Blackout Grappling Counter Cradles by David Petrone

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What will You Learn?

Unlock the power of the cradle — one of grappling’s oldest, highest-percentage positions — and flip the script on modern jiu-jitsu attacks. In Counter Cradles, Blackout Grappling’s David Petrone shows you how to weaponize the cradle not just for control, but as a direct counter to today’s most dangerous leg locks, sweeps, and scrambles.

Whether you're a wrestler transitioning to BJJ or a jiu-jitsu athlete looking to shut down tricky guard players and leg lockers, this series gives you the tools to become a problem from everywhere.

David breaks down exactly how to integrate cradle mechanics into your game and transform defense into domination.

What You’ll Learn:

• 🔒 Cradle Fundamentals – Build a rock-solid foundation with the key details that make cradles effective for control and submission defense

• 🔁 Counter Leg Locks – Use cradle entries to dismantle heel hooks, ashi garami, and modern leg lock setups

• 🌀 Beat the Sweep – Learn to shut down common sweep attempts by folding your opponent into compromised positions

• 🔁 Scramble to Control – Turn chaotic scrambles into dominant rides and transitions using tight cradle connections

• 🛡️ Defensive Offense – Use the cradle as a proactive form of defense that punishes risky attacks

• 📈 Live Applications & Rolling Scenarios – Watch real-time breakdowns to bridge the gap between drilling and execution

Who It’s For:

• BJJ practitioners frustrated by modern guard games

• Wrestlers looking to adapt their skills to no-gi grappling

• Anyone who wants to stay a step ahead in scrambles

• Competitors looking to neutralize leg lock-heavy players

Dominate from top, shut down leg attacks, and become a cradle problem from every position.

Blackout Grappling: Counter Cradles — control the chaos, counter the modern game.

What Exactly Do You Get?

Part 1

• Intro
• Takedown Cradle Counters - Single Leg Cradle Counter - Chin Rip Sprawl Near Side Cradle Gator Roll
• Single Leg Snatch Cradle Counter: Standing/Back Roll Near Side Cradle
• Double Leg Shot Cradle Counter: Sprawled Near Side Cradle Cowboy (Omoplata) Finish
• Option Near Side To Mounted Triangle Finish
• Near Side Cradle Roll To Mounted Guillotine
• Near Side Cradle Entry To Back Take Option B For Heavy Guys Seated Near Side Cradle To Back
• Near Side Cradle To Peruvian Choke From Snap Down
• Near Side Cradle To Grovit Face Lock Off Of Double Leg Shot

Part 2

• Standing VS Sitting - Near Side Cradle Smash
• Near Side Cradle Gator Roll
• Near Side Cradle Back Take Switch Far Side Cradle Finish
• Near Side Cradle Cross Arm Pass
• (Open Guard) Stomp Pass To Far Side Cradle Options
• First Contact - (Top Position Attack) Shin To Shin Near Side Cradle Smash Option 1 And 2

Part 3

• Cradle Counters - Near Side Cradle Stack Against Traditional Triangle Submission
• Near Side Cradle Reversal To Traditional Arm Bar Submission
• Near Side Cradle Reverse Against Traditional Omoplata
• Cradle Counter To False Reap Options - Knee Slice Entry Position Against False Reap Bottom Position
• (Bottom Position Counter) Near Side Cradle VS Back Step Options
• Jack Knife Cradle Counter From Bottom VS Established Side Control
• K Control Crush Near Side Cradle - K Control Invert Slide By Near Side Cradle Rolling Near Side Cradle Counter

Part 4

• Counter Cradle Against Traditional Leg Lock Entries - De La Riva
• Inside De La Riva
• X Guard
• 50/50 Vs Standing
• Cradle Counters Against Traditional Seated Leg Entanglements - Seated 50/50 Foot Outside Far Side Compression Cradle
• Seated 50/50 Foot Inside High Leg Over To Near Side Cradle
• Ashi Counter Options
• Near Side Grovit Cradle Face Crank - Near Cradle Punch Choke Shotgun Choke
• Far Side Cradle Sit Up Face Crank
• Cradle VS Cradle (Infinite Cradle)
• Outro