Class 05 - Punch Block Series (Stages 1 - 4) - Guard [GU-8]; Guillotine Choke (Standing) GU23
Punch Block Series (Stages 1 - 4) - Guard -
The ideal position in a fight is the mount. If you are unable to
maintain the mount, you can use your legs to wrap the opponent in
a
position called the guard. The guard is the “secret weapon” for any
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. From the guard, you can apply
joint
locks and choke holds to subdue even the largest opponent. These
submissions can only be executed, however, if you survive
long
enough to attempt them. With an outraged opponent in your guard, it
is almost certain that punches will be thrown at your face
from
every possible angle. The Punch Block Series will enable you to
neutralize all punches and exhaust your opponent until the
opportunity
arises to execute a sweep or submission. The Punch Block Series is
broken down into four stages which you learn individually and
in
combination with one another.
Technical Slices
1. Stage 1
• Indicator: Opponent attempts to punch your face from within your
guard.
• Essential Detail: Effective head control and inside arm
positioning
• Most Common Mistake: Too much energy
• Bad Guy Reminder: Only punch directly towards their face for this
drill
• Drill Orders: Start from mount, cooperative rollout, establish
Stage 1, neutralize punches and swims for 10 seconds, reverse
roles
2. Stage 2
• Indicator: Opponent pulls their arm back to punch your body or
head.
• Essential Detail: Fill the space with shins and forearm
• Most Common Mistake: Too much time spent in Stage 2
• Bad Guy Reminder: Pull your punches very slow and wide to make
the stage 2 transition easy for your partner
• Drill Orders: Start in the guard, conduct 2 cycles: 1-2-1-2-1,
reverse roles
3. Stage 3
• Indicator: Opponent sits up to generate more powerful
punches.
• Essential Detail: Quick insertion of the knees with extended
hips
• Most Common Mistake: Ineffective drop to Stage 1 – no control, no
face protection
• Bad Guy Reminder: As soon as you sit up to Stage 3 be sure to
lean forward and punch to make it realistic
• Safety Tip: When returning to Stage 1 be cautious of an
accidental head butt or elbow strike
• Drill Orders: Start in the guard, conduct 2 cycles: 1-3-1,
1-2-3-1, reverse roles
4. Stage 4
• Indicator: Opponent stands up to throw punches.
• Essential Detail: Slight bend in the knees and toes facing
out
• Most Common Mistake: Split drop instead of a controlled drop of
your opponent
• Bad Guy Reminder: Lean forward realistically to make it easier
for them to drop you to Stage 1
• Safety Tip: When transitioning from Stage 3 to Stage 4 drop your
hips for neck protection and better control
• Drill Orders: Start in the guard, conduct 3 cycles: 1-4-1,
1-3-4-1, 1-2-3-4-1, reverse roles
Guillotine Choke (Standing Application) -
In a street fight, your opponent will most likely try to defeat
you using one of two methods: 1) knock you out while standing, or
2) tackle
you and then knock you out on the ground. You have already learned
how to establish the clinch if they attempt to knock you out
while
standing. If instead, they try to tackle you, you should resort
immediately to the Guillotine Choke. In this lesson you will learn
the Basic
Application first, and then you will learn the two variations that
you’d most likely use on the streets.
Technical Slices™
1) Basic Application (Preparation Drill)
Essential Detail: Hips forward and shoulders back during
squeeze
Most Common Mistake: Loose initial wrap
Safety Tip: Tighten neck muscles for protection
Drill Orders: Start standing, 1 repetition on each side, reverse
roles
2) Standing Variation
Indicator: Opponent attempts to tackle you.
Essential Detail: Sprawl out until the choke is fully secure then
stand up to apply pressure
Most Common Mistake: Trying to apply pressure from the sprawled
position
Bad Guy Reminder: Continue driving during the tackle
Drill Orders: Start standing, neutralize tackle, apply choke,
reverse roles
3) Guard Pull Variation
Indicator: Opponent effectively resists the Standing
Variation.
Essential Detail: High guard and full body extension during
squeeze
Most Common Mistake: Loose neck control during the transition to
guard
Bad Guy Reminder: Tighten up your neck muscles and post your hands
out during the fall
Safety Tip: Squat and shoot your hips far back to avoid knee to
groin
Drill Orders: Start in the standing Guillotine position, pull
guard, apply pressure, reverse roles