[FIGHT] Strapple: Lessons 1-5 [Part 1]

I have kind of settled down. A few months ago, I realized that learning both striking and grappling would not work on my schedule. Shooto was out, and I decided on jiu-jitsu. I took my brand spanking new blue Atama gi for a free two-hour test drive at Scramble Shibuya. The class was fun, but I admit to being a little lost when the teacher, brown belt Kotani Satoshi, went through some reversals. On top of that, the mat area was tiny. After shopping around some more, paying attention to class schedules, commuting distances, and meticulousness of instruction, I signed up in Otsuka with the Gold's Gym North Tokyo branch of Strapple, the school founded by Taira Naoyuki, a Carley Gracie black belt, Shootboxing champion, and MMA pioneer.

So now that I have had five sessions at Strapple (admittedly, one of those was a wrestling class), it's probably high time to write down as much of what I've learned as possible before I forget. Besides, this is the first time in over a month that I can take some sort of breather from work. Unfortunately, due to failing memory in my old age coupled with overexposure to the smell of printer toner, these techniques are described in no particular order.

Guard pass behind one leg

First, the basics. Maintain good posture: head up and back straight; otherwise the bottom guy will find it to easy bring your head down for a guillotine or jerk it down by tugging on the collar. Don't extend hands past your opponent's belt line; otherwise the triangle is coming. Keep your legs bent and based on the ground; stepping into a crouch invites a reversal.

Second, on to the pass. Focus initially on prying the legs open, generally by keeping your hands together and spiking your elbows into the your opponent's thighs, then on getting control of one leg (assume his left) generally by pinning the opponent's inside thigh with your right knee. If this proves elusive, at the very least keep your non-passing right hand back and tucked near the upper part of the open leg.

In one quick motion, hook your left arm under his skyward right leg, first cradling it in the small of your elbow and then hefting it onto your left shoulder. Lean and dart in to establish control of his left lapel with your left hand, thumb in. As you pull forward and shorten up the distance between your opponent's head and his right knee, get into a sprawl and force your weight into the job. When the bottom guy is uncomfortably boxed up and if your right hand is somewhat free, pick up the backside of his drawers and lift. His right leg should fall away and you can work to establish side control. Again, keep legs bent and flush to the ground.

Guard pass behind two legs

After spiking your elbows into the bottom guy's thighs, quickly scoop both your arms under the back of his knees. Shift your opponent's ankles to your shoulders. Grab the pants on the inside part of one of his legs with your opposite hand -- for illustration, let's go with your right hand clasping the cloth on his inside right thigh. Sprawl up, keeping your legs behind you for safety, and lean your weight in, collapsing his legs. Keep his legs together and grasp the cloth on his inside left leg with your left hand, now releasing your right hand as you pass to the right side of your opponent's body.

Thumb knuckles choke between thighs

A great defense for the bottom guy while his opponent attempts to pass guard. In this case, guard top attempts to pass behind two legs. Bottom shoots his hands up, each to one side of his opponent's neck. Both hands grip top guy's collar, four fingers out. Drive the base knuckles on both your thumbs into the sides of your opponent's neck. Pull top guy's head down by jerking on his collar, get both your hands between your thighs and squeeze. This hurts like the dickens.

Leg wraparound opponent's near arm, kick stretch

Another good defense from guard bottom. If the top guy is passing behind one leg with his arm down near the ground or your waist, attack with that leg (assume the right). If not in a pass, you can try to create space by shifting to open guard and kicking off of his hips. The key is to control his left arm and hold his wrist at your right hip. Swing your right leg around the front of top guy's left arm and tuck your right foot and shin into his belly. Lunge over the top and grip his belt with your free left hand while your right foot makes it out to the far side of your opponent's ribs. Keeping his left hand trapped, pull his belt toward you and extend out your legs. This will cause pressure on his left shoulder or upper arm.