The Importance Of The Center Line Shift With John Danaher
Posted by Fanatics Authors on
Lean the Center Line Shift Concept by John Danaher
When it comes to head and arm control, John Danaher is not just a master, he is single handedly responsible for revolutionizing submissions. John Danaher is the most sought after grappling instructor in the world. Danaher is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie and an instructor at Renzo’s academy in New York. John Danaher has been praised for his knowledge and teaching capabilities, having worked with high level athletes such as George Saint Pierre, Garry Tonon, Gordon Ryan and Eddie Cummings. Today we are going to look at a very basic principle by John Danaher. In the video below, Danaher goes over the concept of the center line shift. Watch the video and then we will discuss the technique. Check it out!
It's amazing how "scientific" of an approach that John Danaher takes towards jiu jitsu. Yet, he explains it so us monkeys can understand it and use it. This is evident in any of his DVD series that has on Front Headlocks, Leg Attacks and more.
So what is exactly is a center line shift? Here’s a basic example: for a right handed front head lock, most of the time if you want to control your opponent you want to keep your head on your right hand side. However, this makes the submission impossible, because you do not have the correct angle. By shifting your head to the left side of your opponent you are shifting your center line. Danaher uses the high wrist position for a front head lock to demonstrate shifting the center line. When you perform the high wrist position you should be able to see the knuckles of your hand above your opponent’s shoulder. All of the guillotine attacks from here are based on the center line shift. Once the center line shift occurs your hand can follow the head and go into the high wrist position.
The Front Headlock System was developed by Danaher not only for grappling but for MMA as well. His student, George St. Pierre has used this front head lock system on several occasions in the UFC and in the gym. All the athletes from the Danaher Death Squad and Renzo Gracie's School are known for their front headlocks and guillotine set ups.
The idea is to control the head and arm and use this position to exploit other opportunities. All to often people associate head and arm control with submissions like the guillotine, the anaconda, the D'arce, and more. Although these can very easily be obtained once you have secured head and arm control, that is not the primary reason for obtaining head and arm control.
Break into the front head lock system with John Danaher to turn yourself into a head hunting machine!
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