This is a technique that can be used whenever you encounter a overhook that is putting pressure on your underhook. The lazy arm is a very easy addition to a grappling game and won’t require a strong wrestling base to implement.
Last weekend 2 of my white belts went against each other at a tournament. It was a round robin format and they both still had 3 matches to go. I told them I didn’t want them to roll against one another and get to tired so I gave them a choice.
They could . . .
A. Just give the nod to the senor ranking belt.
Or
B. Have the match finished with a pro wrestling move.
They chose the second option. The only issue was that boston crabs aren’t legal in white belt divisions. Bullshit.
I love this quote for so many reasons. I know it’s used a lot, but that’s for good reason. In essence this quote, to me, encourages you to be a doer and to disregard the negativity of others. This is especially important in competition. For instance in BJJ I know plenty of Black Belts that don’t compete anymore. They give their reasons but often times the real reason is that they’re too worried about things like their image, what people will think if they lose, what people might say, etc. I think this quote is perfect for combating those sorts of thoughts. If you take to heart the words listed above you will go into the competition knowing that there will always be people on the sidelines ready to give their critiques or to pass judgment. But it doesn’t matter, because you’re out there. You are putting it on the line. Part of the thrill of competition is just being in the thick of everything. I know I’ve personally had numerous situations where people were salivating over the thought of me losing. Ready to berate me for my shortcomings. But if I chose to avoid competition because I was worried about losing and damaging my image . . . well I’d probably never compete. I’ve competed a lot over the years. I’ve won more than I’ve lost, but I’ve lost plenty. In the end though the losses don’t stand out as negative experiences. They became learning experiences. I don’t remember a single negative criticisms that’s been directed towards me. Lastly, even in a loss my friends and students (the people who really matter) respect me for stepping up to the field of competition.
So if you are planning on competing in your chosen sport. Pay no attention to the keyboard warriors lurking on Facebook ready to cut you down should you fall short. Give no energy towards the insecure individuals who look to pick apart small errors of your victories. Their focus on you and your endeavors are just a sign that their mind is in the wrong place. You continue being the doer and let them enjoy their view from the sidelines.
Look at this picture from 2005 and you’ll see me as a young 20 year old blue belt during a no gi training session. You’ll notice that I’m wearing a singlet with a pair of gray shorts over it. This of course is to keep my man parts out of anyone’s face during practice, although during tournaments I would wear the singlet by itself.
Back before the days of unicorn print rash guards and more BJJ clothing companies than you could ever hope to remember. Options on no gi attire were really limited. A few companies like Hunter, Badboy and Vitmains and Minerals made some gear. It was typically vale tudo shorts and rash guards. Board shorts weren’t really popular quite yet. Oh there was Sprawl too. But I didn’t like the fit of their old shorts.
There really isn’t a reason to post this picture, just sharing a funny photo.
Here is a demonstration of a technique during one of my classes at Derby City BJJ in Louisville, KY