The Most Important Thing

I had a private lesson with a new student on Saturday.  TJ has a background in Aikido, and wanted to take the private as a general preparatory overview for class.  Having trained with Chiba Sensei in San Diego for several years, his ukemi was excellent, and he was already way ahead of the curve.  I went over more movement exercises, showing him how to round out your body and be a ball, rather than a block, to overcome the friction of the ground.

Then I showed more conceptual aspects of BJJ:  A straight armlock from the guard (which he did very nicely), followed by a little exposition on mechanics, how important they were, and how blocking critical mechanics are the key to reversals.  Then we linked triangle with armlock, so he could see how one attack leads to another, acting as the distraction and off balancing your opponent, putting them one step behind.  I also covered “empty corners” in a sweep from the armlock, so TJ could feel how much easier it is to direct your energy where your partner has no base.

Finally, we covered variations of escaping sidemount, tying it together with the fundamental movement of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the snake move.  TJ asked what he should be focusing on most intently.  I recommended focusing on basics and positional escapes.  And as I’ve thought about it more, I can put it even more succinctly:

Students should always be focused on how to move themselves, not their partner.  Learn to control your body, your movements, your timing, and not only is it difficult for others to control you, you will be able to control them.  Through you.  It begins with self control.