Black on Blond
Side Control - Posture
My friend and blue belt student Brett Chassen helps me with this week's
move. Brett is the drummer for the rock group Black on Blond.
For a better understanding, I divide the opponent's body in halves. Instead
of referring to right and left halves, I prefer referring to them as near
and far. This way you can be ambidextrous and the explanation works for
either side.
It is typical to see students trying to control the opponent this way.
Notice how Silverado's chest is on Brett's far half. Also, most of Silverado's
weight is on his elbows and the hips are raised with the knees directly
under them. Not only there is very little weight on Brett's chest, Silverado
has a poor base.
By simply but firmly pushing on Silverado's near hip and rotating his
whole body in that direction, it is easy to push Silverado over. Notice
how Brett does an easy bench press kind of push.
The continuation of the previous move results in the undesirable roll
over for Silverado.
To avoid the preceding situation, the goal is to put as much lateral pressure
on Brett's chest as possible. Observe the direction Silverado pushes Brett's
chest. Notice how the line dividing Brett's center is curved away from
Silverado.
Silverado accomplishes this pressure by placing his chest on Brett's near
half and pushing forward. Notice Silverado's toes doing the work. The
arrow on the right indicate the direction of the pressure.
In case Brett tries to roll Silverado over, there is plenty of time to
react. Now Silverado's base is stronger. He is not directly on top of
Brett's pushing hand and he will move his hip immediately, making it heavier.
Following through, notice how low Silverado's hip got. Also observe that
neither his hip nor his knee is on the ground. The toes are still pushing
against Brett's chest.
Now Silverado is pinning Brett's pushing hand against the mat. Notice
also that on this version both hands are on the opponent's near side.
One is around the neck controlling the head and the other is checking
Brett's hip to keep him from putting Silverado in the guard.
Keep on Training!
