In my classes I like to teach complete sequences to my students. That way, besides the movements being longer, it also improves their understanding of the transitions between positions.
Today I’ll explain two sequences we did in training at Top Brother Floripa, where I take my opponent down and then show two back takes.
Let’s go?
Catada de perna (ankle pick)
The first step is to make your opponent step forward with one foot. To do that, grip their collar and walk while pulling them backward, forcing them to post a foot so they don’t lose their base. Now drop to the opposite knee and grab the heel. It’s important to point out that the grip has to be really low, right at their base of support.
To take their foot off the mat, push their shoulder with the hand that has been on the collar since the start of the position and pull their leg, going into the "catada de perna".
Takedown
Once you control your opponent’s leg, switch the grip from the collar to their back and, at the same time, close the distance, gluing your ear to their belly. To take them down, make a circular movement backward, pushing them with your head and dropping your knee to the mat.
For more details on this takedown, check out the video lesson De La Riva Guard Sweep, which ends with exactly this same movement.
Back take
After you take your partner down, they’ll try to turn to turtle so you can’t stabilize side control. At that moment, get the seat belt, drive your knee in between your opponent’s knee and elbow, and put your other foot on their heel. To go for the back, start dropping your weight backward, bringing them with the seat belt and pulling the heel, forcing their knee to the side. Because of the pressure on the knee, they end up leaving a space for you to slide your bottom hook in and then complete the back take.
Remember: you can only take your foot off their heel once you’ve managed to slide the other leg underneath and put in the first hook.
Submission
To finish the position, take advantage of the seat belt and grip their forearm, pushing it down and creating space so you can put your leg over their elbow. With that pressure on the elbow, they’ll have a hard time pulling the arm out and will be vulnerable to attacks on the neck.
In the video I used the esgana galo (collar choke) as the submission, but you can go for whichever choke you prefer.
By the way, I invite you to study the Back Control Triangle video lesson.
Second sequence
The second sequence starts the same way as the first; the only thing that changes is the back take.
This back take should be done while your opponent is moving to turtle, which makes it easier for you to jump to the other side.
Before jumping, adjust the seat belt well and jump, spinning until your bottom hook is already in place.
Conclusion
So, what did you think of these two sequences?
Add them to your positional training, and if you have any questions just leave a comment and I’ll answer as soon as possible.
Don’t forget to follow me on social media too, because I post content there every day.
Good training! OSSSS
Jiu-Jitsu video lessons, articles and stories with Matheus Zimmermann
The teacher → Private class or seminar →
