30.08.2023
My 1.5 hour client’s deep dive into Greco-Roman Wrestling inspired techniques and tactics continued tonight as we covered some new tactics in throwing and some more wrestling-based ground-fighting.
After a warm-up of grappling-based callisthenics and dynamic stretches – Indian press-ups, Indian squat, head bridges and crab press-ups – we went back to the 2-on-1. From this position I linked in an old primal move now often disregarded technique in Submission Grappling and MMA, the head-lock. This was the sag version, that is a type of takedown which relies more on mechanical pressure and gravity than explosive leverage. The entry was achieved by using a push/pull/circle action with the 2-on-1, prompting the opponent to put their free hand on the fighter’s shoulder. From here the fighter responds by gripping the opponent’s tricep and sliding on a headlock. With the arm and head gripped in tight, the fighter then moves through a 180 degree angle and takes the opponent to the ground. It is imperative that the hold be on especially tight with a firm posture as the fighter goes to the ground. This safeguards against being countered and the move reversed. They should also quickly scissor the leg and move into side control. This is especially important in Submission Grappling and MMA where the back is exposed.
I then decided to continue with the arm spin that was touched upon in the previous lesson. This is a relatively easy yet something of a high risk/high reward technique. This version is much easier than the Judo shoulder throw versions – seo-nagi – but involves a degree of sacrifice by having the fighter drop to their knees. The Judo version is usually performed from standing and uses leverage from the hip, effectively lifting the opponent, whereas the Wrestling version is more winding in nature.
We then did some work on a salto throw both head-on and from an angle. This move requires a good back bend and was part of the reason why I had us warm-up with crab push-ups. The technique is performed from a double overhook that needs to be tightly secured. The back bend element then comes into play with the fighter gathering right under the opponent and then throwing to the side where their head is positioned. It is quite a dramatic and relatively difficult throw. We performed a sag version.
Finally, we looked at using the half-nelson from the par terre position. I have to emphasise that these wrestling practices are purely been trained for cross-training purposes to better enhance the MMA and martial arts training on the whole. I do not pretend to be a Wrestling coach, especially not in the Greco-Roman style. These are moves that have been taught to me over the years and I apply through my greater knowledge of other grappling arts.
We then sparred for 2 x 3 minute rounds before 15 minutes of static and PNF stretching.