Have You Seen This Sneaky Cross Ashi Entry From Chael Sonnen?

By Fanatics Authors, January 06, 2019

Surprise Grappling Attack by Chael Sonnen

Who is Chael Sonnen? For many Sonnen needs no introduction. Chael hails from West Linn Oregon. He has been a lifelong grappler. At an early age he started wrestling. In high school he received the distinction of being state runner up. Chael’s love of grappling continued in college. He attended the University of Oregon. While earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, Chael had the distinction of being a two-time PAC-10 runner-up, a silver medalist at the 2000 Greco-Roman World University Championships, and a two-time Dave Schultz Memorial International Greco-Roman winner.

Sonnen cemented his grappling credentials in mixed martial arts. He holds wins over some huge MMA super stars: Wanderlei Silva, Quinton Jackson, Maurício Rua, Michael Bisping, Brian Stann, Jason Miller, Renato Sobral, Tim Credeur, Yushin Okami, Dan Miller and Nate Marquardt. Additionally, he has an impressive 48 fights with 31 wins. In his career, he has fought in almost every major promotion including Bellator, Ultimate Fighting Championships and World Extreme Cagefighting. Additionally Chael has competed in Metamoris and ADCC grappling tournaments.

It is also worth noting Chael’s colorful personality. He is arguably among the best trash talkers to every fight. His entertaining banter rivals Conor McGregor and Muhammad Ali. His post-fight speeches are nothing short of spectacular.

Chael's approach to grappling comes from years of competing at the highest levels of wrestling, submission grappling and MMA.

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Chael’s education, personality and grappling accomplishments make him well suited to teach. He is able to present information in a clear manner. He spends a great deal of time articulating the details necessary to make a technique successful. It is these attributes that make him an exceptional instructor.

In this video Chael Sonnen explores an entry to cross ashi from standing. He starts standing behind his opponent with a grip around his waist. It is an important detail that Sonnen notes to stay tight on his opponent. Too much space will kill the move. For most attacks from here Chael will step his foot to the outside of his opponent’s feet. However, for this move he steps in. He drops his weight down and locks a triangle on his opponent’s leg; dragging his opponent to the mat. From here he is in a cross ashi position with the inside of his opponent’s foot expose. Sonnen will now take the inside heel hook for a quick tap. It is interesting to note that Chael states that this is the most vulnerable position in all of combat sports. Bernardo Faria says that he likes this sequence because of the surprise factor. Certainly the ability to have the element of surprise is always an excellent advantage.

This video is a wonderful example of Chael’s ability to communicate technique. Like all of Sonnen’s instructional videos, there is a lot of detail. I know that I often gain new insights every time I re-watch one of his videos. His effective techniques are a wonderful addition to anyone who makes a careful study of them. Certainly, the Jiu Jitsu community is lucky to have Chael Sonnen.

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