Class 36 and 37 of 200 BJJ classes
Weight 164 lbs.
Instructor: Cassio Werneck
Class(es) Overview:
Cassio has been going over Turtle Guard the past two classes. Several of the sweeps that he showed are also shown by the "Turtle Master" Eduardo Telles in his DVD series Turtle & Octopus Guard Starring Eduardo Telles. One of the things that is interesting to remember about the turtle is that it is primarily a reactive position. An over-aggressive opponent can expose himself to a plethora of sweeps and submissions.
I think these two techniques turtle techniques go together like "peanut butter and jelly" the basic difference is where your opponent is controlling you from.
1.) Turtle Roll Over(Inside)
2.) Turtle Roll Over(Outside)
Key Points:
1. Protect your neck!! This should go without saying but in the Turtle guard it is the first rule.
2. Make sure you dominate the elbow of the arm that the opponent is trying to hold you with. No elbow control..no sweep!
3. Keep your hips attached to your opponent to maximize the power of the roll.
4. Use this techniques in combination!! Often the first attack with simply off balance your opponent, forcing him to focus on maintaining position. It is at the time that you transition into another technique.
A big problem I have using the Turtle guard against higher level opponents is them getting ahead of me from a technique standpoint and getting to my back. Here are some techniques I use to prevent that from happening.
1.) Ankle Control(Running to the back)
2.) Tackle them!
This is easy technique that I like to use when the opponent tries to circle to the back. It is pretty high percentage but your timing has to be on point:
Rolling overview:
I am still feeling the effects of that pinched nerve therefore I am still rolling "light". I think I am going to ratchet it up today and have normal training so that I can gauge my progress. I gotta start back on my grind ASAP if I have any hopes on fighting at the Pan-Ams.
The hustle never stops.
