backup if loop choke fails.

  • CLASS: Basics of Loop Choke (14-Aug-23)

    Fundamentals of the entry and finishing mechanics of the loop choke, including common escapes. Set ups from butterfly guard, closed guard, and mount.

  • CLASS: Quarter Guard to Backtake to Choke (11-Aug-23)

    When the opponent puts your foot between his legs from your mount, you can trap him on his side with the giftwrap, and then you can take his back and immediately do bow and arrow choke. Alternatively you can immediately go to the various chokes from his quarter guard.

  • CLASS: Escape Back Control (9-Aug-2023)

    Understanding how opponents maintain back control and basic escapes from it using shoulder scraping, arm overhead, and shoulder pin techniques.

  • CLASS: Inside to Outside Ashi Heel Hook (6-Aug-23)

    Expose and catch the heel from Inside Ashi. When he rolls to defend the heel hook, you roll with him with the heel catch and trap him in the Outside Ashi position for the finish.

  • CLASS: Bow & Arrow Drills (4-Aug-23)

    Review of the bow & arrow choke. Drills in hand fighting and hook fighting to practice identifying opportunities to quickly execute this choke.

  • CLASS: Chokes from Back Control (2-Aug-23)

    Basic chokes from back control, including (1) 2-arm Rear Naked Choke, (2) Rear Collar Choke, and (4) Bow & Arrow Choke. Includes basic straight jacket hand fighting technique.

  • CLASS: Side Triangle and Gator Roll Passes (1-Aug-23)

    Armbar or side triangle choke from back control. Gator Roll half guard pass with pant and sleeve grips. Shoulder roll half guard pass over opponent's body.

  • CLASS: Lateral Kneebar and Heel Hook from Inside Sankaku (30-Jul-23)

    When you have double trouble, you can execute a lateral kneebar using the far leg. When you abandon the far leg, you can catch an inside heel hook from the inside sankaku position.

  • CLASS: Closed Guard Break and Pass (24-Jul-23)

    You can break the closed guard by securing sleeve and sword grip and then stand up and applying knee wedges. Once the feet uncross, you can push the leg down and staple it for a tight knee cut pass.

  • CLASS: Over Under Pass Counters (21-Jul-23)

    When countering the over under pass, you can push the head to the passing side, apply a kimura, catch a triangle, or perform a pendulum sit up into the top crucifix.

  • CLASS: Overcoming Resistance to Over Under Pass (17-Jul-23)

    When doing the over under pass, the opponent can do the Kimura, curl the leg, or cross feet. This video shows how to avoid the kimura and resistance with the legs. It also shows the over under pass with and without the foot trapped.

  • CLASS: X-Guard Attacks (14-Jul-23)

    Enter the X-guard from Spider guard and find opportunities to sweep with the near side or far side sleeve grip. There are also opportunities to attack the triangle and backtake from his reactions.