Musings from the BJJ Gi #16, lesson 17; clinch (conservative opponent) & headlock escape (side mount)

This was the second time I'd done this lesson, and not a whole heap of noteworthy experiences this time. I managed the 3 variations of the headlock escape from side mount quite well this time around, better than the first time. I find that mentally, you approach a move or sequence better once you have a solid understanding of the end goal/position, when you know where you are going, or where/how you want to end up. You approach the process more confidently once you know precisely what it is that you are aiming to achieve, which also doubles as a general life philosophy too; you won't hit your target unless you are actually aiming at something, or if you simply don't even know what it is you are aiming at. Know your target, know your desired outcome, know your goal, and then you can aim at it, and eventually start hitting it. The image I've attached this time is a still of Rener and Ryron demonstrating the super base variation of the headlock escape from side mount, where you've already rolled up onto the top position, but your opponent has their bottom leg based out so that you can't roll them all the way over, and they still have a hold of the headlock. You grab a hold of their headlocking wrist with your hand on that side, point your other hand up towards the ceiling behind you so that your shoulder is pressing into the middle of their back, and then slowly stand up on your toes, so that you are tripod-ing between your two feet and your head on the ground. This levers their headlocking arm in the same direction and angle as the Kimura submission, and they will either let go of their headlock grip, and/or (verbally) tap.

A takeaway note from this lesson in regard to attaining the clinch was very helpful for me, and came as a result of the instructor watching me and giving me some pointers specifically for me. I'm 6 feet 3 inches tall, and my training partner last night was perhaps 5 feet 6 inches tall, and when I've been training clinches in the past (up to last night) with training partners who are shorter than me, I've always squatted deeper in order to get my ear against their chest, but last night the instructor told me not to do that, and rather press my ear/head against their shoulder, and even against the top of their shoulder, so that the back of my head is kind of against their jaw. I liked this tailored approach to instruction, as it's the beginnings of tailoring my BJJ game to what works best for me and my physical attributes in relation to my opponent and their specific physical attributes. I'll have to kind of backtrack and undo an old habit, but it will be for the overall better.
Cheers,

• David