Oh boy, let’s talk about the sleeve drag.
It’s one of many grips that I like to use in the closed guard, and I call it that instead of other names that others use because I always want to remind myself of the primary intent behind using it.
Once I establish it, I must always threaten to drag the arm. That nagging sense of worry has to invade my adversary’s mind at all times because that threat will lead to more offensive opportunities.
Case in point:
In the video above, I demonstrate an offensive sequence that I’m experimenting with. It’s predicated on the idea that the guy is going to resist the drag, but in the process, some space will be created between their elbow and their rib. In that moment, the transition to the reverse grip is made, and now they’ve found themselves in an even worst scenario.
But it all starts with the grip.
And that cross sleeve and elbow grip is powerful.
In fact, yesterday, I was training with one of my students. And he knows that I’m experimenting with connecting the sleeve drag to the reverse kimura so he tried like all hell to stop it from happening. He tried to strip the grip. Not even close. Then tried to dig his elbow in tight. And that’s where he gave me some trouble. I couldn’t set up the reverse kimura… so I just dragged him and took his back.
It’s a rock and a hard place.
I’ll take what you give me.
And that’s the power that grip gives you. If you understand it, there are many paths of offense that can be taken, and it is deceptively strong (if done right).
Don’t take my word for it though.
Play with it.
And if you want to learn another powerful for the closed guard, go here:
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