Waaaagh! Wrestlers. They’re a tricky sort, and as big names like Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, and Brock Lesnar have shown. The purpose of this article is to help fighters who have difficulties in dealing with wrestling based mixed martial artists. Certainly, I don’t know it all. Hopefully though, you’ll get some tips and ideas to take to the mat and gain an upper hand against wrestling MMA’ers.
In part 1, I discussed the basic wrestlers strategy, side control management, preventing the guard pass, and striking from the guard.
In part 2, I want to add some details about dominant positions, submissions from the ground and elaborate a bit about the standing striking game.
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Tags: clinching, grappling, jujitsu, strategy, take downs, training, wrestlers, wrestling
Note: My remarks were sparked by some thoughts given by Paul R Scheele in his incredible book, “PhotoReading“. If you’re into accelerated learning or speed-reading, check it out ASAP.
Also Note: This lion cub is totally submitting the other with the rear naked choke (mata leo choke, ten finger variation). I’m totally going to make “grrrrrrr” noises next time I get this move.
Also Also Note: Fedor choked out Sylvia in the Affliction Banned event with this choke. You know, FYI.
Summary
Strict practice has it’s merit and place. Try incorporating playfulness to sparring or drills and being creative with your training methods. Keep your ego subdued – compete against opponents, train with friends, and have fun with a lifetime of martial arts.
The Human Animal
Man, as a species, is an unusual animal. We are the only animal that is not born with the innate knowledge of how to survive. When it comes to fighting, we may have the natural emotion and cause to fight, but we don’t intuitively know how to do it. Children have the inborn inclination to wrestle, but do so without technique.
This type of play-fighting is done by most hunting animals (lions, tigers, etc), and is an essential part of activating their abilities to stalk, strike, and kill. For humans it’s no different – playing is a big part of how we acquire skills.
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Tags: Philosophy, training