Posture - Triangle and Arm Bar from the Guard
This week Matt Salinas is helping me with the drill.
As we set up for the triangle the form looks good. Notice the 90º
angle at Silverado's hips.
Usually, though, in attempting to cross the legs for the finish, we move
the top leg closer to the body so the other leg can reach the foot. This
causes the hips to close as far as 45º, which is virtually powerless
when the opponent on top uses gravity and pushes down on the leg.
A step further we notice how the inevitable rotation of Silverado's body
occurs weakening the attempt to finish with the triangle even more and
favoring the opponent for the guard pass.
To avoid the above situation Silverado keeps a strong 90º angle at
his hips in conjunction with his left foot pushing off Matt's hip while
his left knee keeps squeezing against Matt's shoulder. Matt's right arm
is being controlled and pulled away from him.
Next step, while maintaining the control and posture described in the
previous image, pushing with his left foot Silverado initiates the spin
of his body. To make things easier, Silverado will move his body until
his top foot can reach and touch the other knee. When this happens Silverado
will simply place that leg over the top ankle to secure the triangle
It is very important to keep constant pressure in opposite directions
as demonstrated by the arrows. In order to maintain the 90º angle
at his hips, notice how Silverado raises them off the mat. This also shifts
Silverado's weight onto Matt's upper body.
Close to the finish, notice the angle of the hip and the arrows pointing
towards the direction the pressure is made. The left leg cannot be seen
but the left foot is on Matt's hip and the left knee is squeezing tight
against Matt's right shoulder.
The same principle applies to the arm bar from the guard. Notice the tight
angle at Silverado's hip.
Keeping the proper form with a 90º angle at the hip and keeping the
opponent at the right place for the finish. Matt's right arm is being
pulled away from him and the left leg is doing the same thing as in the
triangle. Left foot on the hip and left knee pressing against the shoulder
A nice and clean arm bar. Notice the arrows indicating the direction of
the pressure.
Keep on Training!
