2 Unique Catch Wrestling Techniques For BJJ
When it comes to playing guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there are always new innovations and new techniques being used at the highest level of international competition.
Today we will check out two very unique guard techniques for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Coach Neil Melanson. If you did not already know, Neil Melanson is one of the most sought out combat sports coaches in the United States. He specializes in catch wrestling, which makes his style of guard play very different from what you will normally see in any typical BJJ class.
Wrestling take downs are some of the best techniques for your standing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game. Some of toughest wrestlers and take downs artists in the world at the Russians. Rustam Chsiev is one of those toughest ADCC Vets in the world with a take down game that is a force to be wreckoned with.
Neil Melanson’s coaching is responsible for legendary combat athletes such as Randy Couture, Gray Maynard, Todd Duffee, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Patrick Cummins and more! It is safe to say if his techniques worked for these guys then they will definitely work for you. Let us check out two unique catch wrestling techniques for BJJ from Coach Neil Melanson!
#1: The Snap Guard
The snap guard is very effective for snapping an opponent down and getting on top while maintaining complete control. This is not a traditional sweep, and comes from someone who has a very advanced understanding of wrestling and other types of grappling. By combining techniques from a variety of different sports, Neil Melanson has put together one of the most unique fighting styles known today. Watch the video below and then we will break down Neil Melanson’s snap guard technique. Check it out now!
The snap guard aims to transition you from a bottom position to a snap down position with an over hook or head lock. From half guard, keep your knee out so your opponent is not able to change his or her direction while you block their under hook attempt and set an over hook. From you want to pivot with your hand as you stretch your opponent out, escaping your hips. Remember you want to apply pressure to your training partner’s arm, not their shoulder. You can do this very quickly and very aggressively with many submissions available to you.
#2: Behind The Back Guard Pass
The back guard pass is great for setting up arm triangles. There are two primary ways to pass a person’s guard: using athleticism or pressure passing. In this pass, we will explore the latter. Watch the video below and then we will break down the technique. Check it out!
To do this technique, you want to start by controlling your opponent’s arms. Using should get your grips on the insides of their biceps. Now, use your head and apply pressure to your opponent’s chest. You want to make sure your opponent’s arm is down at his side. This is a crucial detail of this technique. The arm needs to be down at the side, it can’t be out to the side. Doing so will allow you to lean on the arm, pressuring down in to the mat in order to enhance the wrist control.
Once Neil has that arm under control he puts his head into his opponent’s chest, and stands with a wide base. From here Melanson passes the arm under to his other hand and walks his hips over so that the guy on bottom is now lying on his own arm. With the arm secure, Melanson posts on his arm, gets up to his knees, and then slides a knee inside his opponent’s guard, forcing it open. With the guard open, Melanson pushes his opponent’s leg to the ground and passes with a knee cut.
Jiu jitsu is sometimes referred to as the gentle art, but there is no being gentle in the world of catch wrestling. Neil uses grinding pressure and explosive power to control and submit his opponents. There is a lot you can learn from catch wrestling masters like Coach Neil Melanson, so do not be afraid to do a little cross training every now and then and explore what other grappling methods will improve your game. If you are looking for more catch wrestling techniques you can incorporate into your BJJ game then be sure to check out Neil Melanson’s instructional series called “The Catch Wrestling Formula” available exclusively on BJJFanatics.com!
The Weirdest, Yet Most Effective Guard Systems For No Gi Submission Wrestling And MMA is Neil Melasons's Ground Marshall Guard System.
Neil is the Blackzillians MMA Coach, and worshipped by all the top grapplers out there. Neil Melanson’s Guard Game Is More Efficient and So Much More Advanced Than Any Other Guard Out There That Your Opponents In The Gym & In Tournaments Won’t Have A Chance.
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